In this rare first-ever podcast appearance, Shai Zelering, Global Head of Hospitality Investments at Brookfield Real Estate, sits down with Skift CEO Rafat Ali to discuss how one of the world’s largest real estate investors is shaping the future of travel and hospitality. From billion-dollar acquisitions in Europe to long-term plays in India, Shai shares how Brookfield balances real estate fundamentals with operational excellence to build—not just extract—value in hospitality.
They explore Brookfield’s strategy across markets, the challenges of aligning brands and owners, the rise of affordable travel solutions like Generator hostels, and the cultural edge of brands like Leela. The conversation also dives into Europe’s niche lodging products, the U.S. hospitality labor crunch, and why Zelering believes AI and better tech adoption could unleash a new golden era of hospitality service.
Presented by EF World Journeys.
Key Themes:
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Brookfield’s $1B Generator hostels deal and Europe’s affordable travel market
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Long-term investment strategy in India: 10 years before the first deal
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Leela’s growth story, its IPO, and the challenge of exporting Indian luxury brands abroad
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Why niche lodging models like Center Parcs and Locke extended-stay are outperforming
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Differentiation vs. commoditization: why Brookfield avoids cookie-cutter hotels
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How traveler sentiment and credit card data guide investment decisions
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The misalignment between hotel brands and real estate owners in the U.S.
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What America can learn from India, Europe, and Latin America about hospitality as culture
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Technology adoption vs. technology creation: the industry’s Achilles’ heel
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Why AI could push hospitality to refocus on EQ and human connection
