GOOD DAY, READERS.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said the company's first-half results are among its strongest in years, Executive Editor Dennis Schaal reports. Chesky credited AI with helping Airbnb build and ship products dramatically faster — airport pickups took six weeks to launch, versus nine months for groceries.
He added that growth is accelerating not just in emerging markets but in many core markets too, with the U.S., France, UK, and Australia all accelerating in growth in the second quarter. Nights and seats booked grew 10%, outpacing Expedia (6%) and Booking (5%), as Airbnb pushes into hotels and services.
Skift Global Forum
When Brian Chesky talks about rebuilding Airbnb around AI, travel's top operators listen. This September, he does it at SGF.
He joins the CEOs of Booking Holdings, Hilton, Expedia, and Uber at North Javits Center, where 940 leaders from 590 companies gathered last year to define travel's next chapter.
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Booking Holdings Has Begun Merging Agoda, Booking.com, and Priceline’s B2B Units: Scoop
by Dennis Schaal
Omri Morgenshtern is running B2B plus Agoda and it wouldn't be surprising to see his role change. He'll be tasked with executing a massive tech migration, while also trying to win new B2B partnerships.
SHEERID + SKIFT
Airlines know what travelers buy. Understanding who they are could unlock more relevant offers and stronger long-term relationships.
MORNING HEADLINES
SKIFT PODCAST NETWORK
Google is using travel to sell its AI story, and IHG is the first major hotel flag to integrate directly into Google's AI overviews.
In this clip from Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane break down what this means for operators who are paying attention versus those still refusing to list on certain OTAs out of principle. The window to get ahead of the OTAs in AI search is open right now, and it will not stay open forever.
PEOPLE MOVES
This week's people moves shaping the industry. Let us know about a move.
Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts International, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Vail Resorts, effective August 3.
Lufthansa Group has announced three leadership changes effective this autumn: Edi Wolfensberger becomes CEO of Edelweiss, succeeding Bernd Bauer, who is leaving the Group.
Matthias Spohr becomes COO of Eurowings, succeeding Wolfensberger.
Michael Kircher, joining from Austrian Airlines, becomes CEO of Lufthansa City Airlines and Co-Managing Director of Lufthansa Aviation GmbH, succeeding Peter Albers, who returns to flying full-time as a Lufthansa captain.
Piotr Uryga is leaving Tripadvisor's Viator business after roughly two-and-a-half years as Vice President of Engineering of Viator and Tripadvisor Experiences.
Satya Ramaswamy is stepping away from his role as Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Air India.
Alex Pinelo has been named Chief Sales Officer, North America at Azamara Cruises, effective September 1, joining from AmaWaterways where he served as Chief Sales Officer.
Aron Backström is leaving SAS Scandinavian Airlines, and he'll become Chief Commercial Officer at Swedish airport operator Swedavia starting August 10.
Chris Dunne has joined Pyramid Global Hospitality as Chief Financial Officer, bringing 30+ years of experience across Atrium Hospitality and IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Terra Mobility (Busbud's new parent company) has appointed Mathieu Provencher as Chief Financial Officer. The company also named Sam Shank, co-founder and former CEO of HotelTonight, to its board of directors, joining Erik Blachford, former Expedia President and CEO, who becomes Chairman.
Alanna Gregory has been named Fora Travel's first Chief Marketing Officer.
Christian Poda has been appointed Vice President of Operations, Europe & North Africa at Raffles Hotels & Resorts.
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SKIFT TRAVEL 200
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