Skift

Episode Notes JetBlue Airways announced on Tuesday it’s launching service to Amsterdam this summer as part of its European expansion. But is the company disrupting the transatlantic market as it claims? That’s not really the case, reports Edward Russell, editor of Airline Weekly, Skift brand.  JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes argued that travelers on the New York-Amsterdam route had long been subject to expensive fares and mediocre service provided by other U.S. airlines. He added JetBlue would bring down fares and improve the experience for customers flying between the U.S. and Amsterdam. However, Russell writes JetBlue really hasn’t disrupted the transatlantic market, or more specifically the New York-London one. Overall average fares, including all service classes, jumped 3 percent in the third quarter of 2022 compared to pre-Covid levels. The third quarter is traditionally the busiest for flights between North America and Europe. In addition, Russell notes most travelers would be hard-pressed to distinguish a busi

Episode Notes New York City’s tourism industry has made a monster recovery from the pandemic. But local officials still have concerns about its long-term future, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam. Habtemariam reports New York City hit 85 percent of its pre-Covid tourism volume last year. The city is expected to make a complete tourism recovery in 2024, according to New York City + Conventions. In addition, one New York-based tour guide said traditional attractions like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty are very close to hitting 2019 visitor numbers.   However, Habtemariam writes the city faces some underlying problems despite its tourism boom. A recent poll found that about 70 percent of New Yorkers are unhappy about the city’s direction. Habtemariam notes that widespread discontent could make tourism promotion tougher. Furthermore, the popularity of hybrid and remote work is costing New York City roughly $12 billion. Habtemariam adds the loss of tax revenue can cause cities like

Episode Notes Google is turning to a popular social media feature to help enrich the hotel search and booking process. The search engine has added an Instagram-like story tool to Google Travel, writes Travel Technology Reporter Justin Dawes.  Dawes reports users can view hotel options with access to information like location and price in a swipeable format somewhat similar to Instagram stories. The user would then be able to save the hotel, book directly on the hotel website, or access third-party links for booking. Dawes adds the previous ways to view search results are still available, but Google is simply providing another option for users who prefer a different format.  Next, the all-inclusive resort chain Club Med is looking to capitalize on its post-pandemic boom. So the company is opening new properties and launching a marketing campaign as part of a push to go upmarket, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill. Club Med recently announced that 97 percent of its resorts are now premium, a shift t

Episode Notes The U.S. government could follow in the footsteps of several states that have enacted bans on their agencies using TikTok. So how would a national TikTok ban affect the U.S. tourism industry? Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam writes a ban would be a huge blow to the industry’s global marketing efforts.  Habtemariam reports that U.S. tourism boards have increased their marketing on TikTok since 2021, noting the platform enables them to be less reliant on Google to reach travelers. TikTok has over 750 million monthly users worldwide. But Habtemariam notes there’s a push to ban TikTok in the U.S. due to concerns about its connection to the Chinese government and potential risk to U.S. national security.   One travel marketing executive said a national ban would drive tourism boards to redirect their advertising dollars to platforms like Instagram and YouTube Shorts. Habtemariam adds that destinations would lose insight into the experiences of international travelers, which would hamper the

Episode Notes American Airlines recently shook up its ticket distribution strategy to help it gain more control of airfares. That move has resulted in corporate travel agencies seeing huge gaps in ticket prices, reports Corporate Travel Editor Matthew Parsons.  American moved 40 percent of its airfares to its website and channels powered by New Distribution Capability, a technology that gives airlines more power over their content. It also stopped selling tickets through what it describes as third-party legacy technology platforms. Although three major global distribution systems now provide access to the carrier’s New Distribution Capability-enabled fares, Parsons writes corporate travel agencies are seeing large fluctuations in ticket prices.  One agency, AmTrav, said 35 percent of its itineraries had lower fares in New Distribution Capability than in standard distribution systems. Next, the growing number of travelers combining business and leisure during their trips are becoming a more valuable market for

Episode Notes Expedia has released the first version of a ChatGPT-powered travel planning chatboton its mobile app. It’s the first online travel agency outside of Asia to do so, writes Travel Technology Reporter Justin Dawes. Dawes notes that Expedia users can now use the chatbot to help plan trips. Although the tool does not offer specific real-time information about details such as pricing and events yet, users can get help during travel planning by asking general questions about a destination. Dawes adds that although the chatbot doesn’t provide the next-generation planning and booking experience experts envision, the tool brings that vision closer to reality.  Next, U.S. beach destinations saw a boom in visitor numbers during the pandemic. But they’re facing increased competition from large cities and overseas destinationsthat have re-emerged as popular options for travelers, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam.  Habtemariam reports that some beach destinations expect their tourism growth rat

EPISODE NOTES Denmark’s national tourism board VisitDenmark is tapping into artificial intelligence to boost interest among prospective visitors. Its latest tourism campaign includes foreign landmarks, with an assist from Artificial Intelligence, playfully urging travelers to visit Denmark, reports Contributor Samantha Shankman.  The campaign features iconic attractions such as the Mona Lisa and Statue of Liberty telling travelers they should head to Denmark instead of coming to see them. VisitDenmark’s Marketing Director Dennis Englund said the organization aims to show the opportunities the country provides, especially outside of its major cities. Englund added VisitDenmark learned about AI’s strengths and weaknesses in content creation while developing the campaign.  Next, New York’s Gansevoort Hotel is facing competition to attract the consumers increasingly interested in fine art and luxury goods. So the boutique property is undergoing a $30 million facelight to remain relevant in Manhattan’s changing Me

Episode Notes Southwest Airlines took a major beating from a massive meltdown that resulted in it canceling more than 17,000 flights last holiday season. So it’s implementing substantial steps to prevent a repeat of that enormous fiasco, reports Edward Russell, editor of Airline Weekly, a Skift brand. Southwest said in a new report it’s focused on major improvements in three areas, most notably beefing up its winter weather operations. Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Watterson acknowledged at a U.S. Senate hearing in February that the carrier had done a poor job of preparing for inclement weather. Southwest will also make $1.3 billion in technology-related investments in 2023. The company’s outdated tech was widely believed to be a cause for the epic meltdown.  Next, India-based budget hotel operator Oyo revealed on Friday that it’s reducing its proposed $1.1 billion initial public offering nearly in half, reports Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia.  Bhutia writes Oyo filed its latest initial public offering paper

Episode Notes Remote work has grown exponentially in recent years, and speakers at the recent Skift Future of Lodging Forum in London believe it’s becoming further embedded in the hospitality industry, reports Corporate Travel Editor Matthew Parsons in this week’s Future of Work briefing.  Parsons cited Airbnb as one company getting a boost from the rise in remote work. Global Head of Hosting Catherine Powell attributed its 60 percent jump in bookings from pre-Covid levels in part to the flexibility remote work provides travelers. In addition, Tamara Lohan, CEO of luxury booking service Mr & Mrs. Smith, said even upscale properties are aware of the importance of remote work. Lohan mentioned room designs that can make it easier for guests to do work.    Next, many travelers consider souvenirs an important part of their trips, but largely don’t use those mementos after returning home. Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam explores why souvenirs are often forgotten as well as innovations that could help comm

Episode Notes Hilton is looking at ways it can utilize the advances in artificial intelligence to adapt to travelers’ changing needs. So the company has been testing new features that will enable it to deeply personalize guest bookings and stays, reports Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.  Chief Commercial Officer Chris Silcock said at the Skift Future of Lodging Forum in London on Wednesday that Hilton is testing out packages with features like pre-booked meals and parking. He told Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill that Hilton wants to perfect those features first before distributing them to partners such as Booking.com and Expedia. Silcock added that knowing what amenities a guest prefers will help Hilton create what he described as powerful personalization.   Next, United Arab Emirates-based luxury hospitality company Jumeirah Hotels is booming in the Middle East, with plans to open several properties throughout the region. That growth is pushing the company to expand further — especially in Europe, repo

Episode Notes Hotel companies have gotten better in recent years at reporting their environmental performances amid their push to reduce carbon emissions. However, Skift Research’s latest report reveals hotel brands still have blind spots in their reporting, especially the performance of their franchised hotels. Skift Research investigated the environmental performance of the world’s six largest hotel companies. Senior Research Analyst Wouter Geerts writes all companies need to do a better job of measuring and reporting their so-called scope 3 emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions are divided into three scopes, and scope 3 includes emissions from franchised hotels. Geerts notes that some companies have more comprehensive scope 3 coverage than others. Wyndham, the largest franchise holder of the companies Skift Research investigated, has very little scope 3 reporting. Prominent hotel brands have increasingly turned to franchising to help grow their portfolios.   Next, major U.S. airlines are still struggling to

Episode Notes Carnival Corporation is continuing to make enormous strides in its recovery from the pandemic. The company recorded its highest-ever booking volume for future sailings during the first quarter. That’s in large part due to its stellar performance in North America, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam.  Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein said during its earnings call on Monday that North American booking volumes have exceeded 2019 levels during the last six months. He added the company has seen demand surge across all regions. Carnival does not disclose specific numbers for bookings.  Although Carnival is doing well in Europe, the company is struggling to make a full recovery in both Asia and Australia. Habtemariam reports Carnival has been hit hard by China not reopening to international cruise travel.  Next, New York City is tweaking its iconic “I Love New York” slogan to “We Love New York City” as part of a new marketing campaign. But Global Tourism Reporter Habtemariam writes the new slog

Episode Notes Hotels have long said that they struggle to place women in executive roles, with women currently representing only 30 percent of leaders in the hospitality industry. So the hotel industry’s efforts to create paths for women to hold leadership positions is a long overdue step in reversing that gender imbalance, reports Contributor Carley Thornell.  Although women account for more than half of travel and tourism workers worldwide, Thornell notes that gains for women in high level hotel management have been minimal. She cites Choice Hotels’ HERtels by Choice development seminar as one program looking to create leadership opportunities for women. The seminar connects women with hotel industry veterans and Choice executives. One hospitality CEO said a lack of industry connections is a significant barrier to hotel ownership.  Thornell adds that women are typically carrying more of the burden for childcare coming out of the pandemic, another obstacle to landing executive roles. So Marriott Internationa

Good morning from Skift It’s Friday, March 24, 2023 For daily updates in your inbox, subscribe to the Skift Daily newsletter at skift.com/daily. And now, here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. Office buildings worldwide have struggled to lure back workers who have opted for remote life turning instead to locations such as hotels and coffee shops. But in a new twist of irony, managers of those offices could get a boost from platforms working to connect them with companies that have gone hybrid, reports Corporate Travel Editor Matthew Parsons in this week’s Future of Work briefing. UK-based coworking booking platform AndCo has launched a new platform called NO HQ in response to the surge in remote working teams eager to use offices. Although many companies have either scaled back or gotten rid of their offices, AndCo co-founder Tom Wordie said some teams want a place to meet that’s dedicated to them. NO HQ also aims to provide companies that kept their offices the opportunity to moneti

Good morning from Skift It’s Thursday, March 23, 2023 For daily updates in your inbox, subscribe to the Skift Daily newsletter at skift.com/daily. And now, here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. When Skift asked Hilton how it’s updating its brands for a new era, it was expecting to hear mostly about color palettes and breakfast options. But the company instead said workforce satisfaction was the most important factor. Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill reports the company believes a happy workforce will help its 19 brands thrive.  Hilton Chief Brand and Communications Officer Matthew Schuyler said his biggest accomplishment at the company has been improving its workplace culture. Schuyler cited independent rankings that listed Hilton one of the best and most diverse workplaces. He added Hilton engendered goodwill by creating a job board for workers who had been laid off during the pandemic.  O’Neill writes Hilton has also entered into partnerships with non-travel companies as par

Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, March 22. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. Episode Notes Hotels are paying close attention to an increasingly influential set of travelers — Gen Z, or those born after 1996. This young generation is prompting hotels to rethink, and adopt, strategies that may even become permanent for guests across all their segments. So what steps have hotels been taking? Skift examines their marketing approaches in a deep dive by Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill and Contributors Sherry Sun and Carley Thornell. As members of Gen Z have reported greater loneliness than people in earlier generations, hotels could create spaces where travelers can connect with others, including locals. Johnny Quach, chief marketing officer at online travel agency Hostelworld, said it puts prospective guests in an online chat with other travelers staying in their hostel. In addition, one expert believes that many hotels will likely turn to year-round programming to att

Good morning from Skift It’s Tuesday, March 21, 2023 For daily updates in your inbox, subscribe to the Skift Daily newsletter at skift.com/daily. And now, here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. Luggage delays at airports have made travel chaotic for hundreds of thousands of flyers in recent years, and some experts believe the problem will only get worse with passenger numbers expected to surpass 2019 levels soon. So what are the main cases for those airline debacles? Travel Technology Reporter Justin Dawes examines what drove the wave of disruptions as well as possible solutions to prevent even more delays. Dawes writes that outdated baggage technology has contributed mightily to luggage delays, noting that systems that transfer bags are typically decades old. Most airlines still track bags with a paper tag containing a barcode. The aviation industry’s struggles have also been compounded by difficulties in relaying critical pieces of data. One travel executive said there’s no standar

Good morning from Skift For daily updates in your inbox, subscribe to the Skift Daily newsletter at skift.com/daily. It’s Monday, March 20, 2023 And now, here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. American Airlines has opted to withhold 40 percent of its airfares from traditional retail channels on April 3, infuriating travel agents who had vehemently argued the impending removal would hurt business travelers, reports Corporate Travel Editor Matthew Parsons. Parsons writes the American Society of Travel Advisors pleaded in a letter to American Airlines to push the removal to the end of 2023. The trade group said that many corporate travel agencies and distribution systems would be unable to quickly implement New Distribution Capability, technology that gives airlines more control over airfares. The society also contended that travel agencies’ struggles in using the technology would disrupt the booking process, claims that American Airlines refuted. Next, Cambodia has made significant inv

Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, March 17, 2023 For daily updates in your inbox, subscribe to the Skift Daily newsletter at skift.com/daily. And now, here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. The Asia-Pacific region’s travel rebound has gotten an enormous boost from China recently easing Covid-era restrictions. Skift Research’s newly released Travel Health Index for February reveals the region’s recovery has surpassed that of Europe.    Research Analyst Saniya Zanpure reports that travel across most regions is flourishing, including Asia-Pacific. The Index’s average global health score hit 93 percent of pre-Covid levels, a 4 percentage point jump from January. Skift Research attributes that growth to the Asia-Pacific region’s recovery. Zanpure writes the area had been considered the “black sheep” of the global travel industry due to its struggles to recover to pre-pandemic levels.  Skift Research also found that cancellations after February’s massive earthquake in Turkey drove the

Good morning from Skift It’s Thursday, March 16, 2023 For daily updates in your inbox, subscribe to the Skift Daily newsletter at skift.com/daily. And now, here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. Travel brands have increasingly emphasized their commitment to sustainability in recent years, including major hotel companies. So how are they faring in their quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Skift Research addresses that topic in a new report analyzing hotel companies’ sustainability efforts.  Senior Research Analyst Wouter Geerts reports that most of the largest hotel companies have established science-based targets for their emissions levels. He writes that’s an improvement from just a few years ago. Geerts adds that most hotel companies seem to be on target for their emissions reduction goals.   Next, the short-term rental industry, like other sectors of travel, has struggled with labor shortages coming out of the pandemic. However, Short-Term Rental Reporter Srividya Kalyan