Sean Oneill travel tips

Hotel companies continue to gear up for a surge in demand from workers wearing hardhats as more than $1 trillion in public and private infrastructure spending is set to fuel years of U.S. construction projects.

While the travel agent on the screen looked and sounded like a video game character, it asked and answered travel booking questions with a near-human speed. With the power of generative artificial intelligence (AI), the Zeno computer travel agent from tech company Serko talked me through relevant hotel suggestions for an upcoming trip.

Hyatt Hotels on Thursday entered a new alliance with Under Canvas, a brand that runs 13 luxury outdoor resorts. This move enables Hyatt to tap into the growing trend of upscale nature-based travel experiences, particularly near U.S. national parks.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said Thursday that its recent technology investments have helped keep profits flowing to the bottom line, even as traveler demand for the hotel group’s core economy segment moderates.

Accor reported strong results for the first half of the year Thursday, and pointed to promising bookings trends for the second half.

The top boss of SAP Concur, the most-used travel and expense management platform, said the company had made significant strides with its newest travel booking platform.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, July 24, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. 

Five U.S. markets have recently seen the fastest growth in business travel spending, according to American Express data.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, July 23, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. 

Business travel spending worldwide is projected to reach an all-time high of $1.48 trillion by the end of 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) said Monday.

Selina Hospitality, a hotel and experiences brand focused on youth travelers, said Monday it “no longer has any reasonable prospects of avoiding an insolvency.”

Hyatt is reportedly near to closing a transaction with Standard International, owner of the luxury lifestyle brand The Standard and other brands.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, July 19, and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. 

Hyatt is close to a deal to buy Standard International, the operator of the upscale The Standard Hotels, according to reports on Thursday.

Scandic Hotels Group reported results for the first-half of the year, and the operator of about 280 hotels is now targeting expansion through its Scandic Go brand and conversions of office buildings.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) debuted a program on Wednesday to showcase hotels whose operations have low carbon emissions footprints.

Banyan Group is set to open a record number of luxury hotels and resorts this year. The Singapore-based luxury hotel operator also plans to expand into the Bahamas and introduce a residential rental offering, according to an update this month.

Should Europe’s tourism agencies stop trying to get travelers to fly long distances for quick visits? The issue is climate change and these long-haul trips are a big contributor.

Hotel chains are doubling down on loyalty programs, and the strategy appears to be paying off. A CBRE report shows these plans drive occupancy growth for major groups like Marriott and Hilton, even as the programs evolve beyond catering solely to road warriors.

Christian Louboutin, the luxury shoe designer known for red-soled footwear, has acquired a stake in Experimental Group, a Paris-based hospitality company.

Marriott International expanded further into the business travel management space Tuesday, aiming to drive more direct bookings from road warriors and taking share from middlemen distributors.