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.

Online Travel

Travel Tech CEO Series: Sabre Bets on an Ex-Airline Boss to Reboot Its Industry Relationships

In his first Q&A with Skift, Sean Menke, the new CEO of Sabre, says that his past stints as CEO of Frontier Airlines and as a top executive at Hawaiian Airlines and Air Canada give him vital insight into how to steer the technology giant through tougher-than-usual negotiations with airlines.

Sean O'Neill | 9 years ago

Airlines

Southwest Airlines Poised for Big Move to Amadeus Reservations System

More than 20,000 Southwest workers have been trained on the new system, which will let the airline fly red-eyes and make other schedule changes. Meanwhile, if the switch goes smoothly, Amadeus will find it easier to sell systems to other carriers.

Sean O'Neill | 9 years ago

Online Travel

Travel Tech Startup Accelerators Learn From Early Missteps and Adjust Course

More than a dozen travel startup incubators and accelerators, backed by some of travel's best-known companies, have popped up in the past few years. The early word, which is hardly surprising, is that picking startup winners and helping them sign deals isn't just plug-and-play.

Sean O'Neill | 9 years ago

Online Travel

Interview: eDreams Odigeo CEO Touts the Road Back From Post-IPO Nightmare

In his first Q&A with Skift, eDreams Odigeo CEO Dana Dunne says the travel company has made large gains since he took it over a couple of years ago. True. But more changes are needed before a conglomerate such as Ctrip would seriously consider buying it.

Sean O'Neill | 9 years ago

skyscanner ceo gareth williams skift forum europe

Online Travel

Video: Skyscanner CEO Thinks Travel Sites Could Learn From Chinese E-Commerce

In this video from Skift Forum Europe, CEO Gareth Williams explains why his travel price-comparison is finding inspiration from Chinese online retailer Tmall. He says brands need to be able to stand out better from their competitors in search results.

Sean O'Neill | 9 years ago

Online Travel

Israeli Hotel Tech Startup Fornova Secures $17 Million in New Funding

Fornova is one of many startups aiming to cash in on hotels' eagerness to prioritize direct bookings. Given the massive potential market and demand, one of these companies has a shot at breaking out in a spectacular fashion.

Sean O'Neill | 9 years ago

Gordon Wilson Travelport CEO travel tech listening series interview

Online Travel

Travel Tech CEO Series: Travelport Is Doubling Down on Its Payments Business and on Distribution, Too

In his first Q&A with Skift, President and CEO of Travelport Gordon Wilson acknowledges that suppliers are no longer as dependent on distribution technology companies as they once were. He makes a persuasive case that better meeting the needs of suppliers is the way to thrive.

Sean O'Neill | 9 years ago

Online Travel

Travelzoo Made $1.8 Million by Selling the Fly.com Domain

It appears that the mystery buyer is a brand holding company that may not be focused on travel. If so: What a lost opportunity.

Sean O'Neill | 9 years ago

Online Travel

RoomChecking, Esplorio and More: Travel Startup Funding This Week

International Airlines Group (owner of British Airways and Iberia) has invested in a couple of travel startups, while Paris-based RoomChecking makes a striking debut as a next-gen hotel operations startup — plus more news.

Sean O'Neill | 9 years ago

Airlines

Freddie Awards Pick the Year’s Best Traveler Loyalty Programs

Can 4.2 million flyers be wrong?

Sean O'Neill | 9 years ago