Skift Daily Travel Briefing

Marriott has lowered its full-year forecast due to weakening demand in the U.S., despite strong international performance and double-digit revenue growth in India and Japan. In a separate development, Skift highlights ten influential women in the Asia-Pacific travel industry ahead of its upcoming Asia Forum, spotlighting leaders from Hilton, Klook, and Indonesia’s aviation sector. Meanwhile, Hilton is planning a major expansion in India, aiming to grow its hotel count tenfold over the next decade with a focus on the middle class and the introduction of five new brands. Asia's Women Leading the Travel Transformation Hilton CEO's 10x Plan for India: 30 Hotels Today, 300 in a Decade Marriott Trims Outlook on 'Softer' U.S. Demand But Sees Strength Internationally Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

JetBlue has sold its venture capital arm, JetBlue Ventures, to Sky Leasing in a move to return to profitability following setbacks including the collapse of partnerships with American Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Airbnb's global rollout of upfront pricing now includes cleaning fees, which vary significantly by region, with North America and the Caribbean showing the highest incidence. Meanwhile, Skift Research reports that social commerce is transforming travel, as platforms like TikTok and Instagram drive bookings and influencers increasingly act as travel agents, potentially generating $7 billion in sales across accommodations and airlines. JetBlue Sells Venture Capital Arm in Bid to Boost Profitability Social Commerce Is Transforming Travel – Brands Need to Move Fast Short-Term Rental Cleaning Fees — the Global Numbers Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Airbnb is working to regain double-digit growth in nights booked by expanding internationally, especially in Italy, Germany, and Japan, and by adding more high-quality hotels to its platform, including incentives through HotelTonight. Wyndham has revised its revenue outlook downward due to softer March demand but remains optimistic about long-term gains from infrastructure spending, having opened a record number of new rooms in Q1. Hyatt also lowered its forecast citing macroeconomic uncertainty, despite strong Q1 results, with luxury brands showing the highest performance. Airbnb Reports 'Softness,' Looks to International and Hotels to Get Growth Mojo Back Hyatt CEO: 'Softer Booking Trends' and 'Choppy Environment' Wyndham Cuts Growth Forecast, Hopes for Infrastructure Boom and 'Short-Lived' Uncertainty Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Trivago reported a strong first quarter with $141 million in revenue—a 22% year-over-year increase—driven by global and local ad campaigns, with expectations of continued growth. China’s H World Group now leads globally in hotel count and loyalty membership, aiming to double its presence by expanding budget and upscale hotels in China and internationally. Meanwhile, Wizz Air urged faster climate action in aviation, advocating for the end of fossil fuel subsidies in favor of sustainable jet fuel investments. Trivago's Turnaround Is Kicking In as Growth Accelerates Wizz Air Calls for Ending Fossil Fuel Subsidies China's H World Is Already Bigger Than Wyndham. Now it Aims to Double Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Skift reports that a survey of travel industry leaders shows widespread concern over the Trump administration’s early impact, with “uncertainty” being the dominant theme and many seeing potential opportunities for non-U.S. markets. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta remains optimistic about the economy and travel demand despite acknowledging short-term concerns and trimming Hilton’s annual revenue outlook. Meanwhile, Verbo has agreed to revise or pull ads featuring Nick Saban after a ruling that the commercials misleadingly implied competitors like Airbnb always require guests to cohabit with hosts. Travel Leaders (Anonymously) Speak Out on Trump’s Turbulent First 100 Days Airbnb Wins Claim Against Vrbo for Nick Saban Commercials Hilton's Chris Nassetta Sees 'Overreaction' to Trump Policies and 'Upside' Potential Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Marriott International plans to acquire CitizenM to expand its select-service and lifestyle hotel portfolio, expecting the deal to boost its 2025 net room growth and generate $30 million in annual fees. Expedia Group is laying off about 3% of its workforce, mainly in the product, technology, and finance teams, as part of a broader restructuring effort that began with its marketing team in March. Meanwhile, a rare atmospheric event triggered a major power outage across Spain and Portugal, severely disrupting travel and prompting emergency measures. Marriott to Buy CitizenM for $355 Million Expedia Restructures Product and Tech Teams, Will Lay Off 3% of Workforce Blackouts Across Spain and Portugal Hit Travel Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel topped online travel executive compensation in 2024 with a $126.4 million pay package, while Expedia CEO Ariane Gorin received $37.3 million, boosted by Expedia’s stock surge. Former President Donald Trump addressed the U.S. tourism decline, attributing it partly to nationalism abroad and suggesting a weaker dollar might reverse the trend, though Skift Research found political climate to be the top deterrent for travelers. Despite global economic concerns, Accor reported a strong first quarter and optimistic booking trends for April and May, even as European travel to the U.S. dipped in March. Online Travel Pay Roundup: Booking CEO Leads With $126 Million Accor Says April Bookings Have Rebounded: No ‘Cracks in Demand’ Trump Comments on U.S. Tourism Decline – Travelers Cite Trump's Policies 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.

Expedia Group is making it harder for entry-level One Key loyalty members to earn rewards on Vrbo bookings, a change aimed at reducing costs for the company. Meanwhile, international adventure travelers are increasingly avoiding the U.S. due to perceptions of unwelcoming entry policies and lingering concerns about tariffs. Lastly, although Booking Holdings reported a drop in greenhouse gas emissions for 2024, it is abandoning a key sustainability goal. Expedia Makes It Harder for One Key Members to Earn Vrbo Rewards Why Adventure Travelers Are Saying ‘No’ to the U.S. Green Label Target Scrapped, Extreme Weather Risks – Takeaways from Booking Holdings’ Climate Report 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 companies have ramped up their lobbying efforts significantly in early 2025, with spending surpassing amounts seen in previous presidential terms, and the U.S. Travel Association alone investing over $1 million. In Thailand, tourism revenue goals for 2025 are being lowered due to a steep decline in Chinese tourists, influenced by regional safety concerns. Meanwhile, Airbus has postponed its electric commercial aircraft plans, citing supply challenges with green hydrogen, though it remains committed to the long-term project. U.S. Lobbying Roundup: Which Travel Companies Spent the Most Airbus Delays Hydrogen Electric Plane by up to 10 Years With Chinese Arrivals Lagging, Thailand Rethinks 2025 Tourism Ambition 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.

A federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by using its ad tech tools to maintain a monopoly, a decision that could benefit travel advertisers like Expedia and Trivago, who have long criticized Google's dominance. Skift Research warns of potential recession impacts on the travel industry, with luxury hotels like Hyatt already seeing share-price declines, though this segment may prove more resilient than in past downturns. Meanwhile, a Global Business Travel Association poll shows that nearly a third of travel managers expect reduced business travel this year, largely due to rising costs and visa-related concerns. Google Exerted Monopoly Power in Online Advertising Tools, Judge Rules Business Travel Sentiment Sours Over Trump Policies — GBTA Poll Forecasts for Hotels and Online Travel Agencies Are Coming Down – Who’s Most at Risk? 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.