The Skift Travel Podcast

Exploring the impacts of AI, Ozempic era, and extreme wellness on the travel industry, from AI concierge hype to practical applications, to the rise of extreme wellness experiences in luxury travel. Discussions on AI in hotel operations, personalized search experiences, language models, and consumer adoption challenges in the hospitality industry.

Continuing our series on Skift’s Megatrends for 2024, today we feature a conversation focused on developments reshaping India, the Middle East, and by extension, the whole of the global travel business. To explore these topics Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit is joined by two members of Skift’s editorial team well versed in these regions: India-based Asia Editor Peden Domo Bhutia, and Dubai-based Middle East Reporter Josh Corder.Bhutia and Corder wrote about the rising Indian middle class, a potential short-term rental boom in the Middle East, and the emergence of "Made in Dubai" as a global brand. The discussion highlights the significant influence of the growing Indian middle class on outbound travel, fueled by increased disposable income and a desire for travel experiences post-COVID. India's outbound tourism is seen as highly aspirational, with the government facilitating easier passport procurement to boost travel.The conversation shifts to the Middle East, where Dubai is positioned as a brand akin to New York or Paris, with its companies expected to expand internationally. The short-term rental market is identified as a key growth area in the Middle East, driven by ambitious tourism targets and a need for budget-friendly accommodation options. The panel discusses the role of celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh in marketing destinations and the importance of value for money to Indian travelers, including the rise of "travel now, pay later" schemes.Dubai's strategy to become a cosmopolitan hub is underscored by its use of short-term rentals to attract long-term residents, alongside the introduction of the golden visa to encourage residency among tourists. The podcast also touches on the broader trend of luxury travel in the Middle East, the need for budget accommodations to meet the demands of the middle class, and the strategic use of luxury hotels as marketing tools to attract tourists, with short-term rentals providing practical accommodation solutions.You can see all of Skift’s Megatrends for 2024 right now at Skift.com/megatrends.

On our second episode exploring Skift’s Megatrends for 2024, Skift Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit is joined by Managing Editor Lex Harris, Airlines Editor and Reporter Gordon Smith, and Airline Weekly Senior Analyst Jay Shabat, to discuss our three most "problematic" Megatrends. They cover: the current uproar over Junk Fees, the continuing supply chain issues faced by the aviation sector, and the impacts of the burgeoning climate crisis on the business of travel. You can see all of Skift’s Megatrends for 2024 right now at Skift.com/megatrends.

The podcast discusses Skift's Megatrends for 2024 and how hotels will seduce the middle class traveler. It covers strategies of hotel groups in appealing to the middle class traveler, the simplicity and success of Wyndham's loyalty program, the mid-market opportunity in India, targeting the rising middle-class traveler market in India and China, the challenge of junk fees, hotel regulations, AI in the hospitality industry, and the importance of personalization in marketing.

One year ago, on January 8 2023, China began reopening to tourism. In our first dispatch of 2024, Skift founder and CEO, Rafat Ali, talks with Check-In Asia director, Gary Bowerman, to discuss the state of Chinese tourism. It is a wide-ranging conversation covering the evolution of the Chinese reopening, how China is addressing the "3 pillars" of travel and tourism, visas, the importance of travel influencers in China, and much more.If you enjoy this conversation visit skift.com for breaking travel news, the latest research, and industry-defining events.

Hany Abdelkawi, Google's Head of Travel Sales, discusses the impact of technology on the travel industry and the importance of personalized content. They explore the capabilities and limitations of AI, including the introduction of Gemini, a multi-model service. The speakers also discuss the role of AI in travel products, traveler preferences, and strategies for customizing travel experiences.

Kerzner CEO Philippe Zuber discusses pushing boundaries in hospitality, Siro's innovative approach to luxury, company vision and brand expansion, personalization in hospitality, and the importance of partnerships with celebrity chefs.

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, speaks with Skift's CEO on Dubai's emphasis on security, efficiency, hospitality, and wellness. They discuss the 20-minute city concept, Dubai's 2040 master plan, and efforts in improving walkability. Additionally, they explore the growth and potential of the Middle East region, including the positive impact of the World Cup in Qatar.

This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast is a rebroadcast of a session that took place at Skift Global Forum East in December of last year: "A Global Outlook for the Year Ahead" featuring Hilton President & CEO, Chris Nassetta speaking with Skift CEO, Rafat Ali. As we prepare to return to Dubai on December 12-14, we're revisiting a few of the most popular sessions.Visit live.skift.com for info on how to attend or view Skift Global Forum East 2023.

The podcast discusses the impact of the Israel-Palestine conflict on tourism in the Middle East, Dubai's forward-thinking approach in attracting travelers, the potential influence of COP 28 and the World Cup, and the growth of tourism from various source markets. The hosts also explore opportunities for tourism growth in the region and highlight the significance of attending the Skift conference in Dubai for industry insights.