The Skift Travel Podcast

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 episod...

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 st...

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 pl...

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...

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...

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 cri...

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 minimize...

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...

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...

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/00...

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

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...

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...

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-d...

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...

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 t...

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, including partnerships with major companies like Airbus and luxury hotels. The conversation explores the challenges of data integration, the unique approach Palantir takes in software development, and the realities of implementing off-the-shelf software solutions in the travel sector.

Moura addresses...

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 emphasized India's strategic importance, citing Marriott’s expanding footprint, a growing pipeline of hotels, and deeper localization efforts, including empowering regional teams and engaging directly with Prime Minister Modi. He also explained how live tourism, AI innovation, and cultural authenticity are critical factors shaping Marriott’s global strateg...

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 lifestyle hotels. Lalvani shares insights on modern consumer expectations, the integration of food and beverage in hotel experiences, and the future of hospitality, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Read more in-depth coverage of hotels at Skift's hotel hub.

Takeaways

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 its rich history and cultural heritage.

Takeaways

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 in the travel industry, and the emerging markets of India and the Middle East. The conversation also delves into the unique position of Singapore in the tourism landscape, the challenges faced by Malaysia and Indonesia in long-haul travel, and the critical role of...

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 dynamics, forward bookings, and the influence of popular culture, particularly the White Lotus series, on hotel bookings and brand visibility. They discuss the impact of cinematography on hotel bookings – particularly in locations like Thailand and Sicily. He elaborates on...

Today Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko are joined by Tom Marchant from Black Tomato to delve into the evolving landscape of luxury travel. They discuss the definition of luxury, the importance of emotional connections in travel experiences, and how travel advisors play a crucial role in understanding customer needs. The conversation also touches on innovative travel experiences, partnerships, and the balance between curated and spontaneous travel. In this conversation Marchant discusses the profound impact of cultural assets and media on travel destinations, particularly how shows like 'White Lotus' influence tourism. He shares insights on scaling a luxury travel business...

This conversation with Skift Editors and the head of Skift Research explores the intricate relationship between economic policies, particularly those of the Trump administration, and their impact on the travel industry. The discussion delves into various factors such as travel bans, tariffs, and consumer sentiment, highlighting how these elements shape travel decisions and the overall market.

The speakers analyze the current economic climate, emphasizing the uncertainty that affects consumer behavior and spending patterns, particularly among luxury travelers. They discuss the resilience of luxury travel amidst economic uncertainties, the impact of economic downturns on travel...

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko discuss the emerging trend of golden visas, particularly in light of U.S. President Trump's recent announcement regarding a new program in the U.S. They explore the market for these visas, the motivations behind them, and the potential risks involved. Max Tremaine, CEO of Sherpa, provides insights into the various golden visa programs available globally, their economic implications, and the role of technology in navigating visa requirements. The conversation also touches on the future of visa policies and the impact of these programs on real...

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko explore the complex world of travel loyalty programs, focusing on the evolution of these systems, the role of credit cards, and how consumers can maximize their points. Guest Tiffany Funk, President and co-founder of Point.me, shares insights on the challenges consumers face in redeeming points and the importance of understanding personal travel goals. The conversation also delves into the impact of credit card companies on loyalty programs and the shifting landscape of consumer loyalty in the travel industry.

Takeaways

Today Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko discuss the significant influence of Bollywood on Indian culture and its impact on the travel industry. They’re joined by Raj Rishi Singh, CMO of MakeMyTrip, who shares insights on how Bollywood shapes travel aspirations and marketing strategies. The conversation explores the evolution of India's travel market, driven by rising affluence, improved infrastructure, and social media. This week’s episode also delves into the growing trend of spiritual tourism among the Indian diaspora, highlighting the diverse motivations for travel among Indians living abroad. In this conversation, Singh discusses the evolving landscape of travel in I...

This week’s conversation takes a small turn to our recent Megatrends event in London. Guest host Gordon Smith, who you can hear on the Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast, is joined by Hannah Bennett, head of travel at TikTok, to talk about how TikTok has transformed the travel industry. They discuss how the platform is used not only for inspiration but also for actual travel planning and bookings. The discussion touches on real-world examples of brands successfully leveraging TikTok, the importance of authentic and behind‑the‑scenes content, evolving audience demographics, emerging travel ad products, and even regulatory challenges that T...

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko discuss the significance of tourism in Australia with Pip Harrison, the Managing Director of Tourism Australia. They explore personal experiences in Australia, the economic impact of tourism, sustainable growth strategies, and the challenges of over-tourism. The conversation also delves into the growing importance of Asian markets, the effects of geopolitics on travel, aviation strategies for enhancing connectivity, and the marketing campaigns aimed at attracting visitors to Australia. In this episode, we explore the multifaceted role of sports in Australia's identity, the challenges and opportunities presented by...

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, recorded live in New York City at our recent Megatrends event. Seth Borko sits down with Thomas Reiner from Altimeter Capital to discuss the transformative impact of AI on the travel industry. They cover the shift from traditional keyword searches to conversational AI, the importance of trust in AI-driven travel planning, and the implications for online travel agencies and direct bookings. The conversation also explores the role of user-generated content and voice technology in enhancing the travel experience.

Takeaways

Skift’s Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko are joined by Jeremy Jauncey, CEO of Beautiful Destinations, to discuss the burgeoning field of social commerce within the travel industry. The conversation explores how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are reshaping travel discovery and planning, the evolving consumer behaviors in travel bookings, and the potential future of travel commerce driven by influencers and social media. They also touch on the role of major platforms, including YouTube, in this dynamic landscape. In this conversation, Jeremy discusses the evolving landscape of travel marketing, emphasizing the importance of content creation over traditional advertising. He hi...

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko engage in a comprehensive discussion with David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue and Breeze Airways. The conversation covers the fragility of the aviation industry, the challenges faced by low-cost carriers, the implications of mergers, and the regulatory landscape affecting market consolidation. Neeleman also shares his critical views on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and discusses the future of Breeze Airways, emphasizing innovation and the use of technology to enhance customer experience.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko sit down with Steve Hafner, CEO of Kayak, in New York City to discuss this year’s travel Megatrends.

They start with Skift’s lead Megatrend for 2025: The growing impact of live tourism on travel trends, highlighting how major events like Formula 1 races and Taylor Swift concerts drive significant travel demand, especially in smaller markets. To capitalize on this, Kayak is using AI to anticipate major travel events by creating targeted landing pages that help users easily find relevant travel options. While these even...

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko discuss their travel predictions for 2025, reflecting on holiday experiences and the need for a return to routine. They explore consumer spending trends, regional differences in travel priorities, and the impact of social media on travel bookings. The conversation also covers growth in the online travel sector, the hotel industry's revenue projections, and insights from consumer surveys that reveal a strong desire for exploration and travel as a top discretionary expense.

Takeaways

In this episode of Skift's How I Travel series, Skift CEO & Founder, Rafat Ali, interviews Sarah Kopit, Editor-in-Chief of Skift, discussing her personal travel philosophy, habits, and reflections. They explore topics like her transition from fast-paced work life to relaxed, unplugged vacations, her family-oriented travel preferences, her minimalist approach to packing, and her cautious stance on environmental travel. The conversation highlights her upbringing in a travel-loving family, her adventurous pre-kids travel experiences, and her current focus on creating enriching travel experiences for her children.

Connect with Skift

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/

In this episode of the Skift How I Travel series, Skift Founder & CEO, Rafat Ali, interviews Skift's Chief Product Officer, Jason Clampet, about his travel habits and philosophies. They discuss Jason's unfussy approach to travel, the balance between local and international trips, airline loyalty, packing strategies, and the importance of food in travel experiences. Jason shares insights on family travel, home swapping, and his pet peeves regarding hotel usability, particularly in relation to hooks and lighting. In this conversation, Rafat and Jason discuss various aspects of travel, including hotel experiences, exploring new destinations, maintaining fitness on the road, food...

Skift's How I Travel Podcast Series features intimate conversations diving deep into the personal travel philosophies, habits, and styles of industry insiders and cultural influencers. Each episode features an in-depth interview with an expert traveler, where they share their unique perspectives on various aspects of the travel experience.

This episode features an extended interview exploring the travel philosophy of Colin Nagy, a seasoned travel writer. The conversation delves into Nagy's long-term perspective on travel as a lifestyle, emphasizing its impact on his thinking and personal growth, rather than solely focusing on the typical travel influencer aesthetic. Key...

On this week's Skift Travel Podcast, hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko dive into Skift's annual Megatrends, offering insights into how the travel landscape is evolving to meet new consumer expectations and societal changes. Key trends include the growing demand for pet-friendly accommodations, the professionalization of influencer marketing in travel, and a significant focus on AI’s impact behind the scenes. Seth and Sarah's conversation touches on the rise of live tourism and authentic, remote experiences as travelers prioritize connection and uniqueness over traditional luxury, as well as how psychedelics and "quiet luxury" are reshaping wellness and high-end travel ma...

Airline loyalty programs have long been considered highly valuable assets, generating significant revenue through credit card partnerships and brand affiliation. However, recent changes have made earning and redeeming miles increasingly complex, prompting frustration among everyday travelers. Lounges are overcrowded, and higher spending thresholds mean only top-tier customers maintain easy access to premium perks. Meanwhile, regulators are scrutinizing these programs for their lack of transparency and consumer fairness, leaving the future of airline loyalty uncertain.

Read the feature story: Are Loyalty Programs Fair? The Backlash Against Airlines’ Most Valuable Asset

Connect with Skift

Hosts Seth Borko and Sarah Kopit by their Skift Research colleague Pranavi Agarwal. Agarwal authored a recent report that looked at the prospects for hotel direct bookings. How and where consumers book their hotel rooms can have huge implications for hotels, online travel agencies, and pretty much anyone in the travel industry. This is the third time in seven years that Skift has commissioned this report, and this year it revealed significant shifts in booking trends over the years, influenced by technology, consumer behavior, and market disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

3 Key Themes

Technological Advancements...