Despite years of marketing campaigns to drive direct bookings, our look at hotel distribution shows that little has changed for most hotels and that driving room nights via first-party channels remains a difficult uphill battle.

Join us live at 11 a.m. EDT on June 16, as Skift editors and research analysts speak with leaders from across the sector to dive into the state of hospitality, the latest marketing strategies, how to prepare for the return of meetings and events, and the consumer shifts ahead at this important mid-point in the year.

Optimism about recovery, a wariness about the tricky nuances of each sector, and suppliers demanding respect from online brands were among the themes at the Skift Short-Term Rental and Outdoor Summit. Plus: the past year's boom isn't a one-off.

Traveling can be nerve-racking and airline lounges have traditionally provided a place of respite for weary travelers. As the pandemic recovery continues and lounges are reopening, this is the time to add a dose of safety, healthy good food and innovations to win passengers back.

Co-living, second-tier cities and apps that create sub communities — there's a shake-up on the horizon and hospitality companies can learn lessons from Asia.

The biggest convention center in Cannes recently announced that it is introducing a medical concierge service as an added measure of protection against Covid-19. Will destinations continue to focus on Covid safety with vaccine rollouts in full swing?  

Both Qantas and Virgin Australia are adding more routes and bringing aircraft out of storage in anticipation of what they believe will be strong domestic travel demand. International flights — which before the pandemic were 66 percent of Qantas' capacity — are not expected to resume until the end of the year.

Land border closures between the U.S. and Canada are likely to continue stretching for as long as vaccinations lag in Canada.

Startups announced funding rounds this week for businesses to make it easier to rent a car, to help hotels manage sales and catering for events, to help consumers plan in-destination meetings, to help travel companies create and sell wellness-themed packages, and other ideas.

Laurence Tosi and Allen Mask both have skin in the game when it comes to the prospects of Airbnb and Sonder. Are they downplaying Airbnb's challenges, and Sonder's breakout potential?

Accor doesn't want to own real estate, but it does want to throttle ahead with growth in the lifestyle hotel sector — where many of the remaining independent operators own their real estate. A SPAC can help Accor balance this kind of conflict in future acquisitions.

The outdoor sector is travel's hottest right now, and it sure looks like it won't be cooling down after the pandemic.