Travel News: Latest News, Breaking Stories, and Analysis of Travel
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Hyatt’s Resort Target, Despegar’s Acquisition and Hotels vs
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Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, December 24, 2024. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel this holiday season. Listen Now Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube | RSS Episode Notes Hyatt Hotels said on Monday it’s in negotiations to buy Playa Hotels & Resorts, which would significantly expand its presence in the upscale all-inclusive resort market across...
India Bets on Cruises: New Ports, More Ships – Big Goals
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India wants to bet big on cruises. Consider these ambitious plans from Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy: Increase the number of cruise passengers to 4 million by 2041, up from just 300,000 this year. Build three new international cruise ports by 2024. Grow the number of cruise ships from 208 in 2023 to 500 by 2030 and a staggering 1,100 by 2047. The goal is to bring in some $4.9 billion in...
Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner Got an Update. Here’s How It
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Booking.com has made an update to the AI trip planner on its mobile app. The company released the first version of its AI trip planner in June 2023. It could only answer general travel questions at that time and search for hotel bookings, not answer questions much more complicated than that. The company said on Wednesday that mobile app users can now ask the AI trip planner questions about...
Airbnb Privacy Update: A Ban On Indoor Security Cameras
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Airbnb on Monday said it would ban the use of indoor security cameras globally. Indoor cameras have until now been allowed in common areas of homes under certain conditions. They had to be disclosed to guests, visible, and not in private spaces. The new policy prohibits all use of indoor cameras, regardless of disclosure. Outdoor security cameras can’t be placed for indoor views of the home. And...
Viewing Options for Skift Global Forum
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The highly anticipated Skift Global Forum is back in New York City this week, kicking off on Tuesday evening. Whether you’re a travel industry professional, enthusiast, or investor, this event is a can’t-miss opportunity to gain exclusive insights from some of the top minds shaping the future of travel. How to Join: In-Person or Virtual Options Attending the Skift Global Forum in...
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Travel News: Latest News, Breaking Stories, and Analysis of Travel
Accor’s New Chief Strategist Unveils Plans
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Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, February 29. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel. Listen Now Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Google Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts Episode Notes Gilda Perez-Alvarado surprised some hotel industry insiders when she left JLL to become Accor’s chief strategy officer last October. Perez-Alvarado outlined her plans for Accor in...
How Saudi Sees Luxury: Just ‘20% Will Be in 4-
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Skift reported recently that Saudi’s Vision 2030 is too expensive for tourists: If it eventually wants 70 million international visitors, it’s going to need more supply of hotels that don’t cost thousands of dollars a day. The Saudi Tourism Authority was quick to acknowledge the issue: The STA pointed to developments beyond the most high-profile projects and said it needs to do a better job...
AI Assistant for Pilots and Camper Van Interior Design: Travel
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Mid September to early October was the most active time period for travel funding of the year: 13 startups raised $600 million, and then another six startups raised $500 million. The past two weeks have been a bit quieter. Eight travel startups announced fundraises totaling nearly $40 million. Beacon AI: $15 Million Beacon AI, which is developing AI systems meant to boost the performance airline...