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GOOD DAY, READERS.

Expedia is closing in on a $350 million acquisition of CarTrawler, a B2B platform that powers car rental and ground transportation for airlines, banks, and travel agencies. A source close to the deal says it’s moving “full steam ahead,” and the price could still go higher.

It’s the second major B2B deal Expedia has pursued this year, following its Tiqets acquisition in Q1. The strategy is becoming clear: Expedia wants to be the behind-the-scenes engine powering travel for partners well beyond hotels and flights. Both companies are staying tight-lipped, but with legal documents updated and bankers in the room, this one looks like it’s going somewhere.

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Expedia on Track for $350 Million Acquisition of CarTrawler: Scoop

Expedia on Track for $350 Million Acquisition of CarTrawler: Scoop

by Dennis Schaal

Expedia's outgoing chief financial officer said during its most recent earnings call that investments in its B2B unit could pressure margins near term. First Tiqets, and now CarTrawler, could be the investments he had in mind.

‘Desperate’ to Travel, but Rising Costs Point to ‘Uneven’ Summer

‘Desperate’ to Travel, but Rising Costs Point to ‘Uneven’ Summer

by Bailey Schulz

Outlooks and surveys project a busy summer for the travel industry, but climbing fuel prices likely mean bookings will be driven by higher-earning households.

Extreme Day Trips: Climate Costs and a Debate the Travel Industry Can’t Avoid

Extreme Day Trips: Climate Costs and a Debate the Travel Industry Can’t Avoid

by Darin Graham

The extreme daytripping debate has raised fresh concerns about the climate impacts of an industry that largely says it is committed to responsible tourism and reducing emissions.

STRIPE + SKIFT

Up to 20% of "pay" buttons in hospitality don't work, and that's revenue lost at the exact moment of commitment. A new Skift Studio + Stripe report makes the case for why payments are a strategic lever, not a back-office cost.

From shifting consumer tastes to the impact of AI, global travel is undergoing unprecedented change. Skift Advisory helps make sense of it all. Learn more here.

MORNING HEADLINES

Airbnb and Uber Want to Own More of Your Trip: History Says It Will Be Tough

The Vacation Rental Company Deflecting 60% of Guest Inquiries With AI

Travel Brands Think They Have a Gen Z Problem. Most Have Two.

H World’s Earnings Call: Premium Shift and Southeast Asia Expansion

America’s Travel Problem Is Getting Worse

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CHART OF THE DAY

Skift Research’s Global Traveler Mindset and Trends 2026 report brings together insights from traveler surveys across Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America to provide a unified view of how travelers are thinking, planning, and booking in today’s environment.

Flights and hotels capture the green premium almost by default— they're the highest-cost, most visible parts of any trip.

Experiences, tours, and cruises trail behind, despite often carrying a heavier environmental footprint. The gap between impact and intent is widest exactly where it matters most.

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.

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