Latest Research

Online Travel

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.
Skift Travel Health Index

Skift Travel Health Index: June 2024 Highlights

Russia's tourism is rebounding, fueled by strategic marketing efforts and visa waivers, coupled with favorable weather, leading to a promising summer season.
Airlines

The Future of Ultra-Low Cost Carriers in the U.S.

High unit costs, reduced operational efficiencies, and increased competition from network carriers have combined to create a significant challenge for ultra-low-cost carriers in the U.S. However, Allegiant and Sun Country's resilience indicates that they are unlikely to go out of business anytime soon.
Airlines

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.
Venture Capital

Venture Investment Trends in Travel 2024

Venture Capital investment in travel hit a decade low of $2.9B in 2023, but early 2024 suggests a rebound, with larger deals, growing Asian and Middle Eastern investments, and a focus on tours & experiences, AI and hospitality employment.
Skift Travel Health Index

Skift Travel Health Index: May 2024 Highlights

The Skift Travel Health Index reached 103 in May 2024, reflecting a 3% year-over-year increase. This aligns with Skift Research's prediction of a transition from recovery to stable, moderate growth for the travel industry in 2024.
Airlines

The Curious Case of Indigo Airlines, India’s Largest Airline

Indigo’s dominance in the domestic Indian market is a testament to its cost leadership and superior operational capabilities but venturing into international long haul market with widebody aircrafts will need a shift of mindset, strategy and planning from its low cost operation. The international market is highly competitive and demands premium products, operational flexibility, a loyalty program, and more experienced crew - all of which IndiGo currently lacks. Even if IndiGo were to introduce these services and products in the next few years, it would likely face strong competition from Air India, which has more experience in these areas, leading to intensified competition as both airlines expand their international networks. The question arises whether the market is large enough to accommodate both Air India and IndiGo.
Skift Travel Health Index

Skift Travel Health Index: April 2024 Highlights

The spring travel surge and strong consumer sentiment towards travel boosted the Skift Travel Health Index to 108 in April 2024, offering a promising outlook for the travel industry. With summer travel on the horizon, the momentum of growth is expected to continue in the coming months.
Consumer Habits

Debunking the Myth of Vacation Rental Consumer Fatigue

Don't panic over vacation rental rants online! Our research reveals these are growing pains, but not a sign of doom. Travelers still like vacation rentals for the space, affordability, and convenience they offer. This unique blend ensures continued popularity among travelers.
Destinations

Regenerative Tourism: Fact From Fiction

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 defensible data and risks being a distraction from the core mission of climate action.
Airlines

How Technology and AI are Transforming Airline Revenue Management

The airline industry is on the brink of a technology revolution that will bring both challenges and opportunities. Despite the obstacles, executives are preparing themselves for a future where technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing profitability through process efficiencies, particularly within the revenue management function.