Best Skift Podcasts (2025)

1
Google's Smart Glasses, Newark's Flight Cuts and Wyndham's Live Tourism Perks 3:36

12h ago3:36

3:36

Google previewed AI smart glasses that translate speech and give live travel guidance, taking on Ray-Ban Meta’s wearable. The FAA is capping Newark Airport at 28 takeoffs and 28 landings per hour after recent disruptions and will boost controller staffing in nearby Philadelphia. Wyndham Rewards now lets members bid loyalty points for concert and sp…

1
French-Waiter Engineers? Inside Palantir’s Opinionated Approach to Travel Tech 48:55

7d ago48:55

48:55

Rather than just sell travel brands what they think they want, Palantir's employees have opinions about what they really need. Skift Travel Podcast hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko sat down with Breno Helfstein Moura, the Head of Hospitality at Palantir. Moura discusses how Palantir leverages data and AI to solve complex problems in travel, includi…

1
Ryanair's Rosy Summer Ahead 33:33

10h ago33:33

33:33

In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat delve into the latest financial results of Ryanair, discussing its operational strategies, challenges, and future outlook. They also explore the significant aircraft orders placed by Qatar Airways, analyzing the implications of these deals in the context of the current …

1
Google's New AI Mode, Congress’ Favorite Travel Stocks and Hotels.com's AI Planner 3:29

1d ago3:29

3:29

Google introduced new travel-related AI tools at its developer conference, including smart glasses for real-time translation and navigation, and a more advanced AI Mode for complex search tasks. A Skift analysis revealed that over three dozen U.S. lawmakers and their spouses have actively traded stocks in travel companies such as Booking Holdings, …

1
Fairmont's New Marketing, Airbnb’s Experience Challenge and AirAsia Move’s Rebrand 3:35

3d ago3:35

3:35

Airbnb faces hurdles in reaching its $1 billion experiences business target, as the tours and activities sector grows slowly and customers typically book experiences separately from accommodations. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts launched its first global brand campaign since 2021, emphasizing personalized moments with bookable experiences and a new ad c…

1
Airbnb's Experiences Confidence, Amadeus' Acquisition and Archer's Air Taxi Deal 3:24

6d ago3:24

3:24

Airbnb is relaunching its “Airbnb Originals” experiences, focusing on unique, locally vetted offerings such as cooking classes with Michelin-starred chefs and celebrity hangouts, to differentiate itself in a competitive market. Amadeus has acquired ForwardKeys, a travel analytics firm, to enhance its travel intelligence capabilities, marking its th…

1
Can Singapore Airlines Do It Again? 35:51

7d ago35:51

35:51

In this week's show, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat preview the latest financial results from Singapore Airlines, traditionally one of the world's most profitable long-haul operators. The pair also discuss highlights from an airline leadership conference and the latest Q1 earnings from global carriers. Connect with Airline Weekly LinkedIn: https://www…

1
Airbnb's Personal Touch, Expedia’s Expansion and UAE Theme Park Struggles 3:18

8d ago3:18

3:18

Expedia Group is expanding its B2B business to include new offerings like flights, rental cars, and travel insurance, aiming to become a comprehensive platform for travel partners. Airbnb is enhancing its app by using user profiles to deliver personalized experiences based on travel preferences and companions, with CEO Brian Chesky envisioning prof…

1
U.S. Tourism Optimism, Aviation Infrastructure Woes and Viceroy Expansion Plans 4:00

9d ago4:00

4:00

In April, travel to the U.S. rebounded with a notable 12% increase in visits from Western Europe, particularly from Germany and the U.K., though the data excludes Canada, where visits have declined. The U.S. air traffic control system is under scrutiny due to outdated technology and staffing shortages, prompting the government to invest billions in…

1
Marriott CEO on Next-Gen Loyalty and Market Volatility 28:59

12d ago28:59

28:59

In March, Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano sat down with Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit for a session at Skift Forum India. In a wide-ranging conversation, Capuano highlighted the strength and evolution of the Bonvoy loyalty program, which now appeals beyond business travelers to include leisure guests by offering diverse and accessible rewards. He …

1
Expedia's Trump Slump, Choice's Budget Boost and Sphere’s Cheaper Offspring 3:33

14d ago3:33

3:33

Expedia Group is experiencing weaker travel demand to the U.S., reporting a 7% decline in inbound travel and lowering its full-year growth expectations due to softening bookings and revenue. Choice Hotels also cut its revenue outlook, though it saw a 7% rise in revenue per available room from its budget brands, benefiting from factors like strong e…

1
Our Round-the-World Airline Adventure 37:11

14d ago37:11

37:11

In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat take listeners on a global tour of the airline industry's Q1 earnings results. They discuss the contrasting fortunes of airlines across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia, highlighting optimism amidst challenges, mixed results, and shifts in consumer behavio…

1
The Brand That Set The Standard for Lifestyle Hotels 39:22

14d ago39:22

39:22

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko talk lifestyle hotels with Amar Lalvani, Executive Vice President, President & Creative Director, Lifestyle at Hyatt. They explore the evolution of The Standard brand following Lalvani's acquisition of it in 2013, its unique offerings, and how it has set the benchmark for…

1
Google's AI Travel Ads, Abu Dhabi's Disneyland and Trump Campaign's Hotel Expenses 3:33

15d ago3:33

3:33

Google is now allowing ads from travel companies to appear in generative AI search results, with startups like iAsk showing sponsored links from brands such as Tripadvisor and American Airlines. Meanwhile, Disney announced plans to build its first Middle Eastern theme park in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, with the project being designed and financed in …

1
Marriott’s Trimmed Forecast, Asia's New Travel Leaders and Hilton's India Ambitions 3:25

15d ago3:25

3:25

Marriott has lowered its full-year forecast due to weakening demand in the U.S., despite strong international performance and double-digit revenue growth in India and Japan. In a separate development, Skift highlights ten influential women in the Asia-Pacific travel industry ahead of its upcoming Asia Forum, spotlighting leaders from Hilton, Klook,…

1
JetBlue’s VC Sale, Airbnb’s Cleaning Fees and Social Commerce’s Impact 2:55

16d ago2:55

2:55

JetBlue has sold its venture capital arm, JetBlue Ventures, to Sky Leasing in a move to return to profitability following setbacks including the collapse of partnerships with American Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Airbnb's global rollout of upfront pricing now includes cleaning fees, which vary significantly by region, with North America and the Ca…

1
Airbnb’s Growth Plan, Wyndham’s New Forecast and Hyatt’s Trimmed Outlook 3:53

20d ago3:53

3:53

Airbnb is working to regain double-digit growth in nights booked by expanding internationally, especially in Italy, Germany, and Japan, and by adding more high-quality hotels to its platform, including incentives through HotelTonight. Wyndham has revised its revenue outlook downward due to softer March demand but remains optimistic about long-term …

1
U.S. Airlines’ Earnings Season Recap: What the Future Holds 23:42

21d ago23:42

23:42

In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, Jay and Meghna discuss the recent Q1 earnings reports from major airlines, highlighting the mixed results and economic concerns affecting the industry. They delve into the challenges faced by American Airlines compared to its rivals, the importance of premium travel, and the potential impact of economic…

1
AlUla and the New 7,000-Year-Old Tourist Destination 37:50

21d ago37:50

37:50

In today’s episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko engage with Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer of AlUla, to discuss the ambitious plans for transforming AlUla into a premier tourism destination in Saudi Arabia. With a budget of $50 billion over ten years, AlUla aims to create a unique tourism ecosystem that highlights i…

1
Trivago's Surge, H World's Ambitions and Wizz's Climate Warning 2:47

21d ago2:47

2:47

Trivago reported a strong first quarter with $141 million in revenue—a 22% year-over-year increase—driven by global and local ad campaigns, with expectations of continued growth. China’s H World Group now leads globally in hotel count and loyalty membership, aiming to double its presence by expanding budget and upscale hotels in China and internati…

1
Trump’s First 100 Days, Hilton's Optimism and Airbnb's Victory 3:58

22d ago3:58

3:58

Skift reports that a survey of travel industry leaders shows widespread concern over the Trump administration’s early impact, with “uncertainty” being the dominant theme and many seeing potential opportunities for non-U.S. markets. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta remains optimistic about the economy and travel demand despite acknowledging short-term conc…

1
Marriott's New Acquisition, Expedia's Cuts and Europe's Blackout 3:30

24d ago3:30

3:30

Marriott International plans to acquire CitizenM to expand its select-service and lifestyle hotel portfolio, expecting the deal to boost its 2025 net room growth and generate $30 million in annual fees. Expedia Group is laying off about 3% of its workforce, mainly in the product, technology, and finance teams, as part of a broader restructuring eff…

1
Online Travel CEO Pay, Trump Tourism Decline and Accor's Solid Quarter 3:34

27d ago3:34

3:34

Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel topped online travel executive compensation in 2024 with a $126.4 million pay package, while Expedia CEO Ariane Gorin received $37.3 million, boosted by Expedia’s stock surge. Former President Donald Trump addressed the U.S. tourism decline, attributing it partly to nationalism abroad and suggesting a weaker dollar …

1
Southeast Asia's Tourism Recovery: A Deep Dive 52:16

28d ago52:16

52:16

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, guest host and Skift CEO Rafat Ali discusses the current state of tourism in Southeast Asia with experts Gary Bowerman and Hannah Pearson – hosts of The South East Asia Travel Show. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on the region's tourism recovery, the significance of Chinese travelers, pricing trends…

1
Korean Air's Financial Flight Path 35:55

28d ago35:55

35:55

In this episode, Gordon and Jay delve into the latest financials from Korean Air, highlighting their Q1 earnings, the integration with Asiana Airlines, and the dynamics of the cargo business amidst global trade uncertainties. They also discuss the challenges faced by Chinese airlines, including their financial struggles and the impact of internatio…

1
Expedia's Loyalty Changes, Adventure Travelers’ U.S. Switch and Booking's Sustainability Findings 3:38

28d ago3:38

3:38

Expedia Group is making it harder for entry-level One Key loyalty members to earn rewards on Vrbo bookings, a change aimed at reducing costs for the company. Meanwhile, international adventure travelers are increasingly avoiding the U.S. due to perceptions of unwelcoming entry policies and lingering concerns about tariffs. Lastly, although Booking …

1
The Travel Lobby's Spending, Thailand's Shrinking Goals and Airbus' Green Delay 3:21

29d ago3:21

3:21

Travel companies have ramped up their lobbying efforts significantly in early 2025, with spending surpassing amounts seen in previous presidential terms, and the U.S. Travel Association alone investing over $1 million. In Thailand, tourism revenue goals for 2025 are being lowered due to a steep decline in Chinese tourists, influenced by regional sa…

1
Google’s Loss, Recession’s Impact and Biz Travel’s Concerns 3:51

1M ago3:51

3:51

A federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by using its ad tech tools to maintain a monopoly, a decision that could benefit travel advertisers like Expedia and Trivago, who have long criticized Google's dominance. Skift Research warns of potential recession impacts on the travel industry, with luxury hotels like Hyatt already seeing …

1
Hotel CEO Pay, China and Boeing, and Europe's Heat Strategies 3:44

1M ago3:44

3:44

Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta was the highest-paid hotel executive in 2024 with $58.7 million in compensation, followed by Marriott’s Anthony Capuano and Wyndham’s Geoffrey Ballotti. Meanwhile, Beijing has instructed Chinese airlines not to place new orders with Boeing amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions, a move that could impact both the aircraft ma…

1
Minor Hotels and Strategizing for Film Tourism Success 54:10

1M ago54:10

54:10

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Skift CEO Rafat Ali interviews Ian Di Tullio, the global chief commercial officer of Minor Hotels. They discuss the growth and strategy of Minor Hotels, the impact of recent events like earthquakes on the hospitality industry, and the evolving landscape of loyalty programs. Ian shares insights on market …

1
Delta's Q1 Earnings: Our Key Takeaways 28:58

1M ago28:58

28:58

In this episode of the Airline Weekly Lounge, hosts Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat discuss Delta Airlines' recent earnings report, highlighting a solid operating margin and the impact of tariffs and economic uncertainty on the airline industry. They explore the strength of Delta's loyalty program and the demographic trends influencing travel demand, p…

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