MGM Resorts CEO Outlines Strategy at Skift Global Forum: Video

Skift Global Forum East is quickly approaching, taking place on November 19-20 in Dubai. If you haven’t yet attended, now is the time to join industry leaders from travel, tourism, and hospitality, as they share groundbreaking insights and dive into the region’s tremendous potential.

The East Coast is home to numerous idyllic winter wonderlands, but none quite as idyllic as Vermont. The wide, open fields, the quaint towns, the abundant maple syrup—it’s no wonder there are so many great hotels, cabins, and Airbnbs to cozy up in and hibernate for the season. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, the Green Mountain State is especially hard to beat. Each winter, once the autumn leaves blow away and the first snow dusts the landscape, people travel from all across the Northeast (and the country) to soak up the area’s wintry charms and book a stay at one of their many ski resorts.

Hotel Engine recently raised one of the year’s largest rounds of capital for a travel startup: $140 million, which valued the firm at $2.1 billion. 

Oct 3, 2024 • 5 min read

“Thank god it’s behind me,” said Accor chairman and group CEO Sebastien Bazin this week on the company’s many reorgs, mergers and transformations over the years. Since he took charge of the company in 2013, Bazin counted four major “transformations” in the group, turning it from a “sleepy” French hotel company to a global giant in leisure and travel.

The experiences sector has seen a boom in recent years as travelers are choosing to spend more money on experiences than possessions.  Skift Research’s Venture Investment Trends in Travel 2024 report revealed experiences was one of the few sectors in travel to see an increase in venture capital investment.

Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, sees a “10-year golden run” ahead for economy hotels, driven by the $1.5 trillion U.S. infrastructure bill. With only 20% of the funds allocated so far, Ballotti expects strong hotel demand from infrastructure workers needing affordable extended stays near project sites.

Oct 2, 2024 • 7 min read

We are thrilled to announce the speakers for Skift Aviation Forum, co-hosted by American Airlines and DFW International Airport, set to take place on November 12 in Dallas, Texas. This year’s lineup features some of the most influential leaders in the aviation industry, who will share their insights and expertise on the future of aviation.

Carnival Corp. said Monday that Alaska has emerged as one of the cruise line operator’s top destinations this year, especially for first-time cruisegoers.

Marriott International president and CEO Anthony Capuano spoke at the Skift Global Forum in New York City about the hotel giant’s strategic growth, including its expansion beyond traditional hotel offerings into areas like luxury yachts and tented lodges.

The playbook for selling flights and hotels is pretty well known. But selling experiences—where the growth is now — is still being figured out.