AI’s Permission Test, America’s Passport Drop and Dubai Dreams for Leela

Skift CEO Rafat Ali argues OTAs face a “permission to remain relevant” test as travel shifts into its third transformation—from search-and-book to AI agents that can bypass intermediaries entirely. The U.S. passport has fallen to 12th on the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to 180 destinations and recent reciprocity moves (like Brazil ending visa-free entry) contributing to the slide, while Singapore, South Korea, and Japan lead. India’s Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts will make its first international move with a 25% stake in a 546-key Dubai beachfront resort—set to rebrand in 2027—as the group expands from 13 to 22 properties over three years.

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