The global appetite for authentic travel is increasingly central to demand, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is meeting it with scale and intention. Its cultural strategy shows a destination treating curiosity as its most valuable currency.

Travel brands are racing to adopt AI, but real progress comes from rebuilding foundations rather than layering tech onto legacy systems. Airlines that take an AI-first approach can operate proactively, personalize at scale, and deliver smoother experiences.

Skift partnered with the Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi to present the most important insights and takeaways drawn directly from on-stage conversations.

Beyond the everyday challenges of organizing memorable events that move the needle for companies, today's planners are under mounting pressure to inspire a burned-out workforce. New Orleans combines its rich history, deep culture, and modern innovation to host corporate experiences that spark creativity and foster connection.

Travel’s personalization ambitions outpace its readiness. Closing that gap starts with unified, trusted data that serves as the foundation for real recognition, relevance, and loyalty.

Group travel is entering a new golden age, fueled by travelers’ desire for connection, comfort, and flexibility. Evermore Orlando is redefining what it means to stay together, blending the best of vacation homes and luxury hotels through a philosophy of “residential hospitality” that caters to every generation.

Across Africa, luxury travel is evolving beyond gated resorts and safari lodges toward experiences rooted in culture, creativity, and community. With rising investment, expanding airlift, and a young generation seeking purpose-driven experiences, the continent is redefining what modern luxury means.

The hotel stay now sits at the center of a wider ecosystem. As hospitality expands into wellness, residences, mobility, and retail, the strongest brands will create connected worlds that run on loyalty and emotional relevance, rather than relying solely on room revenue.

Experiential retail is becoming a powerful, yet overlooked driver of tourism. Retail spaces that combine food, music, art, and local culture are becoming vital touchpoints in the modern travel journey.

As travelers invest more in premium, emotionally charged trips, hotels face rising pressure to provide continuity and reassurance. Peace of mind has not only become the ultimate luxury, but a new measure of guest loyalty.

As discretionary travel spending softens, timeshare owners remain the travel industry’s most reliable leisure segment. These travelers continue to book, plan, and take vacations at rates far above the broader market — a testament to the power of prepaid “banked leisure.”

Loyalty programs should provide curated accommodations suggestions, rather than calling it a perk if they send their customers back to a generic search box to start again from scratch.