Skift Global Forum 2025 Sessions

Major shifts in the corporate travel space have inspired a trend toward unified, AI-powered policy management platforms. But travel is personal, and travelers demand a personalized touch; for AI to realize its potential, it must live in the hands of human agents.

Airbnb is following the money on Services, and investing in the ones that are most popular. Test and learn, as they say.

AI was all the rage at the Skift Global Forum this week, with the industry’s top executives revealing excitement, and uncertainty, as the tech takes center stage in travel.

Intrepid says purpose and profit can align, but its real test will be scaling sustainability while competing for U.S. travelers.

From the opportunities of AI to the threat from Airbnb, Fogel opened the Skift Global Forum 2025 with a conversation that left few stones unturned.

Luxury innovators Neil Jacobs (the former Six Senses CEO) and Alexandra Walterspiel (CEO of Sensei) slammed cookie-cutter hotels and resorts. They championed instead one-to-one service that reflects traveler values over egos.

IHG CEO Elie Maalouf discussed his growth strategy, focusing on Asia and Middle East expansion, luxury travel trends, and other key efforts.

What's next for Airbnb? How are the most important travel companies using AI? And do travelers have 'price fatigue'? Here's what we heard from more than two dozen executives at the Skift Global Forum.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky talks beds, bots and better travel experiences, and that’s just the beginning, as it eyes new businesses and AI expansions. 

Industry veterans Neil Jacobs and Alexandra Walterspiel say the sector's next winners will emphasize purpose over popularity. The winners will have brand clarity, intuitive service, and contemporary wellness.