We’re continuing our discussion of Skift Research’s State of Travel 2024 report with a look at the aviation industry. It has shown enormous progress in its recovery from the pandemic. But ultra-low-cost carriers still face their share of challenges.
16.08.2024 - 22:15 / skift.com / Rashaad Jorden / Sarah Kopit
Erik Blachford is as well-versed as anyone to discuss the keys to being a successful CEO, especially in the travel industry. He has run several companies, including Expedia, TerraPass, and Butterfield & Robinson.
Blachford touched on the life of a CEO and more in this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast with Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko.
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSS
Responsibility in Travel Leadership: Erik Blachford emphasized that being a CEO of a travel company involves taking responsibility for significant moments in people’s lives, whether it’s leisure or business travel. Ensuring that everything runs smoothly is crucial since travel experiences are highly personal and impactful.
Different Challenges Across Companies: Blachford highlighted the differences in managing tech-enabled companies like Expedia versus high-end, personalized travel services like Butterfield Robinson. While tech companies focus on product accuracy and availability, luxury travel companies prioritize creating “wow moments” and personalized experiences.
Role of a CEO: The CEO’s role is described as a mix of leadership, visibility, and decision-making. Much of the job involves supporting the team, ensuring decisions are made efficiently, and maintaining a consistent operational cadence. Blachford also noted the importance of repetition in communication to reinforce key messages.
Remote vs. In-Person Work: Blachford discussed the impact of remote work on company culture, stating that either fully remote or fully in-person models can work well, but the “murky middle” is challenging. He emphasized the importance of clear decision-making regarding work models to avoid uncertainty among employees.
Qualities of a Successful CEO: Blachford highlighted several key qualities for a CEO, including strong communication and people skills, a deep interest in HR, and a passion for at least one functional area of the company. He stressed that a CEO must be deeply curious and invested in a specific domain, which helps them connect with the organization and drive its success.
Erik Blachford, former CEO of Expedia, discusses the challenges of leading a travel company. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for people’s travel experiences, which can significantly impact their lives, whether for leisure or business. The role of a CEO varies depending on the company’s focus, with tech companies like Expedia requiring a strong emphasis on product reliability, while luxury travel companies demand attention to personalized experiences.
Blachford notes that being a CEO is largely about supporting others and ensuring that decisions are made efficiently without unnecessary delays. He also
We’re continuing our discussion of Skift Research’s State of Travel 2024 report with a look at the aviation industry. It has shown enormous progress in its recovery from the pandemic. But ultra-low-cost carriers still face their share of challenges.
Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, August 28, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.
A new study found that cybercriminals are capitalizing on the travel and hospitality industry's peak season by using increased traffic to mask attacks.
Travel research and events leader Phocuswright has released its Global Travel Market Report 2024, revealing an impressive 24 percent surge in 2023, with gross bookings reaching $1.5 trillion.
Traveling during hurricane season, which spans from June to November, can be both thrilling and precarious.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
A growing number of travel brands — including some in the airline industry — are looking at ways they can get the most out of artificial intelligence. Five aviation executives recently told Skift about what AI is doing — and can do — for their businesses.
The Skift Research team recently unveiled its State of Travel 2024 report, a 400-page that documents the consumer and business trends in various sectors of the travel industry — including hotels and online travel agencies.
Hotel chains are quietly developing plans to bypass traditional booking intermediaries, aiming to increase direct bookings from corporations and businesses.
Delta Air Lines became the official airline of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) on August 20, extending the two organizations’ partnership and the airline’s focus on supporting women’s athletics.
Aug 20, 2024 • 7 min read
Thailand is redefining its approach to tourism promotion by harnessing the power of digital influencers.