WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT
Our analysis of AI job postings at travel companies reveals a great deal about the industry’s various technology strategies. But who’s for real and who is faking it? Meanwhile Hyatt linked some executive compensation to direct bookings and goals for lifestyle hotels. The payout was likely not what they expected. Lastly, many travel brands’ profits are at risk because of the U.S. and Israel’s attacks on Iran. Exec. Editor Dennis Schaal highlights how one online rivalry is impacted.
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OUR LEAD STORIES
Why Booking Has More at Risk From the Iran War Than Expedia
by Dennis Schaal
Booking's larger exposure to the impact from the Iran war than Expedia's comes from a position of strength. Booking has a much larger presence than Expedia in Asia and the Middle East, and inflation will smack Booking's European base much harder.
STRIPE + SKIFT
This new report, based on a survey of 368 hospitality, travel, and leisure executives, reveals how modern payments in travel and related infrastructure directly impact profitability — driving conversion, guest satisfaction, operational agility, and long-term revenue growth.
Value has become the most powerful lever in travel. Few understand that better than Christine Duffy, who leads a brand built on scale, accessibility and price advantage at Carnival Cruise Line. Read more at Women Leading Travel.
THE LATEST
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SKIFT PODCAST NETWORK
Travel used to start with search. Now it’s starting with AI. In this clip from the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko explain how AI is changing travel discovery and why travelers may soon see fewer options, not more. It’s a shift that could reshape how airlines, hotels, and destinations compete for attention.
CHART OF THE DAY
The United States continues to attract strong interest from Latin American travelers, particularly in Mexico and Brazil, where more than half of respondents say they are likely to visit in the coming year. However, the data shows that cost is the main barrier, not sentiment.
Many travelers say trips to the U.S. have become more expensive over the past two years, and intention to travel rises sharply with income. When travel to the U.S. becomes too expensive or difficult, travelers rarely abandon international travel altogether. Instead, they tend to shift to other destinations, most commonly within Latin America or to Europe.
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.
