The Skift Travel Podcast

Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), shares insights from his 21 years leading the largest alliance of independent hotel brands. He discusses the pivotal role of GHA's Discovery loyalty program, emphasizing how simplicity and innovative strategies drive guest loyalty and direct bookings. The conversation highlights the shift from traditional rewards systems to the 'Discovery Dollars' approach, the importance of collaboration among smaller hotels, and the growing need to adapt loyalty models to ever-changing travel preferences.

This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants. Host Sarah Kopit and Nelson discuss the challenges flight attendants face amid record-breaking summer travel, ongoing labor negotiations, and the evolving political landscape. Topics include aviation safety, contract bargaining, staffing, public perception, and the global solidarity among flight crews in a rapidly changing world. Record summer travel is overwhelming flight crews, with high passenger volumes, weather disruptions, and minimal staffing stretching flight attendants to their limits. Union President Sara Nelson warns of federal instability, citing workforce cuts at key agencies like the National Weather Service and TSA as safety risks. Despite political turmoil, Nelson praises Transportation Secretary Duffy for advancing FAA modernization and stabilizing air traffic operations. Contract negotiations are reshaping the industry, with major wins on boarding pay and healthcare at United Airlines and organizing momentum growing at Delta. Passenger aggression remains elevated, but public support for flight attendants is stronger than ever, fueling optimism for broader labor solidarity. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ ⁠WhatsApp: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠ Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Jess Conroy, founder and CEO of ROH, a fintech startup focused on payment management for hospitality, shares her insights on the intersection of AI and payment systems. She emphasizes the critical role of payment infrastructure in enhancing the guest experience, revealing how streamlined processes can improve hotel operations. Conroy discusses the challenges of integrating AI, the importance of balancing automation with human interaction, and her recent funding success, highlighting the future of travel tech and the need for robust, efficient payment solutions.

Host Sarah Kopit is joined by Skift’s Climate Reporter Darin Graham to discuss the extreme heat that is dominating summer travel. Kopit and Graham give a brief perspective on the changing nature of summer travel before presenting Graham’s podcast about a NetZero hotel in England that positions itself as a way to improve upon the travel industry’s carbon footprint. Graham’s episode of GreenShift centers on a visit to Radisson’s first Net Zero Hotel, located in Manchester. He tours the property with Radisson’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Inge Huberts, who explains how the hotel minimizes emissions through renewable energy and rooftop heat pumps. The hotel also revamped its food menu to reduce carbon impact. Graham discusses the broader challenge of scaling these efforts across Radisson’s global portfolio as part of its 2050 net zero goal. The episode blends technical solutions with strategic business insights, making it relevant across the travel sector. Listen to GreenShift here. 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 and never miss an update from the travel industry.

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, RateGain Founder Bhanu Chopra joins Rafat Ali to explore how the company is helping shape the infrastructure of modern travel. From AI-powered pricing to real-time distribution and demand insights, Bhanu breaks down how RateGain is evolving to meet the needs of a more connected and volatile travel landscape. The conversation spans AI innovation, global market shifts, and the role of empathy in tech leadership. With a growing portfolio of tools, new executive hires, and a bullish outlook for the future, Bhanu offers a wide-angle perspective on how travel companies can stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. RateGain evolved from a pricing data provider to a full-stack travel tech platform. AI is accelerating innovation, enabling faster, cheaper product development. The company aims for $1B in revenue, entering its "10 to 100" growth phase. AI co-pilots are being built for roles like revenue, marketing, and campaign managers. Internal AI tools like an HR bot and hiring assistant are streamlining operations. Stock dips reflect internal execution, not just market conditions. M&A remains selective, with focus on strategic, revenue-generating assets. India is a leader in AI application, especially in building strong "wrapper" products. Bhanu sees India as a global startup hub, no longer just outsourcing. Legacy mindset is evolving, but Bhanu’s focus remains on impact, not titles. 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 and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Join Marilyn Markham, VP of AI & Automation Strategy at American Express Global Business Travel, and Rodrigo Acuna Agost, Head of Research and AI Center of Excellence at Amadeus, as they dive into the transformative power of agentic AI in business travel. They discuss how this cutting-edge technology goes beyond just providing information, emphasizing its role in enhancing productivity and customer engagement. The duo also tackles concerns about job security, the need for ethical AI development, and the challenges of integrating AI into travel management.

Max Niederhofer, a Partner at Heartcore Capital, and Gilad Berenstein, Founder of Brook Bay Capital, dive deep into the future of travel investments. They discuss the essential traits startup founders need in 2025, like intelligence and charisma, as AI takes center stage. The duo explores investment criteria, emphasizing founder market fit and adaptability, while dissecting the hurdles within the AI startup landscape. They also highlight AI's potential to transform the travel industry, balancing efficiency with the need for human connection in experiences.

Kevin Tsang, Managing Director at Amex Ventures, shares insights into the future of travel technology and investment trends. He highlights how AI is reshaping consumer experiences and making travel planning more efficient. Tsang discusses the innovative MindTrip platform and the integration of food into travel decisions. The conversation also delves into the unique challenges of aviation and the strategic partnerships essential for startup success. Investors are looking for strong value propositions amid a competitive landscape, emphasizing specialized solutions in travel.

Join Matt Goldberg, CEO of Tripadvisor and expert in travel experiences, as he shares insights on the platform's 25-year journey from a small idea to a global powerhouse. He discusses the shifting focus towards immersive local experiences and the vital role of AI in enhancing user engagement. Goldberg highlights the importance of consumer trust in the travel industry and how Tripadvisor is adapting to remain competitive against giants like Airbnb. Explore trends of sustainable travel and the company's exciting marketplace growth strategy!

For this bonus episode, Skift CEO Rafat Ali is joined by Almosafer CEO Muzzammil Ahussain to discuss the evolution of the travel industry in Saudi Arabia, the significance of Saudi travelers on the global stage, and the impact of recent changes in visa regimes. Ahussain shares his personal journey from the U.S. to Saudi Arabia, the growth of Almosafer, and the company's upcoming IPO plans. The discussion also touches on the effects of COVID-19 on domestic travel and the dynamics between online and offline booking methods. Ali and Ahussain walk through the evolving landscape of travel in Saudi Arabia, highlighting trends such as last-minute bookings, the growth of religious tourism, and the challenges of talent retention in a rapidly expanding market. Ahussain also emphasizes his company's ambitious vision for the country's development, the changing perceptions of Saudi Arabia in the West, and the integration of AI to enhance business operations. The discussion also touches on the importance of women's roles in the workforce and the potential for significant growth in the tourism sector leading up to major events like the World Cup. Read more about tourism at Skift’s tourism hub: https://skift.com/tourism Takeaways Almosafer is the largest travel and tourism company in Saudi Arabia. Saudi travelers are high spenders and significant for global tourism. Visa regimes for Saudis are becoming more accessible, boosting travel. Domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia has seen a significant increase post-COVID. WhatsApp is a key sales channel for Almosafer. The company is preparing for an IPO to enhance its market presence. The future of travel in Saudi Arabia looks promising with ongoing investments. 80% of bookings in Saudi Arabia are four and five star. 40% of hotel bookings are made within 48 hours. The average booking window is about 10 days. Religious travel presents a significant growth opportunity. Riyadh to Dubai is one of the most profitable routes globally. Saudi Arabia's development is driven by ambition. Talent retention is a major challenge in the growing market. AI is being leveraged to enhance productivity and efficiency. The period from 2027 to 2030 will be crucial for Saudi Arabia's growth. 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 and never miss an update from the travel industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Al-Musafir and Its Significance 05:24 Muzzammil's Journey: From the US to Saudi Arabia 09:01 The Global Importance of Saudi Travelers 11:44 Changes in Visa Regimes and Travel Trends 15:57 Impact of COVID-19 on Domestic Travel in Saudi Arabia 18:58 Al-Musafir's Growth and Future IPO Plans 21:10 The Dynamics of Online vs Offline Travel Booking 23:29 Understanding Saudi Arabia's Travel Trends 26:36 Growth Opportunities in Religious Travel 29:21 The Most Profitable Routes in the World 31:16 Ambition vs. Reality in Saudi Development 33:41 Changing Perceptions of Saudi Arabia 36:32 The Role of Women in Saudi Workforce 37:26 Talent Retention Challenges in a Growing Market 38:35 Leveraging AI for Business Growth 42:33 Future Vision Post-IPO