Sean O'Neill

Sean O’Neill is Skift’s Senior Hospitality Editor. Sean’s forte is reporting, and he’s broken multiple hotel industry scoops. He has also conducted 1:1 interviews on stage with the CEOs of Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and Wyndham.

Airlines

Australia’s Skyfii Targets Airport Tech Market Globally With Its Computer Vision Acquisition

Skyfii's acquisition of the startup CrowdVision highlights how computer vision is becoming a key technology for the travel sector. The tech lets airports and other companies generate data and insights to ensure safe and efficient crowd control and optimal retail sales.

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago

Airlines

Singapore Airlines Doubles Down on the E-Commerce Trend by Carriers

The superapp is where it's at in Asia, so it's not a surprise to see Singapore's flag carrier broaden its e-commerce playbook. Yet looking worldwide, it's remarkable how many airlines are now going direct-to-consumer in selling non-flight products and services.

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago

Skift Originals

Kamil Raises $20 Million for Five-Senses Hotels: Travel Startup Funding This Week

This week, travel startups announced more than $710 million in funding. Concepts included Oyo's branded hospitality network, a Chinese hotel group that aims to appeal to its guests across all five senses, and a rewards app for low carbon travel.

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago

Tourism

European Cities Redefine Tourism Goals for Post-Pandemic Boom

Simply waiting for Europe to "get its shot together" isn't an option, say tourism leaders. Destinations have to plan today to win back their fair share of demand tomorrow while juggling sustainability mandates. Tricky.

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago

four seasons hotel moscow russia source four seasons

Online Travel

Russia’s Homegrown Online Travel Firms Poised for Competitive Reset

Some analysts believe the online booking giants of Europe, the U.S., and China will sweep the world. Call it "travel giant triumphalism." But Russia may prove a treacherous market for foreign brands, opening a gap for local players.

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago

Online Travel

Startup Aims to Simplify Bus and Ferry Booking: Travel Startup Funding This Week

This week, travel startup Yanolja said it had raised $1.7 billion in funding. A few smaller businesses also raised funding, including Bookaway, which aims to link up ground and sea transportation booking systems.

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago

a hotel stay bookable on yanolja travel app

Online Travel

Softbank’s $1.7 Billion Bet on Yanolja Is Largest Investment in a Travel Startup Since Pandemic Began

It's official and improbable. The South Korean startup Yanolja considers itself a triple threat to hotel tech sellers like Oracle Hospitality, online agencies like Hopper, and mid-market hospitality brands like Sonder. Can it really succeed in all three?

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago

Online Travel

Travel Insurance Gets More Innovative With This Startup Merger

New tech is enabling travel brands to upsell consumers with more targeted trip insurance policies. Think rain cancellation policies for camping or ski trips.

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago

Online Travel

Lakestar Will Take HomeToGo Public in $1 Billion Bet on Vacation Rental Search

HomeToGo's move to go public is a validation of the booming vacation rental sector. It's also a rare accomplishment for a German-based startup. Europe had been playing a catchup game with Silicon Valley, but no longer.

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago

san francisco view lombard street by Bernard Spragg via flickr

Tourism

Here Are the Top 3 Travel Sectors Driving U.S. Inflation

The U.S. has powered through the pandemic on a blend of welfare Zoloft and equity market Red Bull. The mix has led to inflationary side effects. But travel companies are happy they're regaining some of their pricing power.

Sean O'Neill | 5 years ago