If Airbnb hasn't already devoted resources anew to HotelTonight and expanding its hotel business, the short-term rental giant assuredly will once it goes public. After all, in addition to Google, Airbnb sees online travel agencies, with their wide breadth of accommodations' offerings, as its most significant set of competitors.

A new era of travel is dawning. After mass tourism all but ended during Covid-19, and with the road to recovery ahead, what comes next? Moving into 2021, tourism needs to be about more than just the visitor; it needs to be a harmonious ecosystem that benefits locals and visitors alike.

Lifestyle brands often lose their appeal when global companies take over. But Accor seems to recognize this in creating a standalone entity with Ennismore to maintain cool factor while building a global reach.

Amtrak had been on track to notch its first operating profit in its 50 years. But the not-so-novel-anymore coronavirus has dashed the hopes of the U.S. national passenger rail system. President-elect Joe Biden is a fan of Amtrak but might have limited options to ride to the rescue.

The International Air Transport Association's numbers are eye-popping. Airlines are expected to report a half trillion (with a "t") less in revenues this year than in 2019. Next year, losses will be smaller, but are still expected to reach almost $40 billion.

The second annual Skift Short-Term Rental & Outdoor Summit returns on December 9-10. Join us as we discuss the growth potential for both short-term rentals and outdoor travel companies with leaders from Vrbo, Marriott International, G Adventures, KOA, RVshare, Under Canvas, and more. Register now to claim your spot!

The global airline industry group gets a new leader as Director General Alexandre de Juniac steps down. Former International Airlines Group CEO Willie Walsh takes the reins of the International Air Transport Association on April 1. It should be interesting.

Southwest CEO Gary Kelly is a realist who's been through some tough downturns before. But he is frank about the unique challenges of this pandemic. He's trying to adhere to some basic business school principles on erasing debt and building cash, while preserving long-held Southwest traditions on taking care of its people.

Plenty of takeaways for businesses from this ambitious project, including the risks when you embrace the digital lifestyle a little too much.

The energy sector has so far been a safe harbor for many corporate travel agencies during this crisis, but cracks are starting to show.

A few leisure markets on track to have higher hotel occupancy rates during Thanksgiving are no reason for the travel industry to celebrate.