Skift Daily Briefing

Canadian airlines are responding to escalating U.S.-Canada trade tensions by adjusting their marketing and capacity strategies, with Porter Airlines halting U.S.-bound promotions and Air Canada reducing capacity in certain U.S. leisure markets, while Flair Airlines pivots to promote non-U.S. destinations. American Express announced plans to acquire the expense management startup Center, aiming to build its own platform that leverages Center’s technology and talent to automate accounting tasks and offer real-time spending insights. Meanwhile, IndiGo is set to launch its first long-haul routes from Delhi to Amsterdam and Manchester in July using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, reflecting the growing international influence of Indian airlines. ‘Tariffic’ Deals, Capacity Cuts, Marketing Pauses: Canadian Airlines React to U.S. Trade War American Express to Acquire Center, an Expense Management Startup IndiGo Reveals Two European Cities as First Long-Haul Destinations Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Spanish authorities are developing measures, including a sustainable tourism strategy and regional initiatives in Catalonia, to protect tourists from extreme heat and its impacts. Airlines are increasingly integrating generative AI into their customer services, with United, Southwest, and Delta implementing various applications. Ryanair has announced plans for a fully digital boarding process, although some airports in its network still require paper boarding passes. Airlines Have Lagged in AI – How They Are Using it Now Spain Aims to Protect Tourists from Deadly Heatwaves Exclusive: Ryanair Confirms Exceptions to New '100% Paperless' Boarding Rule Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Expedia Group has laid off hundreds of marketing staff globally—mostly those in content creation—in advance of a reorganization, marking its second round of layoffs following a previous cut of about 1,500 workers. Airbnb is distancing itself from co-founder Joe Gebbia’s controversial personal views, emphasizing that his opinions do not represent the company or its nonprofit work, despite his past leadership role. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World has seen an increase in weather-related shutdowns over the past decade, with hurricane closures escalating from four between 2000 and 2016 to at least 12 since 2016, resulting in significant daily financial losses. Expedia Laid Off Hundreds of Marketers Ahead of Reorg Airbnb Distances Itself From Co-Founder Joe Gebbia's 'Personal Views' Disney World Closures Due to Hurricanes Are Becoming More Frequent Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Banks and credit card companies are expanding their influence in the travel industry by launching their own booking platforms and capturing significant market share. Meanwhile, IAG is taking a leading role in sustainable aviation fuel usage despite its relatively smaller size, driven by government and EU mandates. Lastly, Deer Valley in Utah stands out in the U.S. ski industry by justifying its high prices through exceptional service, luxury, and a commitment to limiting daily visitors for a premium experience. Skiing Is Obscenely Expensive. The Resort That Makes a $329 Lift Ticket Feel Worth It Banks and Credit Card Companies Are Shaking Up Travel - 3 Key Takeaways British Airways Owner IAG Is Dominating in Use of Green Jet Fuel Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin says the hospitality giant is done with frequent reinventions and is now focused on executing its growth plans, including rolling out Orient Express overnight trains with luxury titan LVMH next year. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is taking steps to address the severe air traffic controller shortage by ramping up hiring, boosting salaries by 30%, and even appealing to retired controllers to return. Finally, Qantas aims to connect Australia’s East Coast directly to North America and Europe through “Project Sunrise,” working with Airbus to develop an ultra-long-haul aircraft capable of nonstop flights from New York and London to Sydney by 2027. U.S. to Raise Air Traffic Control Salaries, Elon Musk Asks Back Retirees Accor CEO: Purging Weak Hotels, Defending European Turf, More Luxury Qantas Eyes 2027 Debut for New York to Sydney Nonstop Flights Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Major hotel loyalty programs continue to expand rapidly, with Marriott’s 228 million members facing growing competition from Hilton Honors, which could overtake Marriott by the end of next year if current trends hold. Meanwhile, Amazon has unveiled Alexa+, an enhanced voicebot capable of assisting with travel planning and reservations through partnerships with Priceline, Tripadvisor, Uber, and OpenTable. Finally, Southwest Airlines will allow Expedia and its affiliated brands to sell its flights for the first time, marking a significant change in the carrier’s distribution strategy alongside its new visibility on Google Flights and Kayak. Amazon Alexa’s AI Upgrade: Book Uber Rides and Plan Travel Hotel Loyalty Race: Marriott Leads, Hilton Is Gaining Fast — See the Top 13 Programs Southwest Airlines Flights to Be on Expedia Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Hyatt has introduced a new brand, Hyatt Select, targeting budget-conscious transient travelers in underserved markets while offering hotel owners a cost-effective conversion option. The airline industry, led by IATA, is urging the U.S. government to reconsider passenger protection regulations from the Obama and Biden administrations, including compensation for delays and wheelchair return policies. Meanwhile, Goa is working to shift its tourism focus beyond beaches and nightlife by promoting sports events, religious tourism, and infrastructure improvements to attract digital nomads. Airlines Are Challenging Biden-Era Regulations Hyatt Launches New Mid-Market Hotel Brand Hyatt Select Goa’s Tourism Minister Wants a New Image: More Sports and Spirituality, Less ‘Ruckus’ Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Advancements in smartphone AI may lead consumers to bypass third-party travel apps, posing challenges for travel companies as they try to adapt their offerings. Europe's largest travel operator TUI is partnering with Fever to launch "Experiences for Locals," providing unique activities like Afrobeats-themed brunches and Sicilian cooking classes. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has introduced an AI-powered travel agent integrated into its app to simplify flight planning for individuals and groups. The AI on Your Phone Keeps Getting Better - That's a Risk For Travel Companies TUI to Launch New Experiences Aimed at Locals Exclusive: Qatar Airways to Launch AI Travel Agent Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Choice Hotels is shifting its focus from budget roadside chains to upscale and extended-stay properties, with brands like MainStay Suites nearly doubling their footprint since 2019. Spirit Airlines will exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a private company after a U.S. judge approved its restructuring plan, with top bondholders gaining control. Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel downplayed AI-related disruptions, emphasizing negotiations with AI platforms while highlighting the company's strong growth in alternative accommodations. Choice Has Dumped Hundreds of Budget Hotels in Upscale Strategy Shift Spirit Airlines Cleared to Exit Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Booking Holdings Downplays Concerns That Agentic AI Platforms Will Displace It Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.

JetBlue is exploring new airline partnerships to strengthen its loyalty program after a federal judge blocked its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines in 2023. InterContinental Hotels Group admitted it will not meet its 2030 emissions reduction goal due to rising emissions and slow renewable energy adoption. Meanwhile, MakeMyTrip aims to become a travel superapp by integrating various travel services, though its CEO acknowledges the challenges of executing this vision. JetBlue Still in Talks With ‘Multiple Airlines’ for Partnership, Sees Loyalty as Biggest Benefit  IHG Says it Will Miss its Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Targets Inside MakeMyTrip's 'Travel Superapp' Strategy. Is it Doable? Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews (https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews) and never miss an update from the travel industry.