Sean O'Neill Archives

Sean O’Neill is Skift's Senior Hospitality Editor. Sean's forte is reporting, and he's broken multiple industry scoops. Sean has also received praise as an event moderator, having interviewed the CEOs of major hotel groups such as Marriott, Hilton, and IHG on stage. He writes analysis pieces that pinpoint industry trends, and he profiles rising industry leaders. In his personal life, someone should stop him before he starts another home improvement project.

Hotels

Minor Hotels to Unveil Masterbrand and Unify 8 Chains on One App

Thailand's Minor Hotels is tired of running eight different hotel apps, and customers are tired of downloading them. Moving to an umbrella brand makes sense. The company can consolidate its tech, better recognize its most loyal customers, and drive more direct bookings.

Sean O'Neill | 11 hours ago

the ceo of walt disney company stands next to some new droids

Cruises

Disney CEO Defends Park Pricing, Unveils New Tech and Plans 7 More Cruise Ships

Disney is spending $30 billion to expand its theme parks and cruise line in part to keep prices in check and avoid discounting.

Sean O'Neill | 3 days ago

Cruises

Carnival Raises Outlook Despite Uncertainty: Onboard Spending 'Hasn't Slowed Down'

While airlines are nervously watching their bookings, cruise giant Carnival is upgrading its forecasts thanks to strong reservations and increases in on-board spending by guests.

Sean O'Neill | 4 days ago

a hotel lobby after a renovation in late 2024 with lots of marble and comfy leather furniture

Hotels

Recession Watch for Travel? These Hotel Insiders Don’t See it (Yet)

U.S. hotel executives say they're maintaining cautious optimism while vigilantly monitoring shifts in consumer confidence, government spending, and regional demand patterns.

Sean O'Neill | 4 days ago

Hotels

Sandals Resorts Explores Sale for Over $6 Billion, WSJ Reports

Sandals Resorts, the Caribbean luxury all-inclusive operator, is said to be restarting sale efforts a few years after its founder's death. The potential move comes as the brand makes a multi-million dollar marketing push.

Sean O'Neill | 5 days ago

Hotels

Sonesta CEO: Bookings Are 'Still Strong' as it Aims to Sell 114 Hotels

Sonesta wants to be in the business of licensing hotel brands rather than owning hotel buildings, just like its larger, asset-light competitors.

Sean O'Neill | 6 days ago

Hotels

Oyo's CEO Talks Going Premium in India, Motel 6 M&A and Shark Tank

Oyo Hotels founder and Group CEO Ritesh Agarwal is pursuing "relative premiumization" by expanding its upmarket offerings like Townhouse Hotels in India and bringing brands like Sunday to the U.S. market.

Sean O'Neill | 7 days ago

exterior of a roadside hotel branded Extended Stay America

Business Travel

No Frills, High Margins: Inside Extended Stay America's Formula

Extended Stay America turned kitchenettes and weekly housekeeping into an over $6 billion business. Now everyone wants a piece. The model is usually resilient even during recessions.

Sean O'Neill | 1 week ago

View of a Georgian-styled pillared white two-storey building.

Tourism

Trump's Next U.S. Travel Ban May Target Dozens of Countries

Memos circulating in the Trump administration list as many as 43 countries whose citizens could face restrictions on U.S. visits. Many of these nationalities hadn't been included when the previous Trump administration introduced restrictions and bans.

Jade Wilson and Sean O'Neill | 1 week ago

exterior view of the front of an extended stay america suites property

Business Travel

Extended Stay America CEO Sees 'Softness' – How He'd Handle a Mild Recession

Extended Stay America's CEO Greg Juceam believes the company's focus on long-term accommodations provides resilience against economic uncertainty, with its diverse customer base of housing transitioners and extended business travelers acting as a buffer.

Sean O'Neill | 2 weeks ago