Change is in the air at Finnair. The Helsinki-based flag carrier has confirmed that Turkka Kuusisto will be the airline’s new chief executive. The appointment follows the resignation of incumbent Topi Manner in August last year. Kuusisto joins the company from Posti Group Corporation, the Finnish mail and delivery business, where he has been CEO since 2020. Earlier in his career, he held senior...
Four travel tech startups announced fundraises over the past two weeks totaling more than $15 million. Steller, an AI-powered trip planner and social media app, has raised $5 million from Pioneer Venture Partners and other investors. It is part of a series B funding round of $22 million that has been raised over the past couple of years. Washington-based Steller has raised $42 million to date...
Africa’s long-term travel prospects hinge on its domestic demand, a trend accelerated by the pandemic and an opportunity for the continent’s tourism-rich countries. “Africa for Africa is vital,” said Anita Mendiratta, special advisor to the UNWTO Secretary General, who spoke to Skift at the Airbnb Africa Summit in Johannesburg. “Domestic tourism was always the poor...
The Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that it would fine American Airlines $50 million for “numerous serious violations of the laws” that protect passengers with disabilities. The fine is one of the largest an airline has received for such violations. “Today’s penalty, which is 25 times larger than any previous U.S. DOT penalty for disability-related violations, is intended...
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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 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 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 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...
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...