Certares Bets $2.3 Billion on High-Speed Rail in Europe, Founder Says
Rail has been such a tough sell for Americans traveling to Europe. Perhaps high-speed rail, climate sensibilities, marketing and competition can change that.
News
American Airlines Network Chief Exits
American has largely focused on a domestic network strategy. But the money has been in international.
Southwest Airlines Overhauls Loyalty Program, Gives First Look of New Lounges
Southwest’s loyalty changes and new lounges make it even more like the rivals it spent decades trying to set itself apart from.
Skift Meetings
Why Networking Receptions Stress Attendees Out — And What to Build Instead
Planners often treat networking as time to fill. A design strategist argues it’s a job to be done, and that the fix is giving attendees a reason to talk that isn’t networking.
Tourism Ireland’s Advice for AI Search: Choose What You Want to Be Famous For
With AI changing the face of online discovery, many tourist boards and destinations are grappling with how to finesse the message. For Tourism Ireland, this has prompted it to measure how often it is shaping the answers that AI provides.
Easing EU Border Friction: There Will Be ‘Flexibility,’ Official Says
No-one wants long processing delays at the EU border, and there are signs that a further easing of the EU's biometric Entry/Exit System could be applied as needed. It seems a pragmatic move given that long airport queues are still happening.
Skift Meetings
Why a Destination-Wide Strategy Matters for Large-Scale Conferences
Destination choice can have a profound impact on the legacy success of mission-led international conferences. The Melbourne Convention Bureau used its destination-wide network to support Women Deliver 2026 in furthering progressive policies and inspiring multi-million-dollar funding commitments.
For Skift Research Subscribers
Mind the Gap: AI’s Uneven Role Across the Booking Journey
Travelers are increasingly using AI to discover and research trips, but they are still a long way from handing over their credit cards. Travel companies should invest in AI where there is already trust — in planning and post-booking support.
Airlines Can Handle a Crisis – But What About Several at Once?
Black swans are starting to look like pigeons in the park. For airlines, the exceptional is becoming routine – and increasingly expensive.
For Daily Lodging Report Subscribers
IOI Properties Advances $1.8 Billion REIT Listing With Six Marriott Hotels
IOI Properties moves closer to listing a $1.8 billion REIT portfolio, while IHCL signs 47 hotels and Indonesia domestic tourism hits seven-year high. Plus, more hotel deal and development news.
Is Airbnb’s Dynamic Pricing Launch a Step Toward Becoming a Hotel-Like Franchisor?
In addition to dynamic pricing, Airbnb has floated the idea of adding more products and services for hosts, ranging from design services to financing. The soft franchise model might be more appropriate for individual hosts who don't require multi-platform distribution.
Travel Has Launchitis, and I May Have Caught It
Every new travel assistant wants to simplify my life, starting with another introduction.