Articles tagged “skift research”

Travel venture capital is no longer in freefall — but it is far from fully recovered. Now defined by discipline, funding is concentrated in fewer, larger bets on proven companies.

The global online travel agency (or OTA) market is experiencing sustained, moderate growth, fueled by resilient international travel demand and rapid digital transformation across all travel sectors. The OTA market, valued at $94 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $107 billion by 2026, growing at a steady rate of 7%.

Latin America has shown a strong post-pandemic trajectory. The region’s expansion is fueled by thriving tourism and infrastructure improvements.

Global travel performance accelerated entering the final quarter of 2025, growing 3% year-on-year. The surge was driven by two major trends: a spike in car-rental demand, and the continued lead of the Asia-Pacific region.

Hotel loyalty programs are shifting to greater transparency, more experiential moments, and deeper digital integration to adapt to AI trip planning, says Skift Research.

Hotel loyalty is evolving into a data-driven, experience-led ecosystem where relevance and recognition define the guest relationship

The future of travel is personal, eastward, and AI-infused. As the Gulf rises as a new global hub, travel brands must avoid the trap of generic AI and instead use technology to deliver experiences that reflect identity, intention, and trust.

Live Tourism and emerging markets are defining the next phase of global travel growth, requiring the industry to shift focus from traditional seasonality to high-value event cycles and dispersed travel models.

Marriott’s flat incentive management fees hint at profit pressures at the property level, but its asset-light model keeps it well positioned to weather economic headwinds.

Hotel brands are trading ownership for scalability through asset-light models, brand diversification, and expanding loyalty programs.