Rental Escapes Expands Into New Global Markets

People love getting free stuff for money they’re already spending, and Bilt Rewards is cashing in on that. Users get points for rent payments — typically a person’s biggest monthly expense — that they can exchange for travel.

Over 300 leading companies already plan to attend Skift Global Forum on September 17-19 in New York City. This includes companies like Airbnb, Blackstone, Google, Hilton, KAYAK, Lonely Planet, and The Walt Disney Company just to name a few.

Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel said he’s disappointed that the company’s U.S. short-term rental portfolio doesn’t “have near the number or the type of home accommodations in the U.S. to be fully competitive.”

July was a whirlwind — and, well, the news was nonstop. Between politics, that wild global computer fiasco (you know, the one that hit airlines hard) and the Olympics starting, you might have missed some big news on the hotel front.

Skift Global Forum on September 17-19 in New York City is the premier gathering for anyone in the online travel industry, bringing together the brightest minds and leading voices in OTAs and beyond.

Skift Global Forum, happening September 17-19 in New York City, is set to be a transformative event for both the travel industry as a whole, and the sectors within. That of course includes the giant that is hospitality. This year’s forum features an exceptional lineup of speakers from the sector, including CEOs from Marriott International, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, MGM Resorts International, and the founder of Newfoundland’s iconic Fogo Island Inn. These industry luminaries will share their insights, strategies, and visions for the future of lodging in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Air New Zealand is pulling out of an international sustainability program. The flag carrier confirmed on Tuesday that it will abandon its 2030 carbon target and withdraw from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). 

The country’s most extraordinary frozen holiday attraction, ICE!, announces its 2024 Christmas season lineup and its debut in San Antonio, Texas. Kicking off this November, the 24-year-old holiday tradition created by and featured across all five Gaylord Hotels will also be held at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Each location will feature 2 million pounds of expertly hand-carved, larger-than-life ice scenes and fan-favorite characters from memorable Christmas classics. Two iconic holiday favorites will join this year’s roster including Elf™ and the long-awaited return of Frosty the Snowman™. Tickets to all ICE! locations are on sale today, including a limited time offer exclusively at ICE.marriott.com.  

JetBlue is on the move with new flight routes, while saying goodbye to others. Ahead of the winter travel season, the airline will add a variety of new routes to popular destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Phoenix. “These moves underscore JetBlue's commitment to refining its network while leveraging its award-winning experience,” the airline shared in a release announcing the news.  In the New York area, the airline will begin new service from Long Island’s MacArthur Airport (ISP), with a new daily flight to Orlando, and also service to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and West Palm Beach (VPS) four times a week. 

Paris is expected to welcome 11.3 million visitors during the Olympic Games, significantly increasing its population density. This surge in visitors is spurring travel demand to international destinations, such as Italy and the United States, that harness this desire to leave crowds behind, also benefiting United Kingdom, Spain, and Greece, as well as farther destinations, such as Thailand or Japan.

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

The Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that it is launching an investigation into Delta Air Lines as the carrier struggles to recover from a meltdown that has led it to cancel thousands of flights.