After a dramatic year for the hospitality ecosystem, the lead-in to summer 2021 is revealing signs of recovery. Global travel demand is at its highest since the beginning of the pandemic, as the industry finds itself at a promising turning point. The impacts have been widespread. After a year of limitations and stay at home orders, consumers are showing new behaviors: a preference for self...
Travel is on the brink of a major transformation, and we’re inviting you to be part of it. This September, join us at the 11th annual Skift Global Forum to explore our theme, “Travel’s Great Renewal (and Reckoning).” As the world changes rapidly, so does travel, driven by new technologies, shifting consumer expectations, and global challenges. We’re bringing together top industry leaders...
India is actively working on expanding the DigiYatra facility for international travel. The DigiYatra Foundation expects to start prototype testing on e-passport based enrollment from next month, the CEO of DigiYatra Foundation, Suresh Khadakbhavi, said recently at an event in Saudi Arabia. What Is DigiYatra? This digital initiative, aimed at revolutionizing airport check-ins, uses a mobile app...
Tourism New Research: How Play Is Inspiring a New Generation of Travelers More and more travelers are seeking play activities as a means for self-fulfillment, looking inward as a source of travel inspiration. Destinations that embrace entertainment, sports, and cultural tourism will be better positioned to attract both regional visitors and international travelers. Qiddiya City + Skift | 1 day...
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed new fines against unruly flyers that now brings the total levied so far this year to more than $1 million. The agency on Thursday said it is proposing an additional $531,545 in civil penalties against 34 airline passengers for disorderly behavior. Those new FAA fines in its “zero-tolerance” policy bring the total of penalties brought against...
Skift Take Live auctions have been around for a while, but this is the first time a major airline is testing the waters, and leaving the chance to upgrade so late. It won’t appeal to larger corporations, but the blended travel market could make a perfect fit. Matthew Parsons With fewer business travelers in the skies, Lufthansa is now allowing passengers to bid for an upgraded seat during a...
Skift Take Today’s podcast looks at hotels’ new business travel workaround, Viking’s strong path to 2025, and industry accommodations for a boom in smaller-scale meetings and events. Rashaad Jorden Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, August 23, 2024, and now, here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. Listen Now Subscribe Apple...
Since late 2020 to its third quarter earnings report, Airbnb has consistently reported that it has four million hosts on the platform. Given all of the havoc that the pandemic engineered, have those ranks not budged one way or another? We looked at that issue and three other takeaways from Airbnb’s third-quarter report, which saw the company proclaim its best quarter ever. Curious Host Numbers...
Skift Take A lot of Indians are waiting a long time to visit the U.S. Eric Garcetti wants to generate the same excitement in U.S. travelers about visiting India. Justin Dawes There’s a big demand from Indian tourists to visit the U.S., but there’s not as much demand the other way around. Eric Garcetti, U.S. Ambassador to India, thinks that’s starting to change — and he’s pushing to enhance demand...
Skift Take One challenge for struggling travel SPACs beyond their stock prices is to create something new that’s truly valuable to their customers. Booking.com did just that years ago, although others have caught up in the interim. Dennis Schaal Reverse stock splits are almost never a good sign and companies have a tough time recovering. They do it when their shares are in the basement and...