Skift Daily Travel Briefing

JetBlue is exploring new airline partnerships to strengthen its loyalty program after a federal judge blocked its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines in 2023. InterContinental Hotels Group admitted it will not meet its 2030 emissions reduction goal due to rising emissions and slow renewable energy adoption. Meanwhile, MakeMyTrip aims to become a travel superapp by integrating various travel services, though its CEO acknowledges the challenges of executing this vision. JetBlue Still in Talks With ‘Multiple Airlines’ for Partnership, Sees Loyalty as Biggest Benefit  IHG Says it Will Miss its Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Targets Inside MakeMyTrip's 'Travel Superapp' Strategy. Is it Doable? 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.

InterContinental Hotels Group is acquiring Ruby Hotels for over $300 million as part of its European expansion strategy, with plans to introduce the brand in the U.S. by year-end. UK airlines, facing a new sustainable aviation fuel mandate, may struggle to source enough fuel as China tightens control over its biofuel exports. Meanwhile, the UK’s competition regulator has provisionally approved American Express Global Business Travel’s $570 million acquisition of CWT, though a final decision is expected by March 9. UK Regulator Gives Provisional Green Light to Amex GBT-CWT Merger IHG Buys Ruby Hotels as 20th Brand UK Airlines Rely on Chinese Cooking Oil for Greener Fuel — But for How Long? 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.

Airport lounges in the U.S. are expanding, prompting operators to restore exclusivity, with JetBlue setting strict entry rules for its first-ever lounges at JFK and Boston, while co-branded credit card lounges like Chase’s Sapphire Lounge offer premium experiences. Travel tech firm TravelPerk raised $200 million to enhance its platform with expense management tools, expand in the U.S., and integrate more AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, Thailand expects a tourism boost from hosting season three of *The White Lotus*, following similar surges in Hawaii and Sicily, with hopes of reshaping its global image beyond budget travel. TravelPerk President on What's Next After Raising $200 Million Airport Lounges Under Pressure: Can New Openings Restore Exclusivity? Thailand Expects a Tourism Boom From Season 3 of 'The White Lotus' 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 reported strong fourth-quarter growth, with CEO Ariane Gorin highlighting AI partnerships and potential expansions while CFO Scott Schenkel emphasized merger opportunities. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta expressed optimism about a corporate travel rebound post-election and China's travel recovery, citing policy clarity and visa-free zones as key drivers. Meanwhile, Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel noted that while travelers support sustainability, they are unwilling to pay extra for green trips, urging governments to implement policies that promote eco-friendly travel choices. Expedia Is Open to AI Partnerships and M&A We Now Know What Hilton Paid for NoMad Hotels: Just $56 Million Will Travelers Pay More for Green Trips? That's Not What Booking Holdings' CEO Is Seeing 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.

A New York City regulator reported that Local Law 18 has effectively curbed illegal short-term rentals, with major booking platforms now in compliance. The Walt Disney Company is optimistic about expanding its cruise fleet and increasing theme park attendance, contributing to a robust revenue increase in its Parks & Experiences division. British Airways is revamping its communication strategy on its controversial loyalty program changes by launching a new microsite and video series to better inform customers. Disney's Gamble: More Cruise Ships, Parks, and Premium Prices British Airways Boosts Loyalty Messaging to 'Reassure' Customers NYC Enforcement Boss on Short-Term Rental Law: 'It's Working' - Exclusive 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.

Marriott, despite a recent 16% cut in corporate staffing, reported record growth last year, and CEO Anthony Capuano emphasized his commitment to serving employees, guests, and owners while working to clarify the company’s brand portfolio and expand into unconventional hospitality offerings like safari experiences and a yacht collection. Tripadvisor has recently laid off over 150 employees and contractors, impacting teams focused on trip planning, reviews, and experiences, though sister brands such as Viator and TheFork remain unaffected. European airline groups, organized under Destination 2050, are calling on the EU to provide stronger support for sustainability initiatives, including the development of sustainable aviation fuel and recognition of aviation as a challenging sector for emission reductions. Marriott CEO: We Want '100% of Your Travel Wallet' — Exclusive Interview Tripadvisor Fires More Than 150 Employees and Contractors: Scoop European Airline Bodies Push EU for Help to Reach Climate Targets 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.

The potential U.S.-Canada trade war is currently on hold, but tariffs remain a threat, which could impact tourism as a weaker Canadian dollar may make U.S. travel more expensive, potentially leading to a $2.1 billion loss in spending. Columnist Colin Nagy highlights Delta Air Lines’ success in attracting premium travelers but argues it must improve its long-haul service to compete with top global airlines, as premium ticket sales are expected to surpass economy revenue by 2027. Meanwhile, Nordic hotel operator Strawberry is launching two new brands—Home, catering to frequent business travelers, and Stopover, a sustainable roadside motel chain—marking its first major expansion in three decades. Strawberry Bets Big on Two New Hotel Brands in Nordic Market Shake-Up Delta Is Winning the U.S. Premium Traveler, But Needs to Up Its Game on the Global Stage Trump's Potential Trade War With Canada: What's at Stake for 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 (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Hotel industry leaders emphasize the importance of diversity for appealing to global travelers, employees, and investors, despite challenges from the Trump administration, with Wyndham's CEO highlighting mentorship programs for women and Black entrepreneurs. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a fatal mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. Meanwhile, Japan experienced a 40% increase in Indian visitors in 2024, driven by more scheduled flights and targeted collaboration with Indian travel agents. CEOs of large hotel groups argue that the overall concept of diversity is critical for their businesses National Transportation Safety Board has outlined how it plans to investigate Wednesday’s deadly plane crash  Japan saw a surge in visitors from India in 2024 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.

A midair collision between an American Eagle regional jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport led to flight disruptions and ongoing search and rescue operations, with the FAA and NTSB launching an investigation. Columnist Colin Nagy highlights a shift in the hospitality industry away from post-Covid extravagance, praising brands like Capella, Dusit Thani Bangkok, Six Senses, and Siro for their innovation. Meanwhile, Frontier Airlines has renewed its bid to acquire Spirit Airlines, but Spirit remains uninterested, preferring its own bankruptcy exit plan. An American Eagle regional jet collided midair with an Army Blackhawk helicopter in Washington, D.C. The hospitality industry is seeing a reduced appetite for post-Covid excess and conspicuous consumption Frontier Airlines announced on Wednesday that it’s making another bid to acquire the struggling Spirit Airlines 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.

China-based AI model DeepSeek is rapidly gaining attention in the tech industry, potentially lowering AI costs for travel brands while disrupting online travel agencies. Meanwhile, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, the new chairman of AirAsia Move, plans to integrate luxury travel and cruising into the superapp’s offerings, expanding its reach beyond Southeast Asia. Despite a $4 billion loss, Boeing is making strides in its recovery, with FAA-approved plans to increase 737 Max production following safety improvements. Deepseek’s implications for the travel industry Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio has big things in store for AirAsia Move Boeing believes it’s making progress in its recovery 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.