Certares Founder Greg O’Hara: Ask Me Anything at Skift Global Forum – Full Video
Photo Credit: Greg O'Hara, head of Certares, speaking onstage at Skift Global Forum 2025. Skift
Skift Take
Travel investor Greg O'Hara discussed Middle East trips, AI impact, and portfolio updates in a wide-ranging interview at Skift Global Forum 2025.
Greg O'Hara, founder and senior managing director of Certares, outlined his investment firm's strategic priorities and shared insights on industry trends at the Skift Global Forum 2025 in New York City.
During an "Ask Greg Anything" session, O'Hara discussed his recent trip to the Middle East with President Trump, emphasizing the region's trillion-dollar investment in transitioning from natural resources to a service economy and how he was impressed by the Administration's approach.
O'Hara announced plans to acquire a European longevity resort, predicting continued growth in the cruise and longevity tourism sectors. He said he expects the Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate cuts to benefit dollar-denominated investments while making the U.S. more attractive to foreign tourists.
Regarding Certares' portfolio, O'Hara described Tripadvisor's core business as a "slowly melting ice cube" but praised subsidiary Viator's 30% annual growth in the activ