Megatrends is Skift's annual report forecasting top trends that will define the travel industry for 2022. Drawing on reporting, data, and insights from Skift editors, reporters, research analysts, as well as conversations with industry leaders across the globe, we will set forth the themes that will define the year ahead in travel.

Frequent stays and in-person interactions have long been the standard building blocks for traditional loyalty programs. As travel experiences blend with the digital, contactless world, hotel brands must sharpen their abilities to gather first-party, personalized data from customers throughout the journey.

Sonder's delayed stock market debut came to be, finally. Now with a $310 million injection of proceeds from private investors, and tapping into a $165 million credit line, the company can go about its business trying to build the next household name hospitality brand.

Among Softbank's holdings, Oyo does not appear to be another WeWork calamity. However, under the glare of being a public company, Oyo would be challenged to get to profitability, and to remedy its ongoing brand reputation challenges.

Etihad is betting that as passengers return to flying, sustainability will be more of a concern. The Abu Dhabi-based airline is allowing passengers to offset not just their flights but even how much they drive and their use of air conditioning through its new green loyalty program.

Hotels are struggling to hire workers, and analysts think a lot of the recruiting issues have to do with lower pay and unclear career advancement opportunities. Hilton's new partnership can tackle both issues — if it gets enough employee participation.

Higher inflation may be around for longer than expected, but how high can the airline take its fares when everyone's looking to kickstart demand?

An unexpected push from the education sector will be welcome news as the Omicron variant continues to dent travel confidence.

Digitell announced Tuesday it had been acquired by BroadcastMed in a deal struck back in December that brings one of event technology's legacy players under the umbrella of a well-established medical content firm.

Genting may not be one of the cruise sector's giants, but its collapse showcases just how much the pandemic has battered that industry.

For years, a handful of large airline groups outside of the U.S. have slapped surcharges on airfare sold via legacy technology. Hawaiian is the first U.S.-based airline to add distribution surcharges.

Airbnb has been a savvy public relations practitioner throughout the years, and the volume of press releases the company churns out annually is legion. Brian Chesky's yearlong digital nomad stint aligns with the company's brand narrative and marketing strategy.

Some tempered optimism and a reality check from the UNWTO, on the impact of Omicron and vaccine inequity on travel's rebound.