WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT TODAY
Hilton’s CEO offered the hotel industry’s most bullish forecast for 2026, arguing that a rebound in the U.S. midmarket demand would more than offset the headwinds.
Travelers are using AI to plan trips, but only 8% are comfortable letting it handle bookings, according to a new survey from Expedia Group.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is interested in a deal. "If others take longer to adjust, it’s going to amp up the stress on them," he said in an interview. "And we’ll be there to pick up some of those assets."
Read on, below.
Enter the Skift IDEA Awards
From bold brand storytelling to breakthrough traveler experiences, the Skift IDEA Awards spotlight the most innovative work shaping the future of travel. Whether you are redefining loyalty, reimagining hospitality, or launching something entirely new, this is your chance to be recognized on a global stage.
Think your work stands out? Get the recognition you deserve.
DON’T MISS THESE STORIES
Hilton CEO Argues the Bull Case Despite Iran War and Weak World Cup Signals
by Sean O'Neill
Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta is making the strongest bull case in the hotel sector right now, and early U.S. industry data backs him up. But the Middle East and the World Cup remain open questions.
JetBlue Rumors? Now American? What a United Mega-Merger Would Mean
by Meghna Maharishi
A United-American tie-up would be the most significant airline merger in a decade and further tighten the grip of legacy carriers. But approval by regulators seems like a long shot.
Expedia: Only 8% Trust AI to Book Travel
by Adriana Lee
Expedia’s new report says travelers don’t trust AI to book, preferring to transact with travel brands. At the same time, the OTA is expanding across AI platforms wherever trip decisions get made.
MSC Cruises + SKIFT
Private islands are becoming central to how cruise lines differentiate their product. MSC Group’s Cruise Division is expanding its Bahamas island portfolio with the addition of Sandy Cay, set to open in 2028, while deepening its investment in Ocean Cay to serve a growing, more segmented passenger base.
Travel marketing is being rewritten in real time — and most brands are still playing by the old rules. See what 10 industry leaders are doing differently. Get the report.
SKIFT PODCAST NETWORK
Will two of America's biggest airlines become one? On this episode of Airline Weekly Lounge, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat dig into whether a United-American mega-merger is actually on the table and ask what further consolidation would mean for the industry.
MORNING HEADLINES
For $7 a week, Skift gives you something the industry is missing – the full picture. Subscribe today for 25% off.
CHART OF THE DAY
One strength of India’s domestic travel market has been the speed with which airline capacity has grown compared to pre-pandemic levels. Domestic aviation capacity is a key enabler of internal tourism and regional connectivity, and India stands out among its peers, with capacity at about 16% above pre-pandemic levels, outperforming the peer average of roughly 0%.
SKIFT TRAVEL 200
How are public travel companies performing around the world? The Skift Travel 200 pulls the data you need to understand global market movements. Paid subscribers get full access here.
See more essential travel news in your search results.
