Sgf2024 tips

20 CEOs. 35 sessions in all. The Skift Global Forum ran from September 17 – 19 with loads of insights into the future of travel. We heard from the biggest hotel operators, OTAs, tourism boards and other leaders of the industry. 

Ariane Gorin has had a lot on her plate since taking over as Expedia Group CEO in May. Gorin, who recently appeared in the Skift Power Rankings as one of travel’s most powerful leaders, has had to deal with a tech migration that has resulted in a slowdown in business at some of its brands. In addition, Expedia is facing the challenge of how to rebuild its One Key loyalty program.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky believes that a lot of business leaders don’t understand their companies, and that’s a problem. 

Zita Cobb founded a radically different model of travel when she went home to Fogo Island, Newfoundland, over a decade ago.

Another ‘Sphere’ is landing on Earth, this time in Dubai. MGM Resorts is building its own “Dubai Sphere”, promised by CEO and president Bill Hornbuckle to be “equally compelling as the Las Vegas Sphere.”

Health, wellness, and living longer: They could all have a travel component, and investor Greg O’Hara believes there’s money to be made.

Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, said Wednesday that he hopes to eventually expand beyond just short-term rentals and even travel.

Wyndham’s tech investment is paying off, the hotelier’s CEO said Wednesday.  Wyndham Connect is allowing hotel owners to communicate by SMS with hotel guests prior to arrival, for example, and offer them early check-in or the opportunity to order food and beverage upon arrival. 

Marriott says its loyalty program Bonvoy crossed 210 million members this August but for group CEO and president Anthony Capuano, the platform is just getting started. Capuano sees Bonvoy as moving away from a “transactional system” towards more of an “emotional” one, where members use Bonvoy for room upgrades, free cups of coffee, and even walks down the red carpet at the Emmys.

The Transportation Security Administration plans to roll out a program that won’t require an additional security screening for travelers flying from certain destinations back to the U.S., TSA administrator David Pekoske said at the Skift Global Forum on Wednesday. 

The desire to travel for experiences is expected to keep growing, but it’s not without challenges. Leaders in providing travel experiences spoke at the Skift Global Forum in New York Wednesday: Ruzwana Bashir, founder and CEO of Peek; Jules Seeley, senior partner at McKinsey & Company; and Nishank Gopalkrishnan, chief commercial officer of TUI Musement. 

Booking Holdings’ short-term rental business has been growing faster than Airbnb’s, and the company’s CEO plans to keep that momentum going. 

The U.S. State Department’s online passport renewal program will go live September 18, according to Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma.

Skift Global Forum kicks off on September 17th with an opening reception at The Glasshouse (660 12th Ave at 48th Street) in New York City, running from 6-9 pm ET. This special evening will include insightful fireside chats with top executives from the travel industry, followed by an exciting reception.