Expedia's CEO on the Great Opportunities in Travel

Around 3,000 reefs contribute to the world’s largest underwater ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef. Clownfish, whale sharks, manta rays, green turtles, and giant clams are just some of the marine species residing amid this Coral Sea marvel. Although so mammoth it can be spotted from space, a trip to the moon is a stretch too far for the average adventurer. A myriad of cruises, snorkeling tours, and helicopter flights depart from towns and cities along the tropical Queensland coast. Cairns, Airlie Beach, Townsville, and Port Douglas are the most convenient options although it’s even possible to sleep on an offshore island. Only catamaran away from the corals, these Airbnbs near the Great Barrier Reef are as phenomenal as the natural wonder.

Emphasizing strategic cooperation, ITB China is pleased to announce the Maldives as the Official Island Travel Partner of ITB China 2023. The partnership will turn the prime travel destination into one of the highlights of the trade show, held on 12 – 14 September 2023 in Shanghai.

In our weekend roundup, we delve into the pros and cons of Google’s latest foray into the tours and activities industry, providing insights into how online travel agencies might stand to benefit. We also catch up with IHG’s new CEO Elie Maalouf and his ambitious plans for the brand’s future. From AI’s influence on the travel sector to the latest controversies in short-term rentals, keep reading for a comprehensive look at the most pressing issues in today’s travel landscape.

Google is one of the undisputed heavyweights in online travel. So when one of the key masterminds behind all of its travel platforms and products talks about where the search giant is heading, it’s worth paying attention to.

The boss of the world’s biggest corporate travel agency has clashed with a top European politician over the best way to lower carbon emissions.

Skift kept an eye through much of 2022 on which travel tech startups raised money, documented in this weekly startup funding roundup. 

Delta Introduces First Used Boeing 737 as Pilot Shortage Hinders Regional Recovery: Delta is rushing to get used Boeing 737s in the air as the pilot shortage keeps some regional jets grounded. But some customers may be disappointed with the onboard experience.

Skift Research produces a wide range of reports and data tools. The big trends in the industry guide us in choosing the topics we cover, and our readers, through their reading and feedback, tell us which reports and topics hit the mark in 2022. 

Good morning from Skift. It’s Monday, December 12. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, December 7. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Dubai will play an outsized role in the United Arab Emirates aim to attract 40 million visitors annually by 2031, so what can it do to improve its tourism industry? Four panelists — Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths, Kerzner International CEO Philippe Zuber, Emirates Airline Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim, and Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing CEO Issam Kazim — discussed at the recent Skift Global Forum East in Dubai what local tourism officials need to do to continue to attract visitors.

Online travel agency Trip.com Group hopes that cross-border travel capacity for China will be back to normal by the third quarter of this year.