Skift Daily Travel Briefing

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BUSINESS NEWS
UPDATED DAILY

Everything you need to know about the business of travel today. Each episode covers new travel stories from Skift's editorial team. Listen to the latest developments at hotels, airlines, destinations, online booking sites, and more. Published Tuesday through Friday by 5am ET. For ongoing coverage, please visit Skift.com/news.

19 HR AGO

Choice Chooses Fancy, Spirit Exits Bankruptcy and Booking Boosts Revenues

Choice Hotels is shifting its focus from budget roadside chains to upscale and extended-stay properties, with brands like MainStay Suites nearly doubling their footprint since 2019. Spirit Airlines will exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a private company after a U.S. judge approved its restructuring plan, with top bondholders gaining control. Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel downplayed AI-related disruptions, emphasizing negotiations with AI platforms while highlighting the company's strong growth in alternative accommodations. Choice Has Dumped Hundreds of Budget Hotels in Upscale Strategy Shift Spirit Airlines Cleared to Exit Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Booking Holdings Downplays Concerns That Agentic AI Platforms Will Displace It 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

4 min
1 DAY AGO

JetBlue's Loyalty Push, IHG's Emissions Miss and MakeMyTrip's Ambitions

JetBlue is exploring new airline partnerships to strengthen its loyalty program after a federal judge blocked its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines in 2023. InterContinental Hotels Group admitted it will not meet its 2030 emissions reduction goal due to rising emissions and slow renewable energy adoption. Meanwhile, MakeMyTrip aims to become a travel superapp by integrating various travel services, though its CEO acknowledges the challenges of executing this vision. JetBlue Still in Talks With ‘Multiple Airlines’ for Partnership, Sees Loyalty as Biggest Benefit IHG Says it Will Miss its Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Targets Inside MakeMyTrip's 'Travel Superapp' Strategy. Is it Doable? 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

4 min
2 DAYS AGO

IHG Buys Ruby, UK Green Fuel Dilemma and AmexGBT-CWT Merger

InterContinental Hotels Group is acquiring Ruby Hotels for over $300 million as part of its European expansion strategy, with plans to introduce the brand in the U.S. by year-end. UK airlines, facing a new sustainable aviation fuel mandate, may struggle to source enough fuel as China tightens control over its biofuel exports. Meanwhile, the UK’s competition regulator has provisionally approved American Express Global Business Travel’s $570 million acquisition of CWT, though a final decision is expected by March 9. UK Regulator Gives Provisional Green Light to Amex GBT-CWT Merger IHG Buys Ruby Hotels as 20th Brand UK Airlines Rely on Chinese Cooking Oil for Greener Fuel — But for How Long? 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

4 min
3 DAYS AGO

Airport Lounge Exclusivity, TravelPerk's Plans and Thailand's 'White Lotus' Hopes

Airport lounges in the U.S. are expanding, prompting operators to restore exclusivity, with JetBlue setting strict entry rules for its first-ever lounges at JFK and Boston, while co-branded credit card lounges like Chase’s Sapphire Lounge offer premium experiences. Travel tech firm TravelPerk raised $200 million to enhance its platform with expense management tools, expand in the U.S., and integrate more AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, Thailand expects a tourism boost from hosting season three of *The White Lotus*, following similar surges in Hawaii and Sicily, with hopes of reshaping its global image beyond budget travel. TravelPerk President on What's Next After Raising $200 Million Airport Lounges Under Pressure: Can New Openings Restore Exclusivity? Thailand Expects a Tourism Boom From Season 3 of 'The White Lotus' 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

4 min
7 FEB

Expedia's Strong Quarter, Hilton's Optimism and Sustainability’s Price

Expedia Group reported strong fourth-quarter growth, with CEO Ariane Gorin highlighting AI partnerships and potential expansions while CFO Scott Schenkel emphasized merger opportunities. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta expressed optimism about a corporate travel rebound post-election and China's travel recovery, citing policy clarity and visa-free zones as key drivers. Meanwhile, Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel noted that while travelers support sustainability, they are unwilling to pay extra for green trips, urging governments to implement policies that promote eco-friendly travel choices. Expedia Is Open to AI Partnerships and M&A We Now Know What Hilton Paid for NoMad Hotels: Just $56 Million Will Travelers Pay More for Green Trips? That's Not What Booking Holdings' CEO Is Seeing 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

4 min
6 FEB

NYC Short-Term Rentals, Disney Parks Growth and British Airways Loyalty

A New York City regulator reported that Local Law 18 has effectively curbed illegal short-term rentals, with major booking platforms now in compliance. The Walt Disney Company is optimistic about expanding its cruise fleet and increasing theme park attendance, contributing to a robust revenue increase in its Parks & Experiences division. British Airways is revamping its communication strategy on its controversial loyalty program changes by launching a new microsite and video series to better inform customers. Disney's Gamble: More Cruise Ships, Parks, and Premium Prices British Airways Boosts Loyalty Messaging to 'Reassure' Customers NYC Enforcement Boss on Short-Term Rental Law: 'It's Working' - Exclusive 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

4 min
5 FEB

Marriott's Strategy, TripAdvisor’s Layoffs and Airlines’ EU Plea

Marriott, despite a recent 16% cut in corporate staffing, reported record growth last year, and CEO Anthony Capuano emphasized his commitment to serving employees, guests, and owners while working to clarify the company’s brand portfolio and expand into unconventional hospitality offerings like safari experiences and a yacht collection. Tripadvisor has recently laid off over 150 employees and contractors, impacting teams focused on trip planning, reviews, and experiences, though sister brands such as Viator and TheFork remain unaffected. European airline groups, organized under Destination 2050, are calling on the EU to provide stronger support for sustainability initiatives, including the development of sustainable aviation fuel and recognition of aviation as a challenging sector for emission reductions. Marriott CEO: We Want '100% of Your Travel Wallet' — Exclusive Interview Tripadvisor Fires More Than 150 Employees and Contractors: Scoop European Airline Bodies Push EU for Help to Reach Climate Targets 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

4 min
4 FEB

Trump’s Tariffs, Delta's Premium Issues and Strawberry's New Brands

The potential U.S.-Canada trade war is currently on hold, but tariffs remain a threat, which could impact tourism as a weaker Canadian dollar may make U.S. travel more expensive, potentially leading to a $2.1 billion loss in spending. Columnist Colin Nagy highlights Delta Air Lines’ success in attracting premium travelers but argues it must improve its long-haul service to compete with top global airlines, as premium ticket sales are expected to surpass economy revenue by 2027. Meanwhile, Nordic hotel operator Strawberry is launching two new brands—Home, catering to frequent business travelers, and Stopover, a sustainable roadside motel chain—marking its first major expansion in three decades. Strawberry Bets Big on Two New Hotel Brands in Nordic Market Shake-Up Delta Is Winning the U.S. Premium Traveler, But Needs to Up Its Game on the Global Stage Trump's Potential Trade War With Canada: What's at Stake for Tourism 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

4 min

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Everything you need to know about the business of travel today. Each episode covers new travel stories from Skift's editorial team. Listen to the latest developments at hotels, airlines, destinations, online booking sites, and more. Published Tuesday through Friday by 5am ET. For ongoing coverage, please visit Skift.com/news.