Top Story
Hotel tech investments keep climbing, but profits aren't keeping pace. Can hotels promise that AI will mean no job cuts and a payoff on the P&L at the same time?
What Changed: Hotel AI's success metric is shifting from hours saved to P&L impact; Hyatt expects more scrutiny.
Who it Impacts: Hotel tech and commercial leaders, owners, and vendors like Canary, Mews, and Cloudbeds.
What to Watch: Whether AI lifts revenue or margins, how owners handle rising tech costs, and staff pushback.
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Skift Data + AI Summit Europe · London · October 6
The P&L is where every AI bet finally gets judged, and that reckoning is already underway across Europe's largest operators.
Next week, the data and AI leads at Accor, IAG, KAYAK, and Skyscanner take the stage for a live data session on the bets that are actually paying off, under the regulations and market conditions that make Europe its own test.
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Air Canada's premium revenue share has grown from about 20% to 30% in a decade, and at Skift Global Forum, CCO Mark Galardo and ZS's Kunal Shah explained why premium has to be built into the whole business, not just added as a better seat.
From Skift Research
The Loyalty Bar Is Rising: Guests Are Becoming Harder to Impress
Source: Skift Research’s State of Travel 2026
Perks still lead what hotel loyalty members want, followed by hotel quality.
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Skift Executive Search
People Moves
This week's people moves shaping the industry. Email us about a move.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has named Amar Lalvani its first-ever Chief Creative Officer, in addition to his existing role as President & Creative Director of Hyatt's Lifestyle Group.
Dakota Smith, co-founder of Hopper, has stepped down from his roles as President and CEO of its B2B division, Hopper Technology Solutions, after 13 years.
Kempinski Group has appointed Andrea Vanni as Chief Financial Officer. Vanni previously served as a Kempinski board member for over three years.
Vertical Aerospace, the eVTOL developer, has appointed Fabrice Brégier, former CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective September 21.
Elizabeth Harlow is leaving Sonesta International Hotels after more than five years as Chief Brand Officer.
Jody Ford has stepped down as CEO of Trainline after more than six years, handing over to Ian Brown, former CEO of Flutter Entertainment's UK & Ireland division, effective September 28.
Ravi Simhambhatla, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital & Innovation Officer at Avis Budget Group, is departing after four years in the role.
Bonafide, an AI alignment platform for brands, has named Tim Sullivan as Chief Growth Officer. Sullivan previously served as CEO/President of Cendyn and has sat on Bonafide's Advisory Board since 2024.
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