Southwest is abandoning the model that made it a cult favorite. Hotels in Dubai are getting support from local authorities after a collapse in visitors. And Meta has made live translation available for more Ray-Ban users.
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Southwest 2.0: The Radical Reinvention of America’s Favorite Cult Airline
by Meghna Maharishi
Southwest is starting to look a lot like other airlines after decades of going its own way. There will be bumps and some loyal passengers will gripe. None of that will matter if it delivers on its profit goals.
Meta’s Prescription Ray-Bans Put Live Translation on More Travelers’ Faces
by Adriana Lee
Meta sold 7 million AI glasses last year and now it's coming for the billions who need prescriptions. That puts a live language interpreter on travelers at all times — even without earbuds.
Dubai Throws Hotels a Lifeline as Iran War Devastates Tourism
by Deepthi Nair
Support measures include deferring government fees and postponing the tourism dirham fee.
SANDALS RESORTS + SKIFT
Sandals Resorts International is expanding its Beaches brand and doubling down on its Caribbean roots, with Executive Chairman Adam Stewart sharing the vision behind the company's bold new chapter.
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CHART OF THE DAY
Skift Travel Health Index: February 2026
After a promising start to the year, the travel industry saw growth level off in February 2026. An index of 100 this month, indicates a stable market that matches performance levels seen in 2025, yet, this plateau also signals a cautionary phase for travel.
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.
