The Skift Travel Podcast
Get the latest from the most-trusted travel industry news source.
Skift sits down with creatives, executives, and entrepreneurs from across travel to discuss their insights and perspectives on the hows and whys of travelers’ habits, industry patterns, and the seismic changes happening across the industry.
Listen for exclusive conversations with travel leaders and Skift's own in-house editors and analysts.
Read the latest news every day at skift.com/news
201
SilverRail CEO on Tackling Trains
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, SilverRail CEO and co-founder Aaron Gowell speaks to us about his company's mission to make it easy to book train travel online by building a digital infrastructure for the global rail industry. We interviewed A...
9 min
202
Frits van Paasschen on Being Your Own Disruptor
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, former Starwood Hotels and Resorts CEO Frits van Paasschen speaks to us about Marriott’s recent acquisition of Starwood, the pain points that still plague travel, and what kind of disruption hotels should be wor...
9 min
203
Bonus Analyst Sessions: Google’s Reach and Impa...
Google's steady push into the online travel space has deep implications for both established players and aspiring startups.
In our first Skift Analyst Streamcast, we discuss Google's steady and seemingly relentless push into online travel. From search to...
40 min
204
What's Next for Choice and Loyalty in Air Travel
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re bringing you three short conversations on air travel that we had in the Skift Take Studio backstage at the Skift Global Forum.
The first conversation is with Robert Albert, founder and CEO of Routehappy, follow...
31 min
205
Club Med President on the Future of All-Inclusive
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, Club Med President Henri Giscard D’Estaing speaks to us about the iconic company's transformation, its efforts to reach affluent millennials, and what's in store for all-inclusive model. We interviewed him backs...
8 min
206
Carnival CEO on Exceeding Expectations
On this mini-episode of the Skift podcast, Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald speaks to us about the cruise giant's efforts to reach new travelers, the company’s expansion into China, and what the future holds for cruising. We interviewed him backstage in ...
9 min
207
The Evolution of Tours and Activities
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re bringing you two conversations on tours, activities, and experiences that we had in the Skift Take Studio backstage at the Skift Global Forum.
The first is with Brett Tollman, CEO of The Travel Corporation. The...
24 min
208
What Airbnb and Hotels Should Learn from Each O...
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're talking about the conflict between Airbnb and hotels — and how some of them are actually learning from each other.
In the Skift Take Studio backstage at the Skift Global Forum, we spoke to Amar Lalvani, managin...
40 min
209
The Serious Business of Modern Theme Parks
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about the business of theme parks: How they’re trying to reach broader audiences, use technology to personalize visits, and raise the bar in the park experience as they raise prices. Our guests are Robe...
45 min
210
Iceland and the Perils of Overtourism
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about how Iceland became a hot tourist spot, the tiny country’s complicated relationship with its visitors, and how the problems of overtourism can be solved. Our guest is Skift reporter Andrew Sheivach...
29 min
211
What Online Travel Legends Say About the Future...
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're talking to some of the biggest names in online travel: Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Expedia Inc.; Jay Walker, founder of Priceline; Brad Gerstner, founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital; and Rich Barton, founder of ...
23 min
212
Black Travel Has Become a Movement
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about the contemporary Black Travel Movement in the U.S., how it’s evolved, and what the future looks like for the community. Our guests are Evita Robinson, founder of Nomadness Travel Tribe, and Shanno...
58 min
213
How Hostels Are Trying to Move Beyond the Backp...
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about how hostels have evolved, what’s next for the sector and whether they might finally break through in the U.S. Our guest is Fredrik Korallus, the CEO of design-focused Generator Hostels.
30 min
214
Puerto Rico and the Fight for Caribbean Tourism
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about the efforts to keep tourism afloat in Puerto Rico amid the debt crisis and Zika outbreak, what officials have learned about coping with crisis, and how Caribbean destinations are sharing tips and ...
36 min
215
Why Business Owners Struggle to Take Time Off
In this special edition of the Skift podcast, we’re taking a look at why it's especially hard for small business owners to take a vacation and examining some potential solutions. Joining us on the podcast are Ida Kroll, founder and CEO of Eventland in Ne...
42 min
216
Top Hotel CEOs and Executives Talk Direct Booki...
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about hot topics in hospitality: direct booking, the rise of the sharing economy, opportunities and challenges in Cuba, evolving loyalty programs, and more. We have interviews with executives from Marri...
45 min
217
What Happens When Travel Meets Politics and Glo...
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're talking politics: the legacy of the Obama administration when it comes to travel, priorities that have not yet been accomplished, and what's at stake for the industry as the country prepares to elect a new pres...
32 min
218
Understanding the Business of Modern Budget Travel
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're talking frugal travel: who does it, how travel companies are providing budget-friendly options, and what travelers might give up to save some bucks. Our guests are Dan Saltzstein, a travel editor at The New Yor...
55 min
219
What Keeps Travel CMOs up at Night
We dedicate this episode of the Skift podcast to the topics we've been exploring in our CMO interview series: the modern challenges marketers face in their jobs, where they get insights, what helps them make smarter decisions, and what keeps them up at n...
36 min
220
The Invention of Online Travel, and How it Chan...
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we're talking about the history of online travel, listening to stories from some of the founders, and learning about behind-the-scenes drama from the early days. Our guest is Skift news editor Dennis Schaal, who spen...
30 min
221
Why New York's High Line Became the Attraction ...
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we welcome some park enthusiasts to talk about the creation of New York's High Line, its legacy and the quest to create the next big thing in public space. Our guests this week are Adrian Benepe, who was the New York...
40 min
222
The Relevance of Travel Media in an Age of Medi...
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about the changing role of travel media, how publications are adapting to shifting consumer habits, and what that means to the travel industry as a whole. Our guests this week are Nathan Lump, editor of...
45 min
223
Busting The Myths Of Bad Travel Advice
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we welcome some travel experts to help us bust myths, check facts, and answer frequently asked questions about an industry that too often benefits from consumers' confusion. Our guests this week are George Hobica, th...
31 min
224
What Do The World’s Wealthiest Travelers Want?
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about what it takes for travel companies to reach the 1 percent — and keep them happy. We are joined by Edie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Crystal Cruises, which is growing fast and venturing beyond s...
36 min
225
When Everything Is An Adventure, What Happens t...
On this episode of the Skift podcast, we’re talking about who can claim to be an adventure traveler, how the word is used (or overused, in our guest's opinion), and how social media is a blessing and curse for operators. We are joined by Bruce Poon Tip, ...
35 min