The Skift Travel Podcast

What do travel investors really think about AI, startups, and the future of travel? In this unscripted Ask Me Anything session, three top venture experts answer real questions from the audience – no slides, no pitches, just sharp takes and honest insights. Host Sarah Kopit was joined for this conversation by Cara Whitehill (Vice President, Thayer Investment Partners), Gilad Berenstein (Founder, Brook Bay Capital), and Max Niederhofer (Partner, Heartcore Capital) at Skift Data+AI Summit earlier this month. 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.

Hosts Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko are joined on today's Skift Travel Podcast with Kevin Tsang, Managing Director at Amex Ventures. They discuss the future of travel, the impact of AI, and investment strategies in the travel sector through the lens of venture investment. They explore the role of technology in enhancing travel experiences, the potential of AI startups, and the importance of specialization in a competitive market. The conversation also touches on consumer pain points in aviation and how Amex Ventures evaluates opportunities in this space. Takeaways * Amex Ventures focuses on strategic investments in travel and technology. * AI is transforming the travel sector and enhancing user experiences. * Travel tech must address unique complexities of the travel journey. * Food is increasingly integrated into travel planning. * Investment strategies balance market trends and company objectives. * AI startups need a strong value proposition to secure funding. * Vertical AI solutions can create efficiencies in travel. * Consumer experience is a priority for travel investments. * AI is enabling more efficient manual tasks in startups. * MindTrip is an innovative travel planning platform leveraging AI. * Investment in Boom Supersonic reflects a future-focused travel vision. * Travel venture capital is limited due to broader investment strategies. * Global travel startups offer unique innovation opportunities. * Partnerships with major players can enhance startup success. * Success metrics for startups are evolving towards profitability and market fit. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/] WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/] Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews [https://facebook.com/skiftnews] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ [https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/] Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews [https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews] Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social] X: https://twitter.com/skift [https://twitter.com/skift] Subscribe to @SkiftNews [https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews] and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Travel review brand Tripadvisor is turning 25. So for today's episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko host Tripadvisor CEO Matt Goldberg. They discuss the evolution of Tripadvisor from its humble beginnings above a pizza shop to becoming a leading travel resource for at least a generation. Goldberg shares insights on the competitive landscape, the role of AI in enhancing user experience, and the importance of consumer trust in the travel industry. The conversation highlights the resilience of travel and the shifting trends towards local and immersive experiences. Goldberg walks through the evolution of Viator and Tripadvisor, emphasizing the importance of travel agents and the tools provided to them. He addresses market dynamics, particularly in relation to competitors like Airbnb, and highlights the role of AI in shaping the future of travel. Takeaways * Tripadvisor has evolved from a modest idea to a global travel resource. * The democratization of travel information has transformed how travelers plan trips. * Experiences are becoming the central focus of Tripadvisor's growth strategy. * The company is leveraging AI to enhance user experience and recommendations. * Tripadvisor's marketplace is seeing significant growth and profitability. * The travel industry is resilient, with consumers prioritizing experiences over material goods. * Summer travel trends indicate a shift towards local and drive-to destinations. * The competitive landscape includes major players like Airbnb, validating the market opportunity. * Tripadvisor's partnerships enhance its reach without heavy marketing costs. * The future of travel is centered around unique experiences and consumer trust. Viator provides tools for travel agents to enhance bookings. * Travel agents play a crucial role in the cruise booking market. * Scale is essential for a successful marketplace. * AI is a transformative technology for the travel industry. * Trust and authenticity are vital in an AI-driven world. * AI will not replace human jobs but enhance them. * Travel fosters human connections and empathy. * The future of travel relies on understanding consumer needs. * AI can streamline operations and improve customer experiences. * Travel experiences can break down societal barriers. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/] WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/] Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews [https://facebook.com/skiftnews] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ [https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/] Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews [https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews] Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social] X: https://twitter.com/skift [https://twitter.com/skift] Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

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 Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/] WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/] Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews [https://facebook.com/skiftnews] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ [https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/] Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews [https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews] Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social] X: https://twitter.com/skift [https://twitter.com/skift] Subscribe 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

This week Sarah Kopit and Seth Bork’s are joined by JourneyWoman’s (https://journeywoman.com/author/carolyn-ray/) Carolyn Ray and Intrepid Travel’s (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/) Leigh Barnes to discuss the growing trend of solo women travelers over 50. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the travel industry, highlighting a recent survey that shows a significant percentage of women feel ignored. The conversation dives into the importance of safety, empowerment, and authentic marketing, as well as the changing perceptions of aging and adventure. The guests share insights on how travel is becoming a means of self-discovery for older women, and they discuss the increasing popularity of destinations like Saudi Arabia for this demographic. The speakers discuss the allure of travel, the challenges of marketing to this demographic, and the impact of single supplements on solo female travelers. They explore the need for solo travel experiences and the potential of intergenerational travel. Finally, they share insights on creating welcoming environments for solo travelers and engage in a rapid-fire question round. Takeaways * 70% of women over 50 felt misunderstood by the travel industry. * The travel industry is starting to recognize the market for solo women travelers. * Women over 50 are seeking unique and adventurous travel experiences. * Safety and trust are crucial for women travelers. * Women are making their own travel decisions, often independently. * Marketing to older women is often overlooked in the travel industry. * Women prefer authentic storytelling over traditional marketing. * The perception of aging is changing, with older women being more adventurous. * Health trends are influencing older women's travel choices. * Travel is seen as a way to discover oneself, not just a vacation. Part of the allure is safety in travel for women. * Women over 50 do not want to share a room. * The most affluent travelers are aged 65 to 74. * Discounting in travel doesn't build long-term relationships. * Women want to travel solo without friends. * Intergenerational travel is a growing trend. * Travel companies should listen to women travelers. * Creating welcoming environments is crucial for solo travelers. * Stereotypes about senior travelers need to be challenged. * Women over 50 are adventurous and willing to spend on travel. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/] WhatsApp: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/] ⁠ [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/]Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠ [https://facebook.com/skiftnews] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/] Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠ [https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews] Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠ [https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social] X: ⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠ [https://twitter.com/skift] Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews] and never miss an update from the travel industry.