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Airlines

U.S. Delays Enforcing Rules Mandating Tougher ID For Air Travel Until 2025

The decision to push back enforcing the rule requiring travelers to obtain new identification cards for air travel is a relief for the travel industry, with Americans largely struggling to get them.

David Shepardson, Reuters | 9 hours ago

Airline Weekly

How Delta’s New $7 Billion Pilot Agreement Will Put Pressure on Airlines Struggling With Costs

The cost of peace with pilots comes at a high price tag for Delta — and the overall airline industry.

11 hours ago

Airlines

Full Video: Sun Country Airlines CEO at Skift Aviation Forum 2022

Sun Country Airlines CEO Jude Bricker doesn't believe that changes in travel patterns since the start of the pandemic are permanent. But he explained at Skift Aviation Forum why the demand for ultra low-cost carriers is changing.

Rashaad Jorden | 16 hours ago

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Business Travel

Africa Travel Investor Finds New Rental Venture Incompatible With Remote Workers

Vacation rentals in African destinations tailored to professionals no longer tethered to offices? In theory it’s a sound idea, but one venture studio has just had to close down its startup.

Matthew Parsons | 4 days ago

Business Travel

Hybrid Work Is Already Having Long Lasting Effects on Hotel Design

A leading architect has pinpointed these emerging hotel trends, showing just how prevalent the pandemic legacy is within hospitality.

Matthew Parsons | 2 weeks ago

Business Travel

Hilton Uncovers a Lot More About Blended Travelers After Student Competition

Hilton gets an A-plus for piggybacking Adobe Analytics' annual student challenge, as it gains a fresh perspective on how to capture more business. It may not have counted on just how complex this particular segment can be though.

Matthew Parsons | 2 weeks ago

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Coronavirus

Travel’s Final Push to Full Recovery Stalled: New Skift Travel Health Index

Continuing uncertainties and headwinds suppressed growth in October, with the Skift Travel Health Index sitting around the 85 percent mark since June with little movement.

Wouter Geerts | 3 weeks ago

Coronavirus

Travel’s Epicenter Moves West: New Skift Travel Health Index

Data is highlighting the shift away from Asia as the epicenter of travel, moving towards the Middle East and Europe. With China looking at its zero-Covid policy as the long-term solution to beating the pandemic, it will be interesting to see how long it takes for the pendulum to swing back.

Wouter Geerts | 2 months ago

Coronavirus

Asia’s Recovery Remains Unpredictable: New Skift Travel Health Index

While not fully recovered, travel is taking on recognizable and predictable patterns in most regions. Asia Pacific is the exception, where there are still major fluctuations in travel performance with every new announcement of loosening and tightening of pandemic-related restrictions.

Wouter Geerts | 3 months ago

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Cruises

A Cruise Ship Covid Outbreak Returns in Australia

When nearly a quarter of passengers – and an unknown number of crew – get hit with Covid, cruising is definitely not back to normal.

Reuters | 3 weeks ago

Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Confident It Can Ride Wave of Higher Pricing Through Any Downturn

Norwegian Cruise better be certain it has the guest experience to retain customers despite implementing record pricing amid shaky economic conditions.

Dawit Habtemariam | 4 weeks ago

Cruises

Royal Caribbean Saw a Strong Bookings Boost From Covid Protocols Dropping

Royal Caribbean is sailing off the boost from the relaxation of Covid protocols. Its executives says business has returned to normal. But that's not exactly right, since it won't ever be back to normal without one important market: China.

Dawit Habtemariam | 1 month ago

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Hotels

Why Small Luxury Hotels Think Tiny Is Mighty in the Post-Pandemic Era

Demand for “small, mindful" travel is supposedly on the upswing, and Small Luxury Hotels of the World is looking to take advantage. But can the marketing organization move the needle in the shadow of giant hotel groups?

Leslie Barrie | 17 hours ago

Hotels

Standard International CEO Says Lifestyle Hotel Growth Plan Isn’t ‘Drag and Drop’

Standard chief executive Amber Asher is one of the smartest people in hotels. But The Standard International has so much going on it, we wonder if the company can manage it all.

Sean O'Neill | 22 hours ago

Hotels

Asia Pacific Set to See Strong Hotel Development

Swire Hotels, Pan Pacific, Mandarin Oriental, Hotel Lotte, and Accor all announced notable expansions or upcoming openings in Asia Pacific, a region that will boom once China's international tourists return.

Sean O'Neill | 4 days ago

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Meetings

Skift Meetings

Here’s a Preview of 9 Event Trends for 2023

Take a sneak peak at the nine key event trends that we will be diving into at our 2023 Event Trends Summit this Wednesday, December 7.

11 hours ago

Skift Meetings

Plans Underway for Cincinnati Convention District

Cincinnati lost its bid to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, but that is not stopping it from investing in its convention district.

6 days ago

Skift Meetings

Meetings Are Forever Changed, New Data Shows

Stressed teams, less demand, the popularity of drive-to destinations, and shorter lead times are among the findings of the Skift Meetings State of Business Events report.

7 days ago

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Mergers and Acquisitions

Airlines

How Latin America Is the Future of the Airline Industry

No part of the world is seeing as many big changes to the airline business as Latin America. The final shape is still opaque, but one thing is clear for the region's aviation industry: All eyes are watching closely for how this transformation unfolds.

Edward Russell | 4 weeks ago

Airline Weekly

Air France-KLM and Delta Emerge Victors in Italy

European consolidation got a leg up last week, but not in the way many expected: Italian authorities named the offer from private equity firm Certares with Air France-KLM and Delta as their preferred bidder for ITA Airways instead of frontrunner the Lufthansa Group.

3 months ago

Airline Weekly

European Airline Consolidation

Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss Lufthansa's history of acquisitions and expansion, and what a potential ITA Airways deal could mean for the group.

4 months ago

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Online Travel

Expedia and Booking Rebuild for Post-Pandemic Landscape: New Skift Research

Travel is back in full swing and Expedia Group and Booking Holdings are now fully recovered versus the pandemic. But under the hood, big changes are underway as these two booking sites revamp their strategies for the future.

Seth Borko, Skift Research | 14 hours ago

Online Travel

15 Key Moments During Sam Shank’s Days at Airbnb-Owned HotelTonight

Sam Shank and HotelTonight had a significant impact on the travel industry's competitive landscape. We picked 15 pivotal events that helped to define Shank's legacy as co-founder and CEO as he embarks for a new journey elsewhere.

Rashaad Jorden | 23 hours ago

Online Travel

Yatra Thinks an Early 2023 India IPO Could Spur New Alliances

Just days after news of Oyo's hoped-for initial public offering, Yatra is confident of getting listed in the Indian bourses by March 2023. If soaring travel demand in India is the new norm, then travel businesses have a lot to cheer about.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 6 days ago

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Overtourism

Barcelona’s Firing of Its Tourism Chief Reinforces Why Engaging Local Communities Matters

Barcelona remains one of the clash points between the tourism sector and locals. Its next tourism chief will need to be a master at community relations.

Dawit Habtemariam | 2 months ago

Overtourism

Berlin Locals Weigh in on Tourists

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at Berlin’s use of local consultation, ITA Airlines’ likely new owner, and what Google says about cheap flights.

Rashaad Jorden | 3 months ago

Overtourism

Tourist Destinations Face Dilemma Switching From Quantity to ‘Quality’ Visitor Strategies

In the pursuit of higher quality tourists, destinations need to make sure they maintain a diversity of tourists and local businesses.

Dawit Habtemariam | 3 months ago

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Rail

Amtrak Staffing Issues Could Persist Into 2024 Even as Travelers Return

Despite billions of dollars in federal funds for new and expanded train service, Amtrak can't find the staff to simply recover from the pandemic.

Edward Russell | 4 days ago

Rail

Eurostar Is Brexit’s Latest Victim

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at Airbnb’s search updates, Hurricane Ian’s impact on meetings, and Brexit strangling Eurostar.

Tom Lowry | 2 months ago

Rail

Google Streamlines Search for Train Trips in Europe

Google made it easier to find train routes and booking options in Europe. Like it did for flights, hotels, vacation rentals, and things to do, the new feature improves Google's standing in the rail sector.

Dennis Schaal | 3 months ago

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Rental Cars

Hertz Sees Jump in Revenues From Leisure Travelers

The rental car giant said booking around the Christmas holidays for places like California and Florida are spiking to twice 2021 levels. More evidence that leisure travel is showing no signs of slowing down.

Priyamvada C and David Shepardson, Reuters | 1 month ago

Rental Cars

Hertz Places Order for 175,000 Electric Vehicles from General Motors

Hertz is putting electric cars front and center, but unlike similar deals with Tesla and Polestar, this adds a wider range of models to the mix that should accelerate demand.

David Shepardson, Reuters | 3 months ago

Rental Cars

Hertz Struggles in Corporate Travel But Is Encouraged by ‘Short-Burst’ Trip Trend

The impact of the strict and extended inbound Covid testing policy in the U.S. shouldn't be underestimated, especially when it comes to larger business customers. The ripple effect is evident in Hertz's latest results.

Matthew Parsons | 4 months ago

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Short-Term Rentals

Airbnb Hosts Vs. Property Managers

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at how Airbnb identifies hosts, a hybrid work rethink, and United's new pilot bases.

Skift | 4 days ago

Short-Term Rentals

Airbnb’s Talking Points About Individual Hosts Hit a Reality Check

Airbnb has promoted a tale about the composition of hosts on its platforms, a saga contradicted by AirDNA research. It's time for Airbnb to be more transparent.

Dennis Schaal | 4 days ago

Short-Term Rentals

Southern Europe’s Short-Term Rentals Boosted by Economic Crisis in North

The region is already seeing soaring demand for long-term winter stays because of rising energy costs in the north. The impact on traditional vacation pricing could be huge.

Corina Pons, Catarina Demony and Karolina Tagaris, Reuters | 1 week ago

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Startups

Lilium Raises $119 Million for Electric Taxi Jets

This startup funding list covers the gamut: fuel sustainability in plane and trains, short-terms rentals for business travelers, day access to luxury hotels, and planting trees in tourist areas.

Justin Dawes | 4 days ago

Startups

Ukio Raises $28 Million for Short-Term Rentals for Remote Workers

Almost every week, a short-term rental platform or ancillary software service reports that it has raised millions. It’s almost like there’s a growing demand for their services. There were two this week, and the star is Barcelona-based Ukio.

Justin Dawes | 2 weeks ago

Startups

Deal Engine Raises $5.3 Million to Help Airlines Save Post-Booking

There weren't big numbers this week, but there were investments from some big-name venture capital firms: F-Prime Capital, JetBlue Ventures, Thayer Ventures, and Plug and Play.

Justin Dawes | 3 weeks ago

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Tour Operators

Day Tours Operator Context Adds Pre-Trip Virtual Learning

Post-pandemic trends are shifting the customer experience in educational tours to include pre-trip immersion through virtual tours. Their value cannot be underestimated.

Selene Brophy, Skift | 7 days ago

Tour Operators

Travel’s Growth Remains Flat

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at new Skift Travel Health Index results, destinations marketing via charging stations, and the challenge of meetings in the metaverse.

Rashaad Jorden | 3 weeks ago

Tour Operators

Tour Operator Tech Revolution and Other Top Stories This Week

In Skift's top stories this week, tour operators use tech to get a boost post-pandemic, Asian destinations are incentivising travelers, and Hilton predicts a continued boom in hotel demand.

Justin Dawes | 1 month ago

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Tourism

The Tour Guide Keeping the Spirit Alive at Madrid’s Chamberi Ghost Train Station

Madrid’s metro keeps the bustling city functioning smoothly, but most commuters don’t know about the Chamberí ghost station. So Javier Garrido Garde takes visitors on a tour of a largely forgotten part of Madrid's history.

Sonia Menken, Skift | 4 days ago

Tourism

Saudi Arabia Details Plans for One of World’s Largest Airports: Middle East Travel Roundup

With an ambitious strategy to increase visitors to more than 100 million annually by 2030, Saudi Arabia clearly doesn't want to be caught off guard with inadequate infrastructure.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 6 days ago

Tourism

Tourism Leaders Bemoan a Flawed Travel Recovery Without Chinese Tourists

Speakers at the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit in Saudi Arabia this week were full of optimism, but the final piece of the jigsaw is still China.

Matthew Parsons | 6 days ago

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Travel Booking

Mastercard’s Weak Forecast Overshadows Upbeat 3rd Quarter Boosted by Travel

While credit card companies continue to benefit from the travel rebound, Mastercard's earnings call might be a reality check for industries that rely on discretionary spending.

Manya Saini and Niket Nishant, Reuters | 1 month ago

Travel Booking

Booking.com Probed by Spanish Competition Watchdog

The alleged practices are linked to unfair conditions and policies affecting hotels and online travel agencies, and the Spanish Association of Hotel Managers and Mardid Hotel Business Association aren't happy.

Reuters | 2 months ago

Travel Agents

American Express Travel Sees an Advanced Bookings Surge

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at a leading travel agency’s optimism, one destination’s digital nomad edge, and a London airport backing down.

Rashaad Jorden | 2 months ago

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Travel Technology

The Dawn of AI in Travel – and in Our Daily Lives – Suddenly Became Very Real This Weekend

The use cases of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives, both personal and professional, just exploded exponentially. Worth thinking through, reading, and experimenting as much possible for the travel sector.

Rafat Ali | 10 hours ago

Travel Technology

The Fragmented Travel Tech Industry Probably Won’t Consolidate Anytime Soon

The trick for a travel tech platform to do business with a big company is to start small, prove the service works, and then upsell.

Justin Dawes | 5 days ago

Travel Technology

Economic Uncertainties Won’t Drive More Travel Tech Mergers & Acquisitions

For the best exit strategy, hold on for a couple of years until the market stabilizes. For the deal, buy now.

Justin Dawes | 2 weeks ago

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Venture Capital

Startups

Ukio Raises $28 Million for Short-Term Rentals for Remote Workers

Justin Dawes | 2 weeks ago

Startups

Deal Engine Raises $5.3 Million to Help Airlines Save Post-Booking

There weren't big numbers this week, but there were investments from some big-name venture capital firms: F-Prime Capital, JetBlue Ventures, Thayer Ventures, and Plug and Play.

Justin Dawes | 3 weeks ago

Startups

Car Rental App Kyte Raises $60 Million

Kyte wants to simplify car rentals, while yet another short-term rental platform, this time in Germany, raises millions.

Justin Dawes | 4 weeks ago

See All Venture Capital