Biz Travel Merger Challenge, Belmond’s Anti-Insta Videos and Spain’s Holiday Rental Taxes
Today's podcast discusses a threat to a biz travel mega merger, a hotel brand's slow approach to video, and taxes on Spanish holiday lets.
Rashaad Jorden is Skift’s Associate Editor/Archivist. He often delves into topics that readers turn to Ask Skift, our AI answer engine, for information. Before finding his way to Skift, he bounced around the U.S., France, Japan and UK. He greatly misses the all-you-can-eat vegetarian curry at his favorite restaurant in Japan. He is also adept at running half-marathons and, despite living in New Jersey, rues the fact he doesn’t spend enough time on the Jersey Shore.
Spain Looks to Raise Taxes on Holiday Rentals
Raising taxes on short-term rentals in Spain may not slow down the enormous demand for those properties. But it is a sign that the government is listening to those angry about the sector's perceived role in making housing unaffordable.
TikTok Travel, Hilton in Asia and Room Rates in India
Today's podcast reveals TikTok's new travel plans, and discusses both Hilton's ambitions in Asia and why hotel rates in India are about to surge.
Delta and Uber Partner, Greener Jet Fuel and Kerzner’s Lux Plans
Today's briefing tells listeners about Delta's new ride hailing friend, Kerzner's expansion plans, and greener jet fuel in the UK.
Travel Search Changes, AI-Travel Brand Deals and Loyalty Program Lessons
In the briefing today are two reports from last night's Skift Megatrends event in New York alongside reactions to British Airways' loyalty updates.
How Does the Economy Impact Travel?
Economic issues are never far from the mind of travel executives, and here's a rundown of different ways the state of the economy impacts the industry.
Travel in 2025, Accor and Luxury, and Casago-Vacasa Deal
Today’s briefing tells listeners about the global travel outlook for the new year, Accor’s luxury focus, and more on Vacasa’s acquisition.
Hyatt’s Resort Target, Despegar’s Acquisition and Hotels vs. OTAs
In major hospitality news, Hyatt is in talks to acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts, Despegar has agreed to a $1.7 billion buyout by Prosus, and a Skift Research report suggests hotel websites could surpass OTAs by 2030 – or maybe not.
What Are the Travel Industry’s Biggest Challenges Going Into 2025?
Despite making tremendous strides in 2024, the travel industry still faces several challenges and here's a list of some of them.
Hyatt’s Vegas Boost, TSA’s Busiest Days and a New Indie Hotel Giant
Today's episode explains Hyatt's reach into Las Vegas resorts, a team up of independent hotels, and the TSA's busiest days of the year.