Skift Daily Travel Briefing

Special Monday Edition:Global travel stocks suffered steep declines on Monday, with major markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe seeing significant selloffs due to mounting fears over global tariffs and economic instability. The Hang Seng index dropped over 13%, its worst fall since 1997, while travel-linked stocks like Trip.com and Alibaba plunged by double digits. European airlines and hotel giants also took hits, with IAG, Lufthansa, Accor, and IHG all posting substantial losses amid concerns about falling transatlantic travel demand and trade war impacts. In the Middle East, markets continued a downward slide, compounded by plunging oil prices and significant losses in companies like Saudi Aramco, adding to fears about tourism investment in the region.Read the full story on Skift.Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

President Trump's newly announced tariffs have increased recession fears, triggering a sharp drop in travel company stocks and prompting Skift Research to revise its 2025 global travel growth forecast down to 2-5%. U.S. and European airlines were hit hard, with major carriers like United, Delta, and American seeing stock declines of at least 8%, as economic uncertainty continues to weigh on the industry. Meanwhile, airlines are falling behind on their goal of net zero emissions by 2050 due to slow progress in sustainable aviation fuel production, with the IATA blaming government inaction. Travel Stock Carnage and Our New – Lower – Forecasts U.S. Tariffs Cloud Airline Industry Outlook as Stocks Plummet Airlines Warn About Hitting 'Net Zero' Emissions Goal: 'We Are Being Let Down' Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

U.S. President Donald Trump proposed extensive new tariffs that could indirectly impact the travel industry by raising costs for goods and potentially deterring international tourists due to rising prices and geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, travel brands are facing uncertainty around marketing on TikTok as a U.S. ban looms, even though the app plays a significant role in travel discovery and promotion. Lastly, Virgin Voyages’ adults-only cruise strategy has proven successful, with a 60% revenue increase last year, as the company taps into a market segment often overlooked by traditional cruise lines. Trump’s New Tariffs and the Potential Hit to Travel TikTok Ban: Deadline Nears, What Does It Mean For Travel? Virgin Voyages CEO: Child-Free Strategy Fills Untapped Market Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

U.S. tariffs introduced by President Trump may indirectly affect the travel industry by increasing costs and strengthening the dollar, potentially deterring international visitors and raising expenses for hotel owners. Travel leaders like United Airlines and Accor have already reported declines in international travel to the U.S., citing negative perceptions and rising tensions as contributing factors. Meanwhile, vacation rental company Vacasa has endorsed a lower buyout offer from Casago and Roofstock over a higher bid from hedge fund Davidson Kempner, leading to legal scrutiny and an upcoming shareholder vote. Tariffs Won’t Be a Direct Hit on Travel - But They Can Still Hurt Europeans Are Cutting U.S. Summer Trips Due to 'Bad Buzz', Accor CEO Says Inside the Vacasa Bidding War — The Unfolding Battle Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Travelers can now book hotels directly through the AI search engine Perplexity, which integrates data from Tripadvisor and Selfbook, though the booking process is still somewhat clunky. European airline CEOs say demand for travel to the U.S. remains strong despite economic concerns, but warn that a decline could pose challenges due to limited alternative markets. Meanwhile, Airbus claims innovation is helping offset emissions from aviation growth, though the industry acknowledges it has made limited progress in sustainability. Perplexity Can Now Book Hotels: What Our Tests Show Airline CEOs Say Europe-U.S. Demand Remains Strong, But For How Long? ‘Relatively Stable’ Emissions? Airbus Says Innovation Can Offset Air Travel But the Record Isn’t Good Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Despite ongoing economic concerns and declining consumer confidence, a new survey shows that people still plan to increase their travel spending, even as they cut back on entertainment like movies and live events. Eurostar is experiencing a strong rise in bookings from U.S. travelers, with CEO Gwendoline Cazenave noting no signs of a slowdown and emphasizing seamless travel as key to continued growth. Meanwhile, Singapore is set for a tourism boost thanks to Lady Gaga's May concerts, which have driven a significant surge in travel bookings and accommodation searches. Exclusive: U.S. Outbound Travel is 'Booming,' Says Eurostar CEO Consumers Plan to Spend More on Travel and Vacations Despite ‘Gloomy’ Sentiment Will Lady Gaga's Singapore Concert Match the Taylor Swift Effect? Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

United Airlines is raising fees for its credit cards and lounge memberships while adding new perks like rideshare credits and Instacart memberships, as it sees growing revenue from these services. Marriott International is expanding rapidly in the branded residences market, especially in the Caribbean and Latin America, though it faces stiff competition from other major hotel chains. Meanwhile, Minor Hotels is consolidating its eight brands under a single app and launching a masterbrand strategy to streamline loyalty programs and improve cross-selling. How Marriott Is Defending its Lead in Branded Residences United Airlines Raises Credit Card and Lounge Fees: Here’s What to Know Minor Hotels to Unveil Masterbrand and Unify 8 Chains on One App Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

London’s Heathrow Airport has been shut down until 11:59 p.m. on March 21 due to a major power outage caused by a fire, resulting in the cancellation of 1,351 flights and at least 120 diversions. Accor’s loyalty program, ALL, has surpassed 100 million members globally, though it still trails behind Marriott and Hilton due to its smaller global footprint. Meanwhile, Airbnb is ramping up efforts to attract Chinese outbound travelers with targeted marketing on local platforms and seasonal campaigns following China’s border reopening in 2023. London Heathrow Airport Closed: What We Know So Far Accor’s Loyalty Program Hits 100 Million Members: See Where it Ranks vs. Marriott and Hilton Airbnb Stopped Listing in China - But it Still Wants Chinese Travelers Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Vrbo launched a marketing campaign targeting Airbnb, but Airbnb dismissed it as ineffective, with Skift Research showing Airbnb’s dominant market share of 44% compared to Vrbo’s 9%. Sonesta remains optimistic about strong bookings despite economic concerns and is shifting towards franchising by selling 114 properties, particularly seeing growth in East Coast markets. Meanwhile, IHG has opened Western Europe’s first net-zero hotel in the UK, powered by renewable energy and featuring sustainable practices, while maintaining competitive pricing. Airbnb Calls Vrbo Billboards 'Confused' and 'Desperate' Sonesta CEO: Bookings Are 'Still Strong' as it Aims to Sell 114 Hotels Inside IHG's New 'Net Zero' Hotel Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Marriott International sees India as a key driver of its future growth, with CEO Anthony Capuano emphasizing local leadership, expansion into secondary cities, and tourism development in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson highlighted India's rapid aviation growth, with over 1,000 aircraft on order, a booming loyalty program, and plans to integrate AI for operational efficiency, positioning Indian carriers to dominate outbound travel by 2027. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering new travel restrictions affecting up to 43 countries, which may not significantly impact U.S. tourism immediately but could have long-term consequences for global travel policies. Marriott CEO on U.S. Recession Fears and India's Untapped Potential Air India CEO: 'The Power is in Our Hands' to Capture Outbound Travel Demand Trump Travel Ban 2.0: How Many U.S. Visitors Are at Stake? Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.