Best Skift Podcasts (2025)

1
Brand USA Funding Returns, Airlines Eye 2026, Peek Expands Experiences 3:36

Play Pause

9h ago3:36

3:36

Brand USA edges closer to restored funding, airlines brace for an uncertain 2026, and Peek makes a major play in the fast-growing experiences sector. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down the bipartisan effort to revive U.S. tourism marketing, the industry outlook heading into the next cycle, and how Peek’s new acquisitions an…

1
Why Low Cost Airlines Win in Europe but Struggle in the U.S. 53:27

12h ago53:27

53:27

In this airline-deep-dive edition of the Skift Travel Podcast, Head of Research Seth Borko teams up with Airline Editor Gordon Smith to unpack one of the most puzzling trends in global aviation: why ultra-low-cost carriers soar in Europe while their U.S. counterparts continue to stumble. Drawing on fresh analysis and industry reporting, they break …

1
David Mililli, Founder & Host, Modern Hotelier Podcast, interviewed by David Kong 32:06

3h ago32:06

32:06

David Mililli's career began as a busboy but grew into leadership roles across hospitality and technology. His journey highlights the power of staying open-minded, surrounding yourself with people you trust, and having the humility to listen. He reminds us that “if you keep your intelligence over your emotions, you’ll always be successful.” His sto…

1
Airlines in 2026: Flying into Trouble? 1:03:10

4h ago1:03:10

1:03:10

In this special episode, we bring you the full recording from our recent LinkedIn Live webinar (Click This Link For Video Version). Titled ‘Airlines in 2026: Flying into Trouble?’, Gordon is joined by Jay and Meghna to set the scene for the year ahead, with all of the challenges and opportunities that it may bring. Follow the Hosts: Gordon Smith – …

1
Marriott–Sonder Drama Continues, REI Returns to Travel, Hilton Expands in APAC 4:18

5h ago4:18

4:18

Marriott’s partnership with Sonder collapses dramatically, with more details unveiled in court filings. REI makes a major return to travel through a new alliance with Intrepid, and Hilton doubles down on a high-growth strategy across Asia Pacific. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks the chaotic final days of Sonder, why REI is b…

1
GMH Hotels: Loyalty Reset, Talent Crunch, Travel AI & That Outrageous Travel Story 33:11

2d ago33:11

33:11

On this episode of GMH, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk break down a lineup of stories shaping the hotel and travel landscape. 🎙️ They start with Hilton’s major loyalty overhaul, a new top-tier status, and lowered thresholds that could reshape how travelers climb the elite ladder. They then look at how both Hilton and Marriott International are respo…

1
Hilton Revamps Loyalty, U.S. Drops Airline Payout Plan, World Cup Visas Fast-Tracked 4:11

2d ago4:11

4:11

Hilton unveils its biggest loyalty overhaul in years, the Trump administration rolls back proposed airline compensation rules, and the U.S. accelerates visa processing ahead of the 2026 World Cup. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy explains how Hilton’s new elite tiers and confirmable upgrades could reshape traveler loyalty, why airlin…

1
Record Thanksgiving Travel, Google Builds AI Agent, Emirates Places $38B Order 4:10

1h ago4:10

4:10

Thanksgiving travel hits an all-time record, Google pushes deeper into agentic AI trip planning, and Emirates makes a massive splash at the Dubai Airshow. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what the holiday surge means for travelers, how Google is inching toward automated booking, and why Emirates’ latest Boeing order and S…

1
Nancy Mendelson, Founder CEO, NEM Global LLC | Co-Founder, hertelier, Interviewed by Rachel Humphrey 30:37

7h ago30:37

30:37

Nancy shares how the road to connection has become a recurring theme in her leadership journey. She discusses the importance of listening, knowing your self worth, and trusting your gut. Nancy also shares details about her personal board of directors, what she's learned from working internationally, and about her experiences with self doubt and adv…

1
Airbnb/Expedia Earnings & Discount-Driven Growth 32:17

4h ago32:17

32:17

Today on Good Morning Hospitality, Brandreth Canaley, Michael Goldin, and Jamie Lane break down the latest earnings results from Airbnb and Expedia Group. A quarter defined by discounting, flexible payment options, and a surge in “reserve now, pay later” bookings. They examine how these strategies helped drive strong performance for both platforms …

1
Apple Launches Digital ID, Canadians Skip U.S. Trips, Singapore Adds Green Jet Tax 4:01

4h ago4:01

4:01

Apple brings digital passports to U.S. airports, Canadians cool on U.S. travel, and Singapore prepares the world’s first green jet fuel tax. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks how Apple’s digital ID rollout signals the next phase of travel tech, why fewer Canadians are crossing the border, and how Singapore’s climate levy could…

1
Jet2 Challenges easyJet, Webjet Adds Tours, Arlo Hotels Eyes Sale 3:34

6d ago3:34

3:34

Jet2 makes a bold move on easyJet’s home turf, Webjet expands into multiday tours, and Arlo Hotels may be the next lifestyle brand on the market. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy covers the latest airline rivalry at Gatwick, a new chapter for Australia’s largest OTA, and why boutique hotel brands are becoming prime acquisition target…

1
Even Emirates Can't Rest on its Laurels 38:47

5h ago38:47

38:47

In part one, Gordon and Jay reflect on the latest financial insights from Emirates, and examine the challenges that could lie ahead for the Dubai-based giant. In part two, the conversation turns to a disappointing set of Q3 results from KLM. Follow the Hosts: Gordon Smith – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jay Shabat – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

1
New York's New Mayor Zohran Mamdani & The Eastward Shift in Travel 32:32

6d ago32:32

32:32

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko unpack a big week in travel and politics. Fresh off Skift Global Forum East in Abu Dhabi, they discuss how the center of gravity in global tourism is moving eastward and what it means for destinations across the Middle East and Asia. Then, they …

1
Josiah Mackenzie, Vice President | Head of Marketing, Actabl, Interviewed by Rachel Humphrey 32:29

1d ago32:29

32:29

Josiah shares how his public speaking journey started with a panel at a conference years ago. He discusses how his leadership has evolved, how he develops new skills with each role, and the biggest lessons he's learned over the past few years. He talks about his curiosity, including what he was curious about as a child and the things he's most curi…

1
GMH Hotels: Accor’s Luxury Bet, AI Kitchens, Expedia’s B2B Power & Grounded 33:48

6d ago33:48

33:48

This week on GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk explore four stories that capture the shifting landscape of hospitality and travel. They begin with Accor’s newest luxury soft brand, created to attract independent hotel owners seeking the reach of a global chain while maintaining local character. Next, they look at how hotels are turning to A…

1
Hilton Goes 100% Green, Saudi Seeks Billions, Klook Files IPO 3:30

5h ago3:30

3:30

Hilton hits a renewable energy milestone, Saudi Arabia’s AlUla ramps up its billion-dollar tourism push, and Asia’s Klook goes public as the experiences boom accelerates. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down Hilton’s shift from policy to profit-driven sustainability, Saudi Arabia’s latest bet on private investment, and what K…

1
Roger Hill, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of The Gettys Group and Ridgeline Development Partners, interviewed by Lan Elliott 33:13

10d ago33:13

33:13

Roger describes how overcoming adversity made his companies stronger, and how rewarding others with the opportunity to lead provides continuity. He also explains how preparation and hard work can turn calculated risks into success. In addition to sharing how one builds a strong career, Roger discusses the benefits of becoming a hotel owner as soon …

1
U.S. Travel Slows, Airbnb Enters Hotels, Sonder Shuts Down 3:30

10d ago3:30

3:30

U.S. travel companies are feeling the sting of fewer international visitors, Airbnb tests a hotel strategy in major cities, and Sonder’s meteoric rise ends in collapse. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down what’s behind the tourism slowdown, why Airbnb’s next chapter might look more like Expedia, and what Sonder’s downfall me…

1
Marriott Ends Deal With Sonder Before Company Shuts Down 35:55

2d ago35:55

35:55

Update: This episode was recorded just an hour before Sonder published its official notice of shutting down operations. Read more here. On this episode of Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast, Wil Slickers, Michael Goldin, and Brandreth Canaley are joined by Skift Senior Hospitality Reporter Sean O'Neill to unpack the breaking story of Marriot…

1
Betsy O'Rourke, Commercial Advisor, former Chief Commercial Officer, Xanterra Travel Collection interviewed by Dorothy Dowling 37:24

11d ago37:24

37:24

In this interview, Betsy O’Rourke, former Chief Commercial Officer at Xanterra Travel Collection, reflects on her lifelong journey in travel and hospitality—from crewing on boats in Malta to leading global brands. She discusses strategic leadership, resilience through crises, and mentoring future leaders. Betsy emphasizes curiosity, agility, and em…

1
FAA Cuts Flights, Tripadvisor Lays Off 20%, Luxury Hotels Reset 4:13

10h ago4:13

4:13

The FAA cuts air traffic to ease controller strain, Tripadvisor trims its workforce to double down on AI and experiences, and luxury hospitality faces a reckoning with its own overconfidence. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy covers how the shutdown is grounding more than flights, why Tripadvisor is reinventing itself for the AI era, …

1
Flying Cars, Privatized Airports, and the Future of U.S. Aviation 44:37

13d ago44:37

44:37

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko are joined by aviation attorney Jennifer Trock, a partner at Morgan Lewis and one of the leading legal minds in global aviation. Together, they unpack what the latest U.S. aviation legislation means for travelers — from a $12.5 billion overhaul …

1
What Makes Ryanair So Darn Profitable? 29:11

5h ago29:11

29:11

In part one, Gordon and Jay break down Ryanair’s latest earnings and uncover what keeps Europe’s biggest low-cost airline flying high. In part two, they share key takeaways from the CEOs of Etihad and Oman Air at the Skift Global Forum East — including how Gulf carriers see the next phase of global travel growth. Follow the Hosts: Gordon Smith – ⁠⁠…

1
India Splits, Marriott Scales Up, Airlines Slim Down 3:59

5d ago3:59

3:59

India’s travel industry shows two sides of the same boom, Marriott doubles down on luxury and loyalty ahead of 2026, and American Airlines joins the wave of corporate layoffs reshaping aviation. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks what’s driving confidence in India, how Marriott is positioning itself for the next travel cycle, a…

1
GMH Hotels: Shutdown Impact, Marriott’s 2026 Outlook & Soil Carbon Credits 38:13

11d ago38:13

38:13

This week on GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk are joined by Skift Airlines Reporter, Meghna Maharishi, to kick off the show with updates on how the government shutdown has impacted the airline industry and what ripple effects it’s had on Marriott’s business performance. After Meghna’s segment, Sarah and Steve dive into Marriott Internation…

1
Driverless Rides, Debit Rewards, and Tripadvisor’s Big Merge 4:19

11d ago4:19

4:19

From driverless rides at airports to a surprising debit-card comeback and a major consolidation at Tripadvisor, today’s travel headlines cover innovation, reinvention, and strategy shifts shaping the industry. Sarah Dandashy breaks down Waymo’s growing footprint in mobility, United’s push to reach younger travelers, and Tripadvisor’s move to merge …

1
Airlines Sound the Alarm, Vegas Stumbles, Luxury Ascends 3:55

2d ago3:55

3:55

Airline CEOs head to the White House as the government shutdown grounds more than just planes, Las Vegas faces an ongoing slump despite big events on the horizon, and the ultra-luxury segment continues rewriting hospitality’s rulebook. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks the growing pressure on Washington, the stakes in Sin City…

1
Has Airbnb Peaked? All-Inclusive Boom & Vrbo’s ‘Loved by Guests’ Push 34:34

3d ago34:34

34:34

This week on Good Morning Hospitality, Brandreth Canaley, Jamie Lane, and Michael Goldin unpack three big stories shaping travel. Has Airbnb hit its ceiling as growth slows and regulations tighten? Why are luxury all-inclusives becoming the go-to for high-end travelers? And how is Vrbo’s new “Loved by Guests” program using trust and transparency to…

1
Google Costs Kayak, Hotels Go Data-Driven, Navan Hits Nasdaq 3:57

21d ago3:57

3:57

Hotel pricing turns from instinct to algorithm, Kayak blames Google for a $457 million hit, and Navan makes its Wall Street debut. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy recaps the biggest travel business stories of the week — from AI reshaping hotel revenue strategy to Google’s growing grip on discovery and the next big test for corporate…

1
Shutdown Strains Skies, JetBlue Ups Its Game, Booking Shrugs at AI 3:56

23d ago3:56

3:56

Air traffic controllers feel the strain as the U.S. government shutdown delays paychecks, JetBlue makes a bold move into first class, and Booking’s CEO isn’t sweating ChatGPT’s travel ambitions. On today’s Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy covers the mounting stress in America’s control towers, the premium play shaking up the skies, and why Book…

1
Is the Government Shutdown Affecting Air Travel? 24:13

21d ago24:13

24:13

In part one of this week's show, Jay and Meghna discuss the latest developments regarding the U.S. government shutdown and its impact on air travel. In part two, their attention turns to JetBlue and its latest earnings report. Follow the Hosts:Meghna Maharishi – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jay Shabat – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect w…

1
Can the U.S.-Europe Travel Corridor Recover? 38:56

21d ago38:56

38:56

In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko unpack the transatlantic slowdown — why over a million European tourists are skipping the U.S. and what it means for global travel. Fresh off Skift’s first-ever Transatlantic Summit, they dive into the data behind the world’s most important trav…

1
GMH Hotels: Bar-First Hotels, Domestic First Class & the New Playbook for Hotel Growth 32:28

23d ago32:28

32:28

In this episode of GMH Hotels, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk tackle the latest strategic moves re-shaping travel and hospitality. We start with how Death & Co. is disrupting hotel design by introducing a bar-first hotel brand that fuses nightlife and stay experiences. Next, we examine why airlines are moving to premium, with JetBlue announcing a do…

1
U.S. Expands Facial Scans, Travel Lobby Pushes Fixes, Marriott Taps AI Trends 4:18

23d ago4:18

4:18

From border security to brand strategy, today’s Skift Daily Briefing with Sarah Dandashy covers the shifting face of travel. The U.S. moves to expand facial recognition for nearly all international travelers, a new coalition pushes to fix visa delays and airports before the World Cup, and Marriott reveals what travelers really want in their next st…