Skift Travel News
635 subscribers
About Skift Travel News
Skift is the daily homepage for the global travel industry and the trusted news source for executives. We’ve proven ourselves as the information and intelligence brand at the center of it all, monitoring the ever-evolving transformation into the future of travel. Skift is a fully distributed, remote company with employees based across the globe. Every day, our award-winning team of journalists provides pivotal media insights on key travel sectors - with marketers, strategists and technologists top of mind. In doing so, we decipher and define global travel trends through a combination of news, research, conferences, events, exclusive interviews, strategic sector-focused newsletters, and more.
Similar Channels
Swipe to see more
Posts
It is disheartening to see the same publications that have previously reported on the perils of overtourism now behaving like golden retrievers chasing a tennis ball, sprinting after the hype with little critical reflection. https://skift.com/2025/02/22/the-dark-side-of-the-white-lotus-effect/
📰 **Travel Industry Insights – Latest Updates** 🌍✈️ 🔹 **The Dark Side of the 'White Lotus' Effect** 🎥🏝️ The hit TV show *The White Lotus* has fueled a surge in luxury tourism, but not without consequences. Destinations featured in the series, like Sicily and Hawaii, face rising property prices, over-tourism, and a shift towards ultra-high-end resorts—pricing out locals and changing the cultural landscape. 📖 *Read more:* [Skift](https://skift.com/2025/02/22/the-dark-side-of-the-white-lotus-effect/) 🔹 **Accor CEO: Mykonos Too Risky for New Hotels Due to Climate Change** 🌊🏨 Sébastien Bazin, CEO of Accor, warns that climate risks make Mykonos and similar destinations less viable for future hotel investments. With rising sea levels and extreme weather, the hospitality giant is focusing on more sustainable, resilient locations for expansion. 📖 *Read more:* [Skift](https://skift.com/2025/02/21/accor-ceo-opening-hotels-in-mykonos-too-risky-due-to-climate-change/) 🔹 **Exclusive: Qatar Airways to Launch AI Travel Agent** 🤖✈️ Qatar Airways is set to introduce an AI-powered travel assistant, revolutionizing how passengers book flights, manage itineraries, and receive real-time updates. This move aligns with the airline’s push for digital innovation and enhanced customer experience. 📖 *Read more:* [Skift](https://skift.com/2025/02/24/exclusive-qatar-airways-to-launch-ai-travel-agent/) 📩 *Stay tuned for more travel industry updates!*
🌍✈️ Travel Industry Updates – Stay Ahead of the Trends 1️⃣ TravelPerk’s Next Moves After $200M Funding 💰🚀 Business travel platform TravelPerk has raised $200 million to fuel expansion and innovation. The company plans to enhance AI-powered expense management, expand its U.S. operations, and improve corporate travel automation. What’s next for TravelPerk? 🤔 🔗 Read more: https://skift.com/2025/02/16/travelperk-president-on-whats-next-after-raising-200-million/ 2️⃣ Are Airport Lounges Losing Their Exclusivity? 🏢🛋️ With more travelers seeking lounge access, overcrowding is becoming a major issue. To restore exclusivity, airports are launching new premium lounges and revamping access policies. Will this be enough to bring back the VIP experience? ✨ 🔗 Read more: https://skift.com/2025/02/15/airport-lounges-under-pressure-can-new-openings-restore-exclusivity/ 3️⃣ Thailand’s Tourism Boom Thanks to The White Lotus 🎥🇹🇭 After The White Lotus Season 3 trailer showcased Thailand’s breathtaking locations, tourism officials are expecting a major travel surge. Luxury resorts are preparing for a wave of visitors inspired by the show’s tropical paradise. 🌴☀️ 🔗 Read more: https://skift.com/2025/02/10/thailand-expects-a-tourism-boom-from-season-3-of-the-white-lotus 📩 Share this update with fellow travelers!
**🏨 Choice Hotels Drops Hundreds of Budget Properties in Upscale Shift** Choice Hotels is making a major strategic move by shedding hundreds of budget hotels to focus on upscale and extended-stay properties. This shift aligns with its efforts to attract higher-paying travelers and strengthen its premium brand offerings. The company sees long-term value in catering to more affluent guests rather than competing in the budget segment. 🔗 *Read more:* [Choice Hotels Strategy Shift](https://skift.com/2025/02/20/choice-has-dumped-hundreds-of-budget-hotels-in-upscale-strategy-shift/) **✈️ Spirit Airlines Cleared to Exit Bankruptcy** Spirit Airlines has received court approval to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, marking a fresh start for the budget carrier. The airline plans to restructure its debt, streamline operations, and improve financial stability while continuing to offer low-cost flights. This development provides hope for both investors and passengers relying on affordable air travel options. 🔗 *Read more:* [Spirit’s Comeback](https://skift.com/2025/02/20/spirit-airlines-cleared-to-exit-chapter-11-bankruptcy/) **🌍 Booking Holdings Unfazed by AI Disruptions** Despite growing concerns that AI-powered platforms could disrupt the travel booking industry, Booking Holdings remains confident in its position. The company believes its scale, strong brand, and direct customer relationships will keep it relevant even as AI tools evolve. While acknowledging the rapid rise of agentic AI, Booking sees it as a complementary force rather than a direct threat. 🔗 *Read more:* [AI & Travel Bookings](https://skift.com/2025/02/20/booking-holdings-downplays-concerns-that-agentic-ai-platforms-will-displace-it/) 📩 Stay tuned for more travel industry updates!
📰 **Travel & Hospitality Daily Update** 🌍✈️ 🔹 **IHG Acquires Ruby Hotels as Its 20th Brand** 🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded its portfolio by acquiring **Ruby Hotels**, a European brand known for its "lean luxury" concept. This move strengthens IHG’s presence in the lifestyle hotel segment, aligning with rising demand for stylish yet affordable accommodations. 🔗 *Read more:* [IHG Buys Ruby Hotels](https://skift.com/2025/02/18/ihg-buys-ruby-hotels-as-20th-brand/) 🔹 **UK Regulator Backs Amex GBT & CWT Merger** 🤝💳 The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has provisionally approved the **American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) & CWT merger**, a major deal in the corporate travel sector. If finalized, the merger will create a stronger competitor against industry leaders, reshaping the business travel landscape. 🔗 *Read more:* [UK Regulator Approves Amex GBT & CWT Merger](https://skift.com/2025/02/18/uk-regulator-gives-provisional-green-light-to-amex-gbt-cwt-merger/) 🔹 **UK Airlines Turn to Used Cooking Oil for Fuel** 🛫♻️ In a push for sustainability, UK airlines are increasingly using **used Chinese cooking oil** to produce greener aviation fuel. This alternative fuel aims to reduce carbon emissions, marking a step forward in the airline industry’s efforts to combat climate change. But there’s a catch. 🔗 *Read more:* [UK Airlines & Greener Fuel](https://skift.com/2025/02/18/uk-airlines-rely-on-used-chinese-cooking-oil-for-greener-fuel/)
🛳️ Disney’s Big Bet: More Cruises, More Parks, Higher Prices Disney is doubling down on premium experiences with new cruise ships, expanded theme parks, and higher pricing strategies. The company is banking on strong consumer demand, despite rising costs and economic uncertainty. Will fans embrace this upscale vision? 🤔 🔗 Read more: https://skift.com/2025/02/05/disneys-gamble-more-cruise-ships-parks-and-premium-prices/ 🎟️ British Airways Reassures Loyalty Members In response to customer concerns, British Airways is enhancing its loyalty program communication. The airline aims to build trust by emphasizing the value of its Avios points and elite status benefits. Will this boost customer confidence? ✈️💙 🔗 Read more: https://skift.com/2025/02/05/british-airways-boosts-loyalty-messaging-to-reassure-customers/ 🏙️ NYC Cracks Down on Short-Term Rentals – And It’s Working New York City officials say their strict short-term rental regulations are effectively curbing illegal listings. With a major drop in Airbnb-style rentals, the city claims the policy is protecting housing availability—but at what cost to travelers? 🏠🚫 🔗 Read more: https://skift.com/2025/02/05/nyc-enforcement-boss-on-short-term-rental-law-its-working-exclusive/
🌍 ✈️ **Travel & Tech Updates You Need to Know!** 🔹 **AI on Your Phone: A Challenge for Travel Companies?** As smartphone AI capabilities improve, travelers rely less on traditional travel agencies and booking platforms. Personal AI assistants are making recommendations, handling bookings, and reshaping the industry landscape. Travel companies must adapt or risk losing direct customer engagement. 🔗 Read more: [skift.com](https://skift.com/2025/02/24/the-ai-on-your-phone-keeps-getting-better-thats-a-risk-for-travel-companies/) 🎭 **TUI Expands with Local Experiences** TUI is shifting its focus beyond tourists by launching experiences designed for locals. From concerts to food tours, the travel giant is tapping into the year-round revenue potential of domestic customers. This move aims to reduce reliance on seasonal tourism. 🔗 Read more: [skift.com](https://skift.com/2025/02/24/tui-to-launch-new-experiences-aimed-at-locals/) 🤖 ✈️ **Qatar Airways Introduces AI-Powered Travel Agent** Qatar Airways is set to launch an AI-powered travel assistant, offering personalized booking, trip recommendations, and real-time travel updates. This digital concierge aims to streamline the booking experience and enhance customer service. 🔗 Read more: [skift.com](https://skift.com/2025/02/24/exclusive-qatar-airways-to-launch-ai-travel-agent/) Stay ahead in travel & tech! 🚀
When you pick a trade fight with your neighbor, they might be less inclined to visit. https://skift.com/2025/02/03/trumps-tariff-war-with-canada-tourism-at-risk/
Here’s your WhatsApp-friendly newsletter: --- 📢 **Tourism Faces Trouble in U.S.-Canada Trade War** The latest tariff dispute between the U.S. and Canada, led by Trump, is raising concerns for cross-border tourism. With new trade barriers in place, the travel industry fears higher costs and reduced visitor numbers. Will tourism be the next casualty of this economic standoff? 🇺🇸🇨🇦 🔗 Read more: [skift.com](https://skift.com/2025/02/03/trumps-tariff-war-with-canada-tourism-at-risk/) 🏨 **Strawberry's Bold Nordic Expansion** Nordic hospitality giant **Strawberry** is shaking up the market with two new hotel brands aimed at attracting different traveler segments. With competition heating up, this move signals a major shift in the region’s hospitality landscape. Is this a game-changer for Nordic hotels? 🌍✨ 🔗 Read more: [skift.com](https://skift.com/2025/02/03/strawberry-bets-big-on-two-new-hotel-brands-in-nordic-market-shake-up/) ✈️ **Delta’s Premium Success – But Is It Enough?** Delta is winning over U.S. premium travelers, but experts say it needs to improve its global game. While its high-end offerings lead domestically, international competition remains tough. Can Delta keep up with global luxury travel demands? 🌎💼 🔗 Read more: [skift.com](https://skift.com/2025/02/03/delta-is-winning-the-u-s-premium-trav
Connect with India’s travel industry leaders and innovators at Skift India Forum on March 17-18 in Delhi-NCR. With speakers from Air India, IndiGo, OYO, Marriott International, MakeMyTrip, Uber, and many more, this is your opportunity to gain insights and make connections that matter. Register here [https://live.skift.com/skift-india-forum/]