Latest News

Skift Meetings

Instant Booking Ushers in New Era of Transparency for Group Rates

In today’s pressure-cooker environment, planners want the same immediacy and variety as in their online grocery shopping. GroupSync’s instant booking gives them the faster, smarter decision-making capabilities they crave.

26 mins ago

Skift Meetings

Corporate Coachella Wins Over Young Staff

The festivalization trend reached a whole new level in 2022 with a private three-day experiential music festival featuring superstar Bruno Mars. Corporations globally are investing in festival experiences as strategic incentives to attract and retain young talent.

28 mins ago

News Blog

Convene Buys UK Conference Provider Etc.venues for Reported $250 Million

U.S.-based meeting, event and office provider Convene has bought etc.venues, which now expands its footprint in the UK. Convene said the deal, announced on Wednesday, makes it the “largest provider of premium meeting and event venues in the U.S. and UK.” Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but according to reports is worth $246…

Matthew Parsons | 35 mins ago

Online Travel

MakeMyTrip Says an India Listing Still on the Agenda

As Oyo, Yatra and ixigo look to go public in India by this year, MakeMyTrip would probably wait and watch to see how these online travel companies fare in the market before launching an Indian IPO.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 1 hour ago

Tourism

Saudi Arabia Starts Issuing Free 4-Day Stopover Transit Visa

From issuing the first tourist visa in September 2019 to the announcement of a free-of-charge four-day stopover transit visa for air travelers, Saudi Arabia has indeed come a long way. And then of course there's the target to attract 100 million tourists per year by 2030.

Peden Doma Bhutia | 6 hours ago

Airlines

New U.S. Passenger Protection Proposal Includes Refunds and Right to Sue

Airlines have defeated consumer protection law proposals in the past, but U.S. lawmakers are adamant the sector has lost credibility and needs to be more accountable for their detrimental actions of late.

David Shepardson, Reuters | 6 hours ago

News Blog

Indian Hotels Company Enjoyed Another Record Quarter

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) plans to reach a portfolio of 300 hotels by 2025, it said on Tuesday when reporting its earnings. "We are looking to open 18 hotels a year,” said CEO and managing director Puneet Chhatwal. He cited plans to grow through conversions and new construction across India and in West Asia and…

Sean O'Neill | 10 hours ago

Skift Meetings

Cvent Said to Be Exploring a Sale

Cvent, a leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, is reportedly looking into selling with private-equity firm Blackstone interested.

14 hours ago

Daily Lodging Report

Two Forecasts Point to Strong 2023 Hotel Performance

15 hours ago

Airlines

Norway’s Flyr Joins This List of Airline Bankruptcies and Failures Since Pandemic

Although aviation executives have been bullish in recent weeks about the industry continuing to make significant progress in its recovery, Flyr's bankruptcy is a clear sign many airlines' financial challenges are far from over.

Rashaad Jorden | 15 hours ago

Online Travel

Tours and Activities Should Brace for Spike in AI-Generated Fake Reviews

Generative artificial intelligence has the potential to crash the sentiment pendulum of the review model, if left unchecked. Major online travel agencies would do well to act on verification and disclaimer requirements sooner rather than later.

Selene Brophy | 16 hours ago