Skift Daily Travel Briefing

Kerzner International plans to expand its ultra-luxury hotel portfolio by adding at least 10 new properties under both the One&Only and Atlantis brands, while also accelerating the growth of its newer lifestyle brands, Siro and Rare Finds. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines is ending its eight-year partnership with Lyft and making Uber its exclusive rideshare and delivery partner, allowing SkyMiles members to earn miles on qualifying Uber trips. Finally, the UK government is standing firm on a policy requiring airlines to use more sustainable aviation fuel—starting at a 2% mandate and rising to 22% by 2040—despite concerns this will raise ticket prices. Kerzner International has big plans to expand its portfolio Delta Air Lines announced this week that it will link its SkyMiles loyalty program to Uber UK government is standing firm behind its new policy requiring airlines to use greener 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 and never miss an update from the travel industry.

At Skift’s Megatrends event, travel executives discussed the rising impact of AI on the industry, with Thomas Reiner of Altimeter Capital warning that AI-driven personal assistants could disrupt online travel agencies, metasearch engines, and traditional SEO. Meanwhile, Kayak CEO Steve Hafner anticipates that a commercial agreement between an AI engine and a major travel brand could arrive by 2025, potentially reshaping consumer booking habits. Finally, British Airways’ controversial switch to a revenue-based loyalty program underscores the importance of transparent communication and planning when making significant changes that affect frequent travelers. Online travel agencies and metasearch engines are in trouble due to the rise of AI-generated search The first commercial agreement between an AI engine and a major travel brand British Airways recently announced several controversial changes to its loyalty program 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.

The U.S. hotel transaction market is flourishing for properties valued under $50 million or over $250 million, but mid-size full-service hotels have essentially frozen due to owners clinging to 2019 prices and increased renovation costs. Meanwhile, a severe winter storm caused over 1,400 flight cancellations in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, most notably at Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport, with airlines waiving rebooking fees. Lastly, Indian budget hotel operator Oyo has barred unmarried couples from its Meerut properties, sparking questions about the legality and potential spread of this policy to other cities. The U.S. hotel transaction market is currently hot for luxury properties Airlines canceled more than 1,400 flights in the U.S. on Monday Oyo will no longer permit unmarried couples to stay in Meerut, India 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.

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.