Travel in 2025, Accor and Luxury, and Casago-Vacasa Deal
Today’s briefing tells listeners about the global travel outlook for the new year, Accor’s luxury focus, and more on Vacasa’s acquisition.
Rashaad Jorden is Skift’s Associate Editor/Archivist. He often delves into topics that readers turn to Ask Skift, our AI answer engine, for information. Before finding his way to Skift, he bounced around the U.S., France, Japan and UK. He greatly misses the all-you-can-eat vegetarian curry at his favorite restaurant in Japan. He is also adept at running half-marathons and, despite living in New Jersey, rues the fact he doesn’t spend enough time on the Jersey Shore.
Hyatt’s Resort Target, Despegar’s Acquisition and Hotels vs. OTAs
In major hospitality news, Hyatt is in talks to acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts, Despegar has agreed to a $1.7 billion buyout by Prosus, and a Skift Research report suggests hotel websites could surpass OTAs by 2030 – or maybe not.
What Are the Travel Industry’s Biggest Challenges Going Into 2025?
Despite making tremendous strides in 2024, the travel industry still faces several challenges and here's a list of some of them.
Hyatt’s Vegas Boost, TSA’s Busiest Days and a New Indie Hotel Giant
Today's episode explains Hyatt's reach into Las Vegas resorts, a team up of independent hotels, and the TSA's busiest days of the year.
Junk Fees Law Added to Year-End Funding Bill
One federal law is a cleaner fix for confusing fees than having several state laws.
Hilton Goes Local, FTC Bans Junk Fees and Asia-Pacific Takes Flight
Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Here's what you need to know about the business of travel today.
FTC Issues Final Rule on Junk Fees
The Biden administration has been very vocal about its aim to stamp out junk fees, and the FTC's final rule does that — provided that the incoming Congress doesn't say otherwise.
Booking’s Layoffs, Hyatt’s Boutique Strategy and Junk Fees on Trial
Today's podcast looks at Booking Holding's B2B changes, Hyatt's unique branding strategy, and junk fees and the U.S. Senate.
Marriott’s Luxury Push, Airbnb’s UK Expansion and Amtrak’s Record
Today's podcast looks at Marriott's luxury expansion, Airbnb's legit apartment push in London, and Amtrak's growth.
Travel Tech Leaders’ Hopes, TSA’s Big Sunday and Saudi’s Sports Push
Today's podcast looks at travel tech's Trump predictions, the TSA's big weekend, and Saudi Arabia's cricket tourism.