In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Skift CEO Rafat Ali talks with Euan McGlashan, Global Co-Founder, CEO, and Owner of Valor Hospitality Partners, about what’s broken—and what’s still worth rebuilding—in U.S. hospitality. With a presence in 20 countries and nearly 100 properties, Valor is redefining what hotel management looks like, from talent pipelines to franchise relationships to frontline culture.Ali opens with a provocation — that U.S. hospitality has, in many ways, lost the plot. McGlashan doesn’t disagree, but brings a global lens to the conversation, arguing that much of what’s broken can be traced back to culture, misaligned incentives, and outdated management models.McGlashan shares how Valor has grown by focusing on culture, purpose, and performance—not just scale. He breaks down what’s behind the industry’s worsening labor shortages and how emotional intelligence training has become core to Valor’s model. With a blunt take on the limits of brand-led loyalty and the traditional third-party operator model, McGlashan offers a vision for a more human, more effective version of hotel leadership.The discussion also covers Valor’s global growth strategy, how it balances working with big brands while protecting team identity, and why “doing the simple things brilliantly” is still the fastest way to win guest loyalty. Presented by ⁠EF World Journeys⁠.Key Themes What’s broken in U.S. hospitality and what it will take to fix it Reframing frontline hospitality roles as emotionally complex, high-value work Why culture, not branding, drives loyalty and performance Emotional intelligence training as a competitive advantage Redefining third-party management with purpose and commercial discipline How Valor grows globally while protecting team culture locally Why innovation means revolution, not imitation Building owner trust by running great hotels, not chasing headlines Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Wil Slickers here again, and I’m closing out our summer break by sharing one of my favorite episodes from Slick Talk — a deep, future-focused conversation with Richard Valtr, founder of Mews. Richard and I go beyond operations to explore what it means to think theologically about hospitality: why the real competition isn’t other hotels but the hours outside of a guest’s sleep, how technology should drive growth instead of just cutting costs, and what it takes to turn a property into a lifestyle brand. We talk about Mews’ journey from serving independents to winning enterprise clients, the role of acquisitions like Nomi Travel, and how AI, personalization, and a richer 24-hour guest experience could redefine our industry. This one’s for anyone who wants to think bigger about what hospitality can be. Follow the Hosts: Wil Slickers – ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Join industry leaders Rafat Ali, CEO & Co-Founder of Skift, and Siradej "Champ" Donavanik, Vice President Development (Global), of Dusit International, as they explore how Asian hospitality brands are carving out a unique identity amid global competition. From managing villas across continents to expanding beyond Thailand, they discuss the importance of cultural authenticity, personalized guest experiences, and balancing technology with the human touch. Dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Asia’s booming travel markets, the impact of geopolitical shifts on tourism, and how Dusit leverages bespoke hospitality and strategic partnerships to grow in diverse markets, including India, China, Japan, and Europe. Learn how innovation, tradition, and education intersect to redefine what hospitality means in an increasingly connected world. Presented by EF World Journeys. Key Themes:- Managing and marketing villas across 20+ countries on four continents- Diversifying beyond Thailand: growth priorities in Southeast Asia, India, China, and Europe- Leveraging Asian hospitality’s unique, personalized service as a competitive edge- Balancing high-tech tools with high-touch human interaction for better guest experiences- Using technology to free staff for more meaningful guest engagement, not replace them- Overcoming challenges from geopolitical issues and natural disasters in Thailand- Promoting cross-cultural education and ASEAN hospitality competency standards- Targeting fast-growing emerging markets: Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines- Entering complex markets like India with local partners and long-term commitment- Exploring opportunities in Saudi Arabia and new European territories- Positioning Asian hospitality brands as distinctive alternatives to Western global chains Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

While Sarah and Seth are on a summer break, we are taking the opportunity to introduce listeners to new shows. Today that is a Suite Success episode. Host Katie Cline sits down with Top Chef judge and culinary storyteller Gail Simmons to talk travel, taste, and the unexpected power of a good meal. From her early days in food media to two decades on Top Chef, Gail reflects on how curiosity—and a few bold leaps—shaped her career. She shares how food became her lens for understanding people and places, and why the best bites often come from the most surprising cities. Whether you’re building a brand, booking a trip, or dreaming up your next dinner party, Gail’s insights will leave you hungry for more. Presented by EF World Journeys. Connect with Gail: Gail's Instagram – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Gail's Website – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Gail's Substack – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

This is a special crossover episode between Good Morning Hospitality and the Skift Travel Podcast. Following the recent acquisition of Good Morning Hospitality and Hospitality.FM by Skift, we’re sharing this episode to introduce Skift listeners to the voices, format, and perspective that power one of the industry’s most dynamic live podcasts. Good Morning Hospitality is a live, twice-weekly podcast covering the latest in short-term rentals, hotels, guest experience, and travel industry trends — hosted by a team of operators, analysts, and creators who are in it every day. In this crossover episode, hosts Wil Slickers (Skift’s new Director of Audio and Video Strategy), Brandy Canaley (COO at Roami), Jamie Lane (Chief Economist at AirDNA), and Michael Goldin (COO/Co-Founder of Nook) share their top predictions for hospitality in 2025 — from STR performance and pricing shifts to hotel tech, guest expectations, and the impact of AI across the industry. Whether you're new to GMH or already a listener, this conversation gives a strong look at where the team believes the hospitality world is headed — and how operators and brands should be thinking ahead. GMH broadcasts live every Monday and Wednesday morning: Mondays focus on the short-term rental space Wednesdays dive into hotel topics with recurring guests like Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk Thanks for tuning in to this crossover. We’re excited to bring these conversations into the Skift ecosystem — and to keep pushing the industry dialogue forward. Follow the Hosts: Wil Slickers – LinkedIn Brandy Canaley – LinkedIn Jamie Lane – LinkedIn Michael Goldin – LinkedIn Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Skift CEO Rafat Ali talks with Chris Kelsey, President of Dart Interests, about how the firm is pushing the boundaries of what a resort can be. At the heart of the conversation is Evermore Orlando, Dart’s $2.5 billion destination next to Disney World that blends managed vacation rentals with luxury hotels, all designed with families and groups in mind. Kelsey breaks down why the traditional split between short-term rentals and hotels no longer works for modern travelers and how Evermore aims to fill that gap. He also shares how loyalty plays a central role in Dart’s strategy, especially through its alignment with Hilton Honors, and why they’ve embraced what he calls an “anti-theme park” philosophy when it comes to design. The discussion spans the evolution of Evermore, Dart’s growing portfolio across mountain and beach markets, and how the company is rethinking fundamentals like food and beverage, landscaping, and labor models. It's a deep dive into what happens when long-term vision, intentional design, and group-first thinking come together to challenge the status quo. Key themes: Why Dart is betting big on hybrid resort-vacation rental models Building at scale for families, groups, and multigenerational travelers How loyalty programs like Hilton Honors can unlock differentiation The “anti-theme park” design lens and what it means for experience Long-term value over short-term yield in real estate and hospitality Expansion into mountains, beaches, and overlooked secondary markets Reinventing food and beverage, landscaping, and workforce strategies Positioning Evermore against Airbnb, hotels, and legacy resorts Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Today’s Skift Travel Podcast was recorded live at Skift Forum Asia Bangkok when Airbnb Chief Business Officer Dave Stephenson joined us to unpack one of the company’s biggest launches in years: the global expansion of curated experiences and in-stay services. Stephenson shares how Airbnb is integrating new offerings like private chefs, trainers, spa treatments, and local-led activities directly into the app—and why these features are available not only to travelers, but also to locals. The conversation explores how Airbnb is shifting toward a full-trip platform by combining bookings, services, and activities in one place. Stephenson also explains the company’s localization strategy across Asia-Pacific, its response to economic uncertainty, and the growing role of pop culture in shaping travel behavior. From Michelin-star ramen in Tokyo to wellness treatments in your New York apartment, Airbnb is aiming to remove friction and deliver more personalized, high-quality travel experiences—without requiring you to stay in one of its listings. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

In this in-depth conversation, Skift Founder Rafat Ali sits down with Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), to unpack how the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands is carving out a distinct path in the hospitality landscape. With more than 45 brands—and more joining every year—GHA is proving that collaboration, not consolidation, can be the key to long-term success. Hartley shares how GHA’s Discovery loyalty program is helping member hotels drive direct bookings and increase guest retention through its unique Discovery Dollars currency. The conversation spans GHA’s airline alliance-inspired roots, the evolving economics of distribution, and the balancing act of maintaining autonomy while scaling global visibility. From the shifting value of leisure loyalty to the limits of “frequent stayer” models, this episode offers rare insight into the business case for staying independent—together. Key themes: Why the future of loyalty is about leisure, not just business The ROI of Discovery Dollars vs. traditional points systems OTA dependency and distribution strategy for smaller hotel brands What GHA learns from airline alliances—and where it diverges Loyalty as both a brand-builder and bottom-line driver Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠WhatsApp: ⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants. Host Sarah Kopit and Nelson discuss the challenges flight attendants face amid record-breaking summer travel, ongoing labor negotiations, and the evolving political landscape. Topics include aviation safety, contract bargaining, staffing, public perception, and the global solidarity among flight crews in a rapidly changing world. Record summer travel is overwhelming flight crews, with high passenger volumes, weather disruptions, and minimal staffing stretching flight attendants to their limits. Union President Sara Nelson warns of federal instability, citing workforce cuts at key agencies like the National Weather Service and TSA as safety risks. Despite political turmoil, Nelson praises Transportation Secretary Duffy for advancing FAA modernization and stabilizing air traffic operations. Contract negotiations are reshaping the industry, with major wins on boarding pay and healthcare at United Airlines and organizing momentum growing at Delta. Passenger aggression remains elevated, but public support for flight attendants is stronger than ever, fueling optimism for broader labor solidarity. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ ⁠WhatsApp: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

AI is rapidly reshaping the travel industry, but companies that want to fully leverage its potential must prioritize their payment infrastructure, says Jess Conroy, founder and CEO of ROH, a payment management platform for the hospitality sector. Conroy, who launched ROH two years ago, recently raised $9.2 million in a funding round led by Highgate Technology Ventures and Acrew Capital. Prior to ROH, Conroy launched Carats & Cake, a platform that provided assistance to couples looking to pay the upfront cost of wedding event venues. During a recent episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Conroy talked about the critical role payments play as both the starting point and final touch of the guest experience – “payments are the infrastructure play,” she told Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Host Sarah Kopit is joined by Skift’s Climate Reporter Darin Graham to discuss the extreme heat that is dominating summer travel. Kopit and Graham give a brief perspective on the changing nature of summer travel before presenting Graham’s podcast about a NetZero hotel in England that positions itself as a way to improve upon the travel industry’s carbon footprint. Graham’s episode of GreenShift centers on a visit to Radisson’s first Net Zero Hotel, located in Manchester. He tours the property with Radisson’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Inge Huberts, who explains how the hotel minimizes emissions through renewable energy and rooftop heat pumps. The hotel also revamped its food menu to reduce carbon impact. Graham discusses the broader challenge of scaling these efforts across Radisson’s global portfolio as part of its 2050 net zero goal. The episode blends technical solutions with strategic business insights, making it relevant across the travel sector. Listen to GreenShift here. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, RateGain Founder Bhanu Chopra joins Rafat Ali to explore how the company is helping shape the infrastructure of modern travel. From AI-powered pricing to real-time distribution and demand insights, Bhanu breaks down how RateGain is evolving to meet the needs of a more connected and volatile travel landscape. The conversation spans AI innovation, global market shifts, and the role of empathy in tech leadership. With a growing portfolio of tools, new executive hires, and a bullish outlook for the future, Bhanu offers a wide-angle perspective on how travel companies can stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. RateGain evolved from a pricing data provider to a full-stack travel tech platform. AI is accelerating innovation, enabling faster, cheaper product development. The company aims for $1B in revenue, entering its "10 to 100" growth phase. AI co-pilots are being built for roles like revenue, marketing, and campaign managers. Internal AI tools like an HR bot and hiring assistant are streamlining operations. Stock dips reflect internal execution, not just market conditions. M&A remains selective, with focus on strategic, revenue-generating assets. India is a leader in AI application, especially in building strong "wrapper" products. Bhanu sees India as a global startup hub, no longer just outsourcing. Legacy mindset is evolving, but Bhanu’s focus remains on impact, not titles. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Host Seth Borko is joined by Amadeus' Head of Research and AI Center of Excellence, Rodrigo Acuna Agost, and Marilyn Markham, VP of AI & Automation Strategy at American Express Global Business Travel. Both panelists emphasized that agentic AI — autonomous systems that pursue a goal and interact with their environment — is the hottest trend in travel technology. Markham highlighted that it goes beyond “talking” AI to AI that takes action, describing it as giving a talker a toolbox. Acuna Agost echoed this by defining agentic AI as combining autonomy, interaction, and mission-driven action, which unlocks many new possibilities. Stay up to date with everything that's happening with artificial intelligence and travel at our AI travel hub. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

What do travel investors really think about AI, startups, and the future of travel? In this unscripted Ask Me Anything session, three top venture experts answer real questions from the audience – no slides, no pitches, just sharp takes and honest insights. Host Sarah Kopit was joined for this conversation by Cara Whitehill (Vice President, Thayer Investment Partners), Gilad Berenstein (Founder, Brook Bay Capital), and Max Niederhofer (Partner, Heartcore Capital) at Skift Data+AI Summit earlier this month. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko are joined on today's Skift Travel Podcast with Kevin Tsang, Managing Director at Amex Ventures. They discuss the future of travel, the impact of AI, and investment strategies in the travel sector through the lens of venture investment. They explore the role of technology in enhancing travel experiences, the potential of AI startups, and the importance of specialization in a competitive market. The conversation also touches on consumer pain points in aviation and how Amex Ventures evaluates opportunities in this space. Takeaways Amex Ventures focuses on strategic investments in travel and technology. AI is transforming the travel sector and enhancing user experiences. Travel tech must address unique complexities of the travel journey. Food is increasingly integrated into travel planning. Investment strategies balance market trends and company objectives. AI startups need a strong value proposition to secure funding. Vertical AI solutions can create efficiencies in travel. Consumer experience is a priority for travel investments. AI is enabling more efficient manual tasks in startups. MindTrip is an innovative travel planning platform leveraging AI. Investment in Boom Supersonic reflects a future-focused travel vision. Travel venture capital is limited due to broader investment strategies. Global travel startups offer unique innovation opportunities. Partnerships with major players can enhance startup success. Success metrics for startups are evolving towards profitability and market fit. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Travel review brand Tripadvisor is turning 25. So for today's episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko host Tripadvisor CEO Matt Goldberg. They discuss the evolution of Tripadvisor from its humble beginnings above a pizza shop to becoming a leading travel resource for at least a generation. Goldberg shares insights on the competitive landscape, the role of AI in enhancing user experience, and the importance of consumer trust in the travel industry. The conversation highlights the resilience of travel and the shifting trends towards local and immersive experiences. Goldberg walks through the evolution of Viator and Tripadvisor, emphasizing the importance of travel agents and the tools provided to them. He addresses market dynamics, particularly in relation to competitors like Airbnb, and highlights the role of AI in shaping the future of travel. Takeaways Tripadvisor has evolved from a modest idea to a global travel resource. The democratization of travel information has transformed how travelers plan trips. Experiences are becoming the central focus of Tripadvisor's growth strategy. The company is leveraging AI to enhance user experience and recommendations. Tripadvisor's marketplace is seeing significant growth and profitability. The travel industry is resilient, with consumers prioritizing experiences over material goods. Summer travel trends indicate a shift towards local and drive-to destinations. The competitive landscape includes major players like Airbnb, validating the market opportunity. Tripadvisor's partnerships enhance its reach without heavy marketing costs. The future of travel is centered around unique experiences and consumer trust. Viator provides tools for travel agents to enhance bookings. Travel agents play a crucial role in the cruise booking market. Scale is essential for a successful marketplace. AI is a transformative technology for the travel industry. Trust and authenticity are vital in an AI-driven world. AI will not replace human jobs but enhance them. Travel fosters human connections and empathy. The future of travel relies on understanding consumer needs. AI can streamline operations and improve customer experiences. Travel experiences can break down societal barriers. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

For this bonus episode, Skift CEO Rafat Ali is joined by Almosafer CEO Muzzammil Ahussain to discuss the evolution of the travel industry in Saudi Arabia, the significance of Saudi travelers on the global stage, and the impact of recent changes in visa regimes. Ahussain shares his personal journey from the U.S. to Saudi Arabia, the growth of Almosafer, and the company's upcoming IPO plans. The discussion also touches on the effects of COVID-19 on domestic travel and the dynamics between online and offline booking methods. Ali and Ahussain walk through the evolving landscape of travel in Saudi Arabia, highlighting trends such as last-minute bookings, the growth of religious tourism, and the challenges of talent retention in a rapidly expanding market. Ahussain also emphasizes his company's ambitious vision for the country's development, the changing perceptions of Saudi Arabia in the West, and the integration of AI to enhance business operations. The discussion also touches on the importance of women's roles in the workforce and the potential for significant growth in the tourism sector leading up to major events like the World Cup. Read more about tourism at Skift’s tourism hub: https://skift.com/tourism Takeaways Almosafer is the largest travel and tourism company in Saudi Arabia. Saudi travelers are high spenders and significant for global tourism. Visa regimes for Saudis are becoming more accessible, boosting travel. Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia has seen a significant increase post-COVID. WhatsApp is a key sales channel for Almosafer. The company is preparing for an IPO to enhance its market presence. The future of travel in Saudi Arabia looks promising with ongoing investments. 80% of bookings in Saudi Arabia are four and five star. 40% of hotel bookings are made within 48 hours. The average booking window is about 10 days. Religious travel presents a significant growth opportunity. Riyadh to Dubai is one of the most profitable routes globally. Saudi Arabia's development is driven by ambition. Talent retention is a major challenge in the growing market. AI is being leveraged to enhance productivity and efficiency. The period from 2027 to 2030 will be crucial for Saudi Arabia's growth. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Al-Musafir and Its Significance 05:24 Muzzammil's Journey: From the US to Saudi Arabia 09:01 The Global Importance of Saudi Travelers 11:44 Changes in Visa Regimes and Travel Trends 15:57 Impact of COVID-19 on Domestic Travel in Saudi Arabia 18:58 Al-Musafir's Growth and Future IPO Plans 21:10 The Dynamics of Online vs Offline Travel Booking 23:29 Understanding Saudi Arabia's Travel Trends 26:36 Growth Opportunities in Religious Travel 29:21 The Most Profitable Routes in the World 31:16 Ambition vs. Reality in Saudi Development 33:41 Changing Perceptions of Saudi Arabia 36:32 The Role of Women in Saudi Workforce 37:26 Talent Retention Challenges in a Growing Market 38:35 Leveraging AI for Business Growth 42:33 Future Vision Post-IPO

This week Sarah Kopit and Seth Bork’s are joined by JourneyWoman’s (https://journeywoman.com/author/carolyn-ray/) Carolyn Ray and Intrepid Travel’s (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/) Leigh Barnes to discuss the growing trend of solo women travelers over 50. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the travel industry, highlighting a recent survey that shows a significant percentage of women feel ignored. The conversation dives into the importance of safety, empowerment, and authentic marketing, as well as the changing perceptions of aging and adventure. The guests share insights on how travel is becoming a means of self-discovery for older women, and they discuss the increasing popularity of destinations like Saudi Arabia for this demographic. The speakers discuss the allure of travel, the challenges of marketing to this demographic, and the impact of single supplements on solo female travelers. They explore the need for solo travel experiences and the potential of intergenerational travel. Finally, they share insights on creating welcoming environments for solo travelers and engage in a rapid-fire question round. Takeaways 70% of women over 50 felt misunderstood by the travel industry. The travel industry is starting to recognize the market for solo women travelers. Women over 50 are seeking unique and adventurous travel experiences. Safety and trust are crucial for women travelers. Women are making their own travel decisions, often independently. Marketing to older women is often overlooked in the travel industry. Women prefer authentic storytelling over traditional marketing. The perception of aging is changing, with older women being more adventurous. Health trends are influencing older women's travel choices. Travel is seen as a way to discover oneself, not just a vacation. Part of the allure is safety in travel for women. Women over 50 do not want to share a room. The most affluent travelers are aged 65 to 74. Discounting in travel doesn't build long-term relationships. Women want to travel solo without friends. Intergenerational travel is a growing trend. Travel companies should listen to women travelers. Creating welcoming environments is crucial for solo travelers. Stereotypes about senior travelers need to be challenged. Women over 50 are adventurous and willing to spend on travel. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ ⁠Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko speak with Vered Raviv-Schwarz, the president and COO of Guesty (https://www.guesty.com/), to explore the evolving landscape of short-term rentals and travel tech. They discuss the current state of the market, the role of Guesty in property management, investor perspectives on travel tech, and the impact of Airbnb's new experience services. The conversation highlights trends in travel, the blending of hospitality and technology, and the future of short-term rentals in a competitive environment. Vered Raviv Schwarz explains the evolving landscape of short-term rentals and their integration with long-term rentals and hotels. She emphasizes the importance of individual hosts adapting to market changes, the impact of regulations, and the role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing guest experiences. The discussion also touches on the significance of unique stays and the competitive dynamics among major booking platforms. Get more insight into short-term rentals and travel at https://skift.com/vacation-rentals/ Takeaways Short-term rentals are becoming less alternative and more mainstream. Guesty is a leading property management platform for short-term rentals. Investors remain bullish on the travel tech market despite challenges. The short-term rental market is stable with slight increases in bookings. Airbnb's experience services could significantly impact the industry. The franchise model is gaining traction in the short-term rental space. The lines between hotels and short-term rentals are blurring. Travel trends are evolving with a focus on local experiences. Guests are looking for unique stays and local recommendations. The future of travel tech is ripe for disruption. Five or ten years from now, rentals will merge. There's room for individual hosts in the market. Short-term rentals are a $280 billion industry. Regulation can create consistency and professionalism. Unique stays are increasingly sought after by travelers. AI is transforming guest communication and pricing. AI tools can enhance operational efficiency for hosts. The future may see AI agents handling bookings. The short-term rental industry is becoming more defined. The franchise model will evolve in the hospitality space. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry. Chapters 00:00 Revisiting Short-Term Rentals 02:25 Understanding Guesty's Role in the Market 07:13 Investor Insights on Travel Tech 11:09 Current State of Short-Term Rentals 14:28 Airbnb's Experience Services Launch 17:03 Post-Mortem on Major Players in the Industry 20:58 Blurring Lines Between Hotels and Short-Term Rentals 23:41 The Future of Rentals: Merging Short-Term and Long-Term 25:13 Opportunities for Individual Hosts in a Changing Market 27:17 Navigating Regulations in the Short-Term Rental Industry 30:03 The Role of Trust and Consistency in Guest Experiences 31:27 Exploring Unique Stays: The Appeal of Short-Term Rentals 33:19 Status Report on Major Booking Platforms 35:18 Harnessing AI in the Hospitality Industry 39:53 The Future of AI Agents in Travel 43:40 The Evolving Landscape of Short-Term Rentals

Seth Borko sat down with Richard Valtr, founder of cloud-PMS provider Mews, during the Mews Unfold conference in Amsterdam. Valtr explains this company's long-standing vision: strip away check-in bureaucracy so staff can greet guests as people, not reservations – a problem that still demands modern tech such as AI, computer vision and open APIs. He traces the company’s 13-year path from “just” building a PMS to a broader guest- and profit-management platform, describes competing with legacy giants (the real foe is hotel inertia), and discusses how recent funding and acquisitions will speed adoption. The pair range into bigger topics, like why hospitality undervalues technology, the promise of voice agents and AR, the over-hype of blockchain IDs, and how rising labor costs and brand mergers and acquisitions (e.g., Marriott/CitizenM, Sabre’s SynXis spin-off) create urgency for smarter systems. They close with Valtr’s passion for historical travel, linking tech-enabled experiences to the timeless allure of place.  Human-first vision: Mews aims to make hotel arrivals conversational by automating identity, payment and room assignment in the background. From PMS to platform: The company is shifting from “property-” to “profit-management,” fusing CRS, CRM, revenue and upsell tools in one open ecosystem. Legacy lock-in: On-premise systems still run ~95 % of hotels; the biggest competitor is operators’ fear of ripping them out, not Oracle or Sabre. AI everywhere: Valtr sees computer vision, large-language models and voice agents stitching together guest data so staff can personalize service in real time. Open beats closed: He argues hotels must be free to mix best-of-breed apps; vendors that wall off data will lose. Funding as validation: Mews' recent $75 million round backs continued M&A—less for “asset accumulation,” more to migrate more hotels faster. Labor economics: Automation is no longer optional when Amazon warehouse wages outpace hotel front-desk pay. Trends he buys and bins: Excited about voice-AI agents and mixed-context processing; skeptical that blockchain ID alone solves anything. Experiential future: AR could turn stays into “immersive movies,” letting travelers time-travel through historic sites—echoing Valtr’s own battlefield-tour hobby.  Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.