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Carbon Offsets: Fact from Fiction

Carbon offsets exist within a flawed ecosystem but with the current challenges of decarbonizing the aviation industry, they should not be disregarded as an interim measure in the journey towards decarbonization. It is incumbent on the industry themselves to reform a broken system.

The Evolving Role of Experiences in Travel

This new report, created in collaboration between Skift and McKinsey, examines the world of travel experience—ranging from stadium rock concerts to guided nature hikes to in-home culinary gatherings and everything in between. The report offers an assessment of the experience industry as it stands today, presents ideas that could help address current dissatisfactions, and looks at opportunities for various players to capitalize on growing interest.

Latest Reports

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Are Premium Cabins the Future for Airlines?

Full-service airlines have invested heavily in premium cabins, which has paid dividends, especially in the post-pandemic era. But how sustainable are they? Can low-cost carriers that are pivoting towards premium disrupt this stream?

Regenerative Tourism: Feedback Report

Regenerative tourism represents an opportunity for the industry to respond to clear market demand and develop new approaches to sustainability and innovative business models. But it suffers from a lack of defined methodologies and demonstrable impact.

August 2024 Highlights

The global travel industry continues to thrive, with Asia Pacific and North America leading the charge this month. While potential recession concerns may impact the travel industry, the index shows growth compared to 2023.

The Curious Case of Azul Airlines

Azul is now the second-largest carrier in Brazil. The pandemic has done little to deter its growth, but the airline must find a solution for its increasing debt levels. Can a merger fix this?

July 2024 Highlights

The global Skift Travel Health Index, at 104 in July 2024, continues demonstrating stable growth levels for the travel industry, with Asia Pacific leading the charge.

Hospitality Research

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Fact From Fiction

The push for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption is an unparalleled challenge for the aviation industry. While some interventions can help to overcome these hurdles, many uncertainties remain. The industry and regulators must be realistic and not rely on SAF as a panacea for decarbonization.

October 2024 Highlights

The global Travel Health Index was 110 in October 2024, indicating 10% growth above 2023. The transportation sectors showed significant growth, with car rentals and aviation growing 27% and 19%, respectively.

Hotel Distribution Outlook 2024

By 2030, direct digital bookings will dominate hotel distribution, generating over $400 billion of hotel gross bookings — overtaking the online travel agencies which are expected to bring in a smaller $333 billion of hotel bookings.

How Authentic Experiences Shape the New Tourism Economy

The tours and experiences space is rapidly evolving in an altered post-COVID-19 market, driven by desires for authenticity, immersion, and “experiencing like a local”. Not only is this a major opportunity for tour operators and travel agents, but experiences also drive extension of trips, presenting opportunities for the accommodation and other travel sub-sectors as well.

Online Travel Research

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Booking Vs. Expedia: A 50 Chart Factbook

We present a handy chart factbook comparing the two largest global OTAs: Booking Holdings and Expedia Group. In 50 charts, we compare the key financial metrics and performance indicators - including share price movement and valuation - of the two companies.

Consumer Habits Research

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Regenerative Tourism: Feedback Report

Regenerative tourism represents an opportunity for the industry to respond to clear market demand and develop new approaches to sustainability and innovative business models. But it suffers from a lack of defined methodologies and demonstrable impact.

Skift Travel 200 Index

The Skift Travel 200 combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. The ST200 makes it easy to track travel industry performance for the first time ever.

Learn more about the ST200 by reading our full methodology.

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Skift Travel Health Index

October 2024 Highlights

The global travel industry continued its growth momentum in October 2024, reaching 110, 10% growth above 2023. The Asia-Pacific region leads the charge, driving global growth. 

Skift Research in Action

Skift Research analysts contribute to a wide range of in-person and online events. Watch clips from the recent Skift Global Forum, held in New York City in September 2024.

Skift Head of Research, Seth Borko
Skift Senior Research Analyst, Pranavi Agarwal