Skift Daily Travel Briefing

The Trump administration is considering new travel restrictions that could impact up to 43 countries, including full visa bans for 11 nations, citing national security concerns. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has launched a debit card targeting Gen Z and Millennials, allowing users to earn Wyndham Rewards points on everyday purchases. Meanwhile, the short-term rental market is increasingly dominated by major platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, with Airbnb significantly expanding its market share since 2019. Trump's Next U.S. Travel Ban May Target Dozens of Countries Wyndham Launches U.S. Debit Card to Target Gen Z Short-Term Rentals: Airbnb's Dominance and Booking's Gains in 1 Chart 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.

Radisson is prioritizing an "owner-first" approach to its expansion, adding a record 40,000 guest rooms last year and planning significant growth in China. Riyadh Air sees India as a key market for its global network, with increasing Indian visitor numbers and transit flight potential. Skift Research estimates the global accommodation market generated $1.2 trillion in 2023, with moderate growth expected, Asia-Pacific set to overtake Europe, and business travel spending surpassing pre-COVID levels. Radisson's Growth Plan: Fewer Rules for Hotel Owners, China Focus India to Play ‘Crucial’ Role in Riyadh Air’s Global Network Trends in Global Accommodations: Asia-Pacific’s Rise and Business Travel’s Comeback 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.Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.

Southwest Airlines reversed its long-standing “bags fly free” policy after its expected gains from listing flights on Google Flights, Kayak, and Expedia failed to materialize, prompting the airline to reconsider its distribution strategy. Meanwhile, Canadian visits to the U.S. have declined post-pandemic, with a significant drop in car travel and vacation rental bookings, influenced by past political and economic tensions. Lastly, ahead of the Skift India Forum, industry leaders highlight ten rising women shaping India's travel sector, including executives from Marriott and FCM Travel India, who emphasize the growing role of women in leadership positions. Southwest Didn't Get the Gains It Expected From New Online Booking Channels Canada Is the Top Source of U.S. Travel – Now Visits Are Trending Down The Women Driving India’s Travel Revolution Connect with Airline WeeklyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airline-weekly/X: https://x.com/Airline_Weekly/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airlineweekly/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the airline and travel industries.

Airbnb is revamping its experiences offerings by focusing on mainstream attractions and professional tour guides, signaling a shift from its original emphasis on niche activities. Southwest Airlines is ending its long-standing “bags fly free” policy under pressure from Elliott Investment Management, a move that could impact its loyal customer base. Meanwhile, Lufthansa Group reported a 16% rise in total emissions in 2024 but saw a slight decrease in passenger-related emissions due to more fuel-efficient aircraft. Airbnb Experiences: New Details Point to Direct Competition with Viator and GetYourGuide Southwest’s Gamble: It’s Now Just Like Every Other Airline Lufthansa’s Mixed Climate Progress: More Efficient Aircraft but Emissions Rise  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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Booking Holdings is preparing for AI chatbot integration in travel but does not see them replacing online travel agencies, as travelers trust specialists for major purchases. Airline group IAG has allocated $217 million for startup investments to enhance customer experience, operations, and sustainability. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has lowered its quarterly revenue and profit forecasts due to economic uncertainty, citing factors like mass layoffs and potential tariffs. 4 Reasons AI Chatbots Won’t Become Online Travel Agencies: Booking Holdings CFO IAG Pledges $217 Million for Startup Investments Through New Venture Arm Delta Lowers Outlook, Cites Decline in Consumer and Corporate Confidence 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Canadian airlines are responding to escalating U.S.-Canada trade tensions by adjusting their marketing and capacity strategies, with Porter Airlines halting U.S.-bound promotions and Air Canada reducing capacity in certain U.S. leisure markets, while Flair Airlines pivots to promote non-U.S. destinations. American Express announced plans to acquire the expense management startup Center, aiming to build its own platform that leverages Center’s technology and talent to automate accounting tasks and offer real-time spending insights. Meanwhile, IndiGo is set to launch its first long-haul routes from Delhi to Amsterdam and Manchester in July using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, reflecting the growing international influence of Indian airlines. ‘Tariffic’ Deals, Capacity Cuts, Marketing Pauses: Canadian Airlines React to U.S. Trade War American Express to Acquire Center, an Expense Management Startup IndiGo Reveals Two European Cities as First Long-Haul Destinations 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Spanish authorities are developing measures, including a sustainable tourism strategy and regional initiatives in Catalonia, to protect tourists from extreme heat and its impacts. Airlines are increasingly integrating generative AI into their customer services, with United, Southwest, and Delta implementing various applications. Ryanair has announced plans for a fully digital boarding process, although some airports in its network still require paper boarding passes. Airlines Have Lagged in AI – How They Are Using it Now Spain Aims to Protect Tourists from Deadly Heatwaves Exclusive: Ryanair Confirms Exceptions to New '100% Paperless' Boarding Rule 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Expedia Group has laid off hundreds of marketing staff globally—mostly those in content creation—in advance of a reorganization, marking its second round of layoffs following a previous cut of about 1,500 workers. Airbnb is distancing itself from co-founder Joe Gebbia’s controversial personal views, emphasizing that his opinions do not represent the company or its nonprofit work, despite his past leadership role. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World has seen an increase in weather-related shutdowns over the past decade, with hurricane closures escalating from four between 2000 and 2016 to at least 12 since 2016, resulting in significant daily financial losses. Expedia Laid Off Hundreds of Marketers Ahead of Reorg Airbnb Distances Itself From Co-Founder Joe Gebbia's 'Personal Views' Disney World Closures Due to Hurricanes Are Becoming More Frequent 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Banks and credit card companies are expanding their influence in the travel industry by launching their own booking platforms and capturing significant market share. Meanwhile, IAG is taking a leading role in sustainable aviation fuel usage despite its relatively smaller size, driven by government and EU mandates. Lastly, Deer Valley in Utah stands out in the U.S. ski industry by justifying its high prices through exceptional service, luxury, and a commitment to limiting daily visitors for a premium experience. Skiing Is Obscenely Expensive. The Resort That Makes a $329 Lift Ticket Feel Worth It Banks and Credit Card Companies Are Shaking Up Travel - 3 Key Takeaways British Airways Owner IAG Is Dominating in Use of Green Jet 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin says the hospitality giant is done with frequent reinventions and is now focused on executing its growth plans, including rolling out Orient Express overnight trains with luxury titan LVMH next year. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is taking steps to address the severe air traffic controller shortage by ramping up hiring, boosting salaries by 30%, and even appealing to retired controllers to return. Finally, Qantas aims to connect Australia’s East Coast directly to North America and Europe through “Project Sunrise,” working with Airbus to develop an ultra-long-haul aircraft capable of nonstop flights from New York and London to Sydney by 2027. U.S. to Raise Air Traffic Control Salaries, Elon Musk Asks Back Retirees Accor CEO: Purging Weak Hotels, Defending European Turf, More Luxury Qantas Eyes 2027 Debut for New York to Sydney Nonstop Flights 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.