2025 › January

Hilton’s slow-and-steady approach has worked, but with travel demand booming across Asia-Pacific, especially in India and China, it might be time to speed things up.

Backed by visa-waivers and increasing spending power, Indians are now playing a key role in the Southeast Asian tourism market.

Devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County forced the closure of some tourist attractions, while airports remain largely operational, and some travel companies stepped in to provide free temporary housing for displaced residents.

There's a funny thing about ultra-luxury: You want to grow because growth economies of scale are real. But also, if you grow too much, you're not exclusive anymore. Kerzner aims to thread that needle.

Partnerships are a big trend for airlines as loyalty programs continue to rake in billions of dollars. Delta also has partnerships with Starbucks, Ticketmaster and Hertz.

The UK’s new mandate for sustainable aviation fuel aims to cut emissions but could raise flight prices. While environmentally ambitious, it faces debate over who will bear the extra costs.

In the briefing today are two reports from last night's Skift Megatrends event in New York alongside reactions to British Airways' loyalty updates.

Domestic demand in the form of weddings, business travel and MICE is leading to record occupancy levels in the Indian hotel industry. However, lack of foreign arrivals continues to be a sore spot.

While some destinations may have shifted focus away from waiting for Chinese travelers to return, those still targeting this market need to adapt. The message: Stay agile to meet the demands of a market that is regaining its momentum and redefining its priorities.

Thomas Reiner says the best case scenario for online travel agencies is that they lose commissions. And metasearch engines could become things of the past.