Podcasts

Iberostar’s family ownership lets it make bold, long-term bets on guest experience and ocean health that many public hotel groups can’t.

Vrbo's expanded distribution across Expedia platforms, integration into the One Key, and experiments with AI-powered reviews show how the brand is evolving inside its parent’s ecosystem. The challenge: balancing consistency for operators with new demands from a global marketplace.

Chris Nassetta’s longevity as Hilton’s CEO shows that culture is as important as growth. His leadership philosophy — grounded in family, hospitality, and consistency — offers lessons for an industry balancing rapid expansion with the human side of travel.

To wrap up the week we look at our new list of risk-taking travel leaders, Marriott's tale of two economies, and Hyatt's all-inclusive wins.

The World Cup will test New York–New Jersey’s ability to host at global scale. The bigger prize isn’t the $3.3 billion boost — it’s proving the region can convert a one-time mega-event into lasting tourism and cultural impact.

For today's pod we look at Vrbo's tough love with hosts, Accor's revamped loyalty program, and slow AI adoption across Europe.

Listen in for a roadmap of sorts to Agoda’s fintech ambitions, loyalty strategy, and long-term vision for an AI-powered travel concierge.

We start September with a look France’s tourism numbers, Sweden’s thermometer numbers, and the restart of India-China flights.

To wrap up the week we look at a new payment system at Airbnb, employee perks for slower travel, and airline perks for faster travel.

Boom Supersonic’s Blake Scholl says faster-than-sound passenger flights could launch before the decade’s end — and this time, the economics may finally work.