Good Morning Hospitality

This week on Good Morning Hospitality, we unpack the latest trends and shakeups in the industry. Venture capital inflow is heating up in travel tech, signaling continued investor confidence in innovation within the space. Meanwhile, mergers and acquisitions are on the rise as companies look to scale and dominate niche markets. Plus, Expedia Group and Hopper have called a truce, moving past their contentious history to forge a new partnership—what does this mean for the industry at large? Join us as we break down these stories and their implications for hospitality and travel.

Exciting news from Margaritaville at Sea! ???? Our latest episode features their groundbreaking announcement of the first-ever dog-friendly cruise setting sail in November 2025. Join Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk as they explore how you and your furry friends can enjoy a cruise packed with fun activities, from costume contests to dog shows. Have you ever traveled with your pet? Share your experiences with us!

In our latest episode, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk dive deep into the turbulent world of aviation as Spirit Airlines files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Discover the challenges faced, the halted merger talks, and what the future might hold for budget airlines. ???? How do you think restructuring will change the course for Spirit Airlines?

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and travel plans are on the rise! Steve Turk and Sarah Dandashy break down how 79.9 million Americans are planning to celebrate, with a noticeable trend towards more car journeys as gas prices drop. ?? Curious about how these trends might affect your travel plans? We’d love to hear: How are you traveling this Thanksgiving?

This week, we dive into the challenges and strategies of European OTAs breaking into the North American market. How do cultural preferences and brand loyalty affect their success? Hear insights from Leo Walton and Sarah Nan DuPre in our latest episode. Tune in now and share your thoughts! What do you think is the biggest hurdle for foreign brands in new markets?

Join Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk as they unpack the latest in hotel and travel news! This episode covers the U.S. hotel industry's downgraded growth forecasts for 2024 and 2025, with insights into shifting economic factors and profitability trends. The team also explores Viceroy Hotels and Resorts' new rebranding strategy focused on delivering immersive, authentic guest experiences. On the travel side, they discuss Spirit Airlines' Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and what it means for travelers, along with record-breaking Thanksgiving travel projections and an exciting new dog-friendly cruise launching in 2025. Stay informed with this week’s essential updates!

Step into the shoes of a gladiator! Airbnb's new experience offers a chance to explore the depths of the Colosseum and enjoy a feast fit for ancient warriors. Tune in to our latest episode with Leo Walton and Sarah Nan DuPre to learn more about this unique opportunity.

Could loyalty programs be the key to reducing dependency on OTAs? Join John Sutton, Co-Founder and CEO Journey as he discusses with Brandreth Canaley, Wil Slickers, and Michael Goldin new strategies for the hospitality sector. How might these programs impact your travel choices or business practices?

In this episode of Good Morning Hospitality EU, Leo Walton and Sarah Nan DuPre dive into a variety of industry highlights. Leo shares his excitement about Airbnb's latest gladiator experience at the Colosseum, giving 16 lucky guests the chance to immerse themselves in ancient Roman history. Meanwhile, Sarah discusses Booking.com’s latest move toward regulatory compliance in Europe, including the end of its price parity clause and new features for travelers and property managers. Leo and Sarah also explore the impressive growth of HomeToGo, with a 38% year-over-year jump in booking revenues and a strong focus on B2B services. The conversation then shifts to the competitive landscape as booking.com pushes further into alternative accommodations and urban travel, challenging Airbnb and Vrbo with their loyalty programs and mobile app improvements.

In a world where experiences trump rewards, join us this week with special guest John Sutton, Co-Founder and CEO of Journey, to explore how personalized touches captivate customers and create true loyalty. Whether it's a safari or a heartfelt gesture, find out how such experiences make a difference. What's the most memorable personalized experience you've had recently? Michael Goldin Brandreth Canaley Wil Slickers