Skift Daily Travel Briefing

The travel industry is poised for growth in 2025, with Skift Research predicting a 9% increase in global travel spending, led by a 14% surge in India. However, challenges such as rising labor costs and slow economic growth in Europe and China could temper progress. Meanwhile, Accor is expanding its luxury offerings, including launching the ultra-luxury Orient Express brand, and Casago's acquisition of Vacasa signals shifts in the vacation rental market, with plans to sell local operations and establish franchise agreements. Here’s Skift’s Global Travel Outlook 2025 Accor is beefing up its luxury portfolio  More details about vacation rental management company Casago’s agreement to acquire Vacasa  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.

Hyatt is in talks to acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts, expanding its all-inclusive resort footprint in the Caribbean and Mexico, while Despegar has agreed to a $1.7 billion cash buyout by Prosus slated to close in 2025. Additionally, a Skift Research report suggests hotel websites could overtake online travel agencies (OTAs) by 2030, though there’s debate about whether major brands’ direct booking growth will offset independent hotels’ continued reliance on OTAs. Hyatt Hotels said on Monday it’s in negotiations to buy Playa Hotels & Resorts Latin America’s largest online travel company has agreed to be acquired There is a debate about whether hotel websites will outpace online travel agencies 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.

Hyatt has partnered with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, allowing guests to book through Hyatt’s platforms and participate in its loyalty program, marking a major expansion in Las Vegas with 7,000 rooms as leisure and group travel surges. Meanwhile, Lark Hospitality and Life House Hotels announced a joint venture creating one of North America’s largest operators of boutique hotels, encompassing a $1 billion portfolio of 97 properties across 27 states. Lastly, the TSA anticipates screening nearly 40 million travelers during the 2024 holiday season, with record-breaking volumes expected on December 20, 27, and 30. Hyatt has reached an agreement with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Lark Hospitality announced a joint venture Wednesday with Life House Hotels TSA has revealed its projection for the three busiest days at U.S. airports 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.

Hilton plans to grow its luxury hotel portfolio in Asia-Pacific by leveraging long-term owner relationships and a tailored regional approach rather than acquisitions, despite strong local competition. Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has introduced a rule banning junk fees in travel, requiring upfront disclosure of total costs for hotels, short-term rentals, and online travel agencies. Lastly, new OAG data highlights Asia-Pacific’s dominance in both international and domestic air routes, with Hong Kong-Taipei and Jeju-Seoul Gimpo ranking as the busiest routes for 2024. Hilton is adopting a tailored regional approach to attract luxury hotel owners The Federal Trade Commission unveiled on Tuesday a rule banning so-called junk fees Data from aviation analytics firm OAG has revealed key trends in the airline industry 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.

Belmond, a luxury brand under LVMH, is expanding its portfolio with new high-end trains, private villas, and Michelin-starred experiences to meet the growing demand for immersive travel. Meanwhile, family-run hotels are winning over travelers who prefer understated, personal experiences over ostentatious, cookie-cutter luxury. Finally, the debate over sustainable aviation fuel continues, with ambitious targets and strong industry resistance highlighting the challenges of going green in the aviation sector. Luxury travel brand Belmond is emphasizing experiences  How family-owned hotels are adding their own touches to luxury We examine sustainable aviation fuel 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 is expanding into outdoor travel by acquiring Postcard Cabins and partnering with Trailborn, integrating them into its booking systems and loyalty program. Amadeus CEO Luis Maroto highlights the importance of continued investment and M&A opportunities to maintain relevance, particularly in modern airline retail technology like NDC. FAA chief Mike Whitaker announced his resignation, leaving challenges like air traffic modernization and Boeing oversight for the next administration.Story Links Marriott is acquiring Postcard Cabins Q&A with Amadeus CEO Luis Maroto FAA chief will step down before Trump takes office 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.

Travel industry insiders anticipate that another Trump term could impact their business, though reactions range from neutral to positive – and personal concerns linger. New regulatory obstacles complicate the future of the FTC’s junk fee rule, and state-level actions are stepping in. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup plans may boost tourism but face ongoing human rights scrutiny, despite promising accommodations across five host cities.Story Links What the Trump administration could mean for the travel industry Will the Federal Trade Commission ever carry out their rule on junk fees? Saudi Arabia is getting ready to host the World Cup in 2034 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.

Skift's annual Megatrends highlight key shifts in the travel industry. The rise of “quiet luxury” reflects affluent travelers' preference for personal and understated experiences, prompting owner-operated hotels to cater to this demand with curated stays. Meanwhile, hotels are enhancing their direct booking platforms with AI, predictive analytics, and immersive tools to compete with online travel agencies. Lastly, cool destinations like Norway and Greenland are gaining popularity, driven by social media and climate-conscious travelers, though sustainable infrastructure remains crucial.Story links: Hotels are playing catch-up Cool destinations in hot demand The rise of “quiet luxury” 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.

Cruise lines are investing in private destinations to reduce overcrowding, ensure tailored port experiences, and mitigate regional instabilities, with major players like Royal Caribbean and Carnival planning expansions through 2027. In tourism, Skift CEO Rafat Ali highlights the oversimplification of local cuisines for travelers, suggesting farm-to-table initiatives and promoting authentic food experiences as solutions. Meanwhile, Hilton has reached 1,000 hotels in Asia Pacific, driven by booming domestic tourism in China and India and the rise of the middle class, with Southeast Asia showing significant growth potential.Story Links Cruise lines aren’t just looking for revenue sources on board What tourism means for food culture Hilton reached 1,000 hotels in Asia Pacific 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.

Skift highlights the rise of "Live Tourism," where major events like concerts and sports championships drive economic growth for destinations, benefiting local businesses and boosting travel demand. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines raises its revenue guidance for Q4, citing strong travel demand and efficiency measures. Lastly, a federal judge rejected Boeing's plea deal regarding the 737 Max crashes over diversity concerns, giving the company and the Justice Department 30 days to revise their agreement. Southwest is getting back on track A federal judge struck down Boeing’s plea deal Major events and experiences are driving tourism 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.