How I Spend Abroad

Skift Interview Series

Presented in partnership with

Tourism isn’t perfect, but there's no arguing that it can often be a force for good. Spending locally while abroad is one way travelers can be a part of the positive aspects of tourism. Making a meaningful purchase, rather than buying a simple souvenir, can provide economic opportunity, support sustainability, and perhaps most uniquely — forge a connection between travelers and locals over shared cultural appreciation.

Skift asked 11 industry executives about their most memorable purchase abroad and the impact it’s had on their worldview. Hear what they had to say below.

Arnold Donald

President & CEO, Carnival Corporation

Jen Rubio

Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer, Away

Eric Breon

Founder & CEO, Vacasa

Arthur Orduña

EVP & Chief Innovation Officer, Avis Budget Group

Steve Kaufer

President & CEO, TripAdvisor

Leeny Oberg

Chief Financial Officer, Marriott International

Cheryl Rutenberg

SVP, Travel, Visa

Harsha L'Aqua

CEO, Saira Hospitality

Andrea Bonilla

Co-Founder, Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality

Sam Shank

CEO, HotelTonight
Head of Hotels, Airbnb

Carla Campos

Executive Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company

About This Collaboration

The Skift Take Studio is a backstage studio at our Skift Forums where we dive into a topic with the industry’s top executives. The 2019 Skift Take Studio at Skift Global Forum was underwritten by Visa and built by SkiftX, the in-house creative studio at Skift.

Visa is the world’s leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network — enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Travel and tourism is core to our brand, promoting seamless and frictionless travel experiences all over the world as the best way to pay and be paid. Widely accepted around the world, Visa offers security, convenience and ease when paying abroad.

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