The Skift Podcast

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 place. Stephenson also explains the company’s localization strategy across Asia-Pacific, its response to economic uncertainty, and the growing role of pop culture in shaping travel behavior. From Michelin-star ramen in Tokyo to wellness treatments in your New York apartment, Airbnb is aiming to remove friction and deliver more personalized, high-quality travel experiences—without requiring you t

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 evolving economics of distribution, and the balancing act of maintaining autonomy while scaling global visibility. From the shifting value of leisure loyalty to the limits of “frequent stayer” models, this episode offers rare insight into the business case for staying independent—together. Key themes: Why the future of loyalty is about leisure, not just business The ROI of D

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, citing workforce cuts at key agencies like the National Weather Service and TSA as safety risks. Despite political turmoil, Nelson praises Transportation Secretary Duffy for advancing FAA modernization and stabilizing air traffic operations. Contract negotiations are reshaping the industry, with maj

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 critical role payments play as both the starting point and final touch of the guest experience – “payments are the infrastructure play,” she told Skift founder and CEO Rafat Ali. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads:

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 minimizes emissions through renewable energy and rooftop heat pumps. The hotel also revamped its food menu to reduce carbon impact. Graham discusses the broader challenge of scaling these efforts across Radisson’s global portfolio as part of its 2050 net zero goal. The episode blends technical solutions with strategic business insights, making it relevant across the travel sector. Listen to GreenShift here. Connect with SkiftLinked

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 ahead in a rapidly changing world. RateGain evolved from a pricing data provider to a full-stack travel tech platform. AI is accelerating innovation, enabling faster, cheaper product development. The company aims for $1B in revenue, entering its "10 to 100" growth phase. AI co-pilots are being built for roles like revenue, marketing, and campaign managers. Internal AI tools l

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 up to date with everything that's happening with artificial intelligence and travel at our AI travel hub. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: http

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/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 and never miss an update from the travel industry.

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 Amex Ventures focuses on strategic investments in travel and technology. AI is transforming the travel sector and enhancing user experiences. Travel tech must address unique complexities of the travel journey. Food is increasingly integrated into travel planning. Investment strategies balance market trends and company objectives. AI startups need a strong value proposition to secure funding. Vertical AI solutions can create effi

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 Viator and Tripadvisor, emphasizing the importance of travel agents and the tools provided to them. He addresses market dynamics, particularly in relation to competitors like Airbnb, and highlights the role of AI in shaping the future of travel. Takeaways Tripadvisor has evolved from a modest idea to a global travel resource. The democratization of travel information has trans

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 in Saudi Arabia, highlighting trends such as last-minute bookings, the growth of religious tourism, and the challenges of talent retention in a rapidly expanding market. Ahussain also emphasizes his company's ambitious vision for the country's development, the changing perceptions of Saudi Arabia in the West, and the integration of AI to enhance business operations. The discussion also touches on the importance of women's roles

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-discovery for older women, and they discuss the increasing popularity of destinations like Saudi Arabia for this demographic. The speakers discuss the allure of travel, the challenges of marketing to this demographic, and the impact of single supplements on solo female travelers. They explore the need for solo travel experiences and the potential of intergenerational travel. Final

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 rentals and their integration with long-term rentals and hotels. She emphasizes the importance of individual hosts adapting to market changes, the impact of regulations, and the role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing guest experiences. The discussion also touches on the significance of unique stays and the competitive dynamics among major booking platforms. Get more ins

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 topics, like why hospitality undervalues technology, the promise of voice agents and AR, the over-hype of blockchain IDs, and how rising labor costs and brand mergers and acquisitions (e.g., Marriott/CitizenM, Sabre’s SynXis spin-off) create urgency for smarter systems. They close with Valtr’s passion for historical travel, linking tech-enabled experiences to the timeless allure of plac

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 concerns about AI's impact on jobs, the unintended consequences of AI, and the need for travel companies to adopt technology more aggressively. Moura also highlights the significance of maximizing ROI through revenue management and procurement strategies, while envisioning a future where AI enhances operational efficiency in the travel sector. Takeaways Palantir focuses

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 strategy. Key Points Marriott sees India as a crucial growth market, aiming to make it its third-largest market, despite global economic uncertainties. Capuano discussed the potential impacts of a U.S. recession and highlighted the importance of maintaining strong corporate profits and employment numbers. While

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 The Standard is considered the king of lifestyle hotels. Lifestyle hotels focus on creating unique experiences for guests. Amar Lalvani emphasizes the importance of F&B integration in hotels. Consumer expectations have evolved significantly over the years. Modern lifestyle hotels must differentiate themselves in a crowded market. The Manor represents a new type of lifestyle hospita

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 Alula is a unique destination with 7,000 years of history. $50 billion is being invested over ten years for tourism development. Alula is ahead of other projects like Neom in terms of progress. The young workforce in Saudi Arabia is driving change in the tourism sector. 40% of the workforce in Alula's tourism sector are women. Alula aims to be a boutique destination, not mass tourism. The target audience includes intrepid explorers and luxury travelers. Alula's experiences include hot air balloon rides and zip-lining. Sustainability is a core principle in Alula's development. Alula see

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 government travel in the region's economy. The episode concludes with insights into the future outlook for Southeast Asia's travel industry amidst global economic uncertainties. This conversation explores the evolving dynamics of tourism in the Asia Pacific region, focusing on the changing relationships between countries, the challenges of visa coordination, and the impact of seasonality on travel pattern

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 the development of a film tourism strategy and the importance of emerging markets such as India and the Middle East. The discussion also covers the diversification of source markets, the dynamics of the luxury market in China, and the niche positioning of hotels in the U.S. Additionally, Di Tullio highlights the transformative impact of AI on operations and the company's technology acquisition