AI in Travel

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the dominant topic of the future in travel, and we’re keeping a close eye on it at Skift.

Breakthrough generative AI technology was released publicly by OpenAI last November, and a number of big-name travel companies have already responded. Expedia, Kayak, and more — including multiple startups — have started releasing experimental technologies that could lead to transformations in the way users discover, plan, and book travel.

Skift’s own Ask Skift AI deep search tool gives readers extensive insight into the business of travel by training artificial intelligence on the complete archives of Skift, Skift Research, Airline Weekly, Skift Meetings, Daily Lodging Report, and Skift Live events. 

Online Travel

Expedia Bosses Say Vrbo Will Drag 2024 Growth

Incoming CEO Ariane Gorin said she plans to focus on driving traffic, lifting conversion rates, and expanding margins after taking the helm from departing chief Peter Kern on May 13.

Expedia Bosses Say Vrbo Will Drag 2024 Growth

Short-Term Rentals

Airbnb’s Chesky Talks Icons, Paid Memberships, and Who Benefits From His Billion-Dollar Payday: Full Interview

Airbnb is finally taking a big, expensive swing into the experiences category with its launch of "Icons." The non-traditional accommodations come with a non-traditional business model – they’ll be free or low-cost to guests (but they want you to post them to your socials). And Chesky promises things will only get “crazier.”

Airbnb’s Chesky Talks Icons, Paid Memberships, and Who Benefits From His Billion-Dollar Payday: Full Interview
smart_toy

Skift AI Travel Newsletter

AI coverage across travel sectors that’s focused on separating trendy moves from good ideas – in your inbox every Friday.

Travel Technology

What the New Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Mean for Travelers

These AI-powered smart glasses offer an early glimpse at what on-the-go virtual travel assistants could be.

What the New Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Mean for Travelers

Travel Technology

Here’s How Amadeus Employees Use AI with Microsoft Copilot 

Amadeus is still determining how much more efficient generative AI makes the workplace, but employees were clear that they want to keep it.

Here’s How Amadeus Employees Use AI with Microsoft Copilot 

Online Travel

Google Adding Features to Maps and Search to Promote More Sustainable Travel

Google just a few weeks ago shared updates about AI-powered travel features in some of its products. Now it's adding more.

Google Adding Features to Maps and Search to Promote More Sustainable Travel

Announcements

Two Skift Events To Be Held Consecutively This Summer in New York City

We are hosting two back-to-back events: Skift Data + AI Summit and Skift Short-Term Rental Summit in New York City at Dotdash Meredith this June.

Two Skift Events To Be Held Consecutively This Summer in New York City

Announcements

Meet the First Set of Speakers for Inaugural Skift Data + AI Summit

We are thrilled to announce the first round of speakers for the inaugural Skift Data + AI Summit in New York City on June 4. The lineup will include some of the brightest minds in the industry, each bringing their unique insights and expertise to the table.

Meet the First Set of Speakers for Inaugural Skift Data + AI Summit

Short-Term Rentals

Guesty Raises $130 Million for Global Expansion, Acquisitions, and AI

Guesty is determined to continue riding the wave of short-term rental growth, with plans for expansion in geography, products, and technology.

Guesty Raises $130 Million for Global Expansion, Acquisitions, and AI

Travel Technology

IHG Hotels Partners with Google to Build AI Trip Planner

IHG Hotels & Resorts sees a future in helping travelers plan their entire trip, not just where to stay.

IHG Hotels Partners with Google to Build AI Trip Planner

Short-Term Rentals

TravelNet Solutions, Short-Term Rental Software Provider, Lays Off 7% of Employees

There have been a ton of layoffs in various areas of the short-term rental industry over the last year. Facing headwinds, companies are trimming costs and trying to position themselves to new market conditions.

TravelNet Solutions, Short-Term Rental Software Provider, Lays Off 7% of Employees