After years of being stuck in the past, new "smart" airports are embracing technology and data to improve the experience for both passengers and vendors. But progress is still slow, widening the gap between cutting-edge and archaic facilities. What's needed? More vision, less bureaucracy.

Entrepreneurs are opening dynamic businesses across Phoenix, generating additional momentum for the meeting-friendly destination. As event professionals look for more interesting cities and venues that embrace diversity, they'll no doubt give fast-developing Greater Phoenix a closer look.

From the wishful thinking and hype of years ago, the connected trip is beginning to draw real investment and become a thing. It will take a very extended period of time to make it a more meaningful development. In that faraway horizon, will there indeed be any differentiation among the leading providers?

There have always been travelers who don't drink, but the "sober curious" lifestyle movement has created a defined market of people who are eager for trips, tours, and experiences that aren't centered around alcohol. It's surprising that the travel industry has only just started to respond.

That Airbnb chose the Olympic Games for its first-ever global sponsorship deal makes sense — the event both aligns with the brand's ethos and will be a boon for its bottom line as it aims to go public in 2020.

Tickets for our first-ever Skift Short-Term Rental Summit have sold out, but there's still a chance to catch all the action via our live stream. Mark your calendars and tune in!

Self check-in by facial recognition at hotels is unlikely to be an industrywide reality anytime soon in Singapore — and that's not exactly bad news.

In this week's edition of the Skift Airline Weekly Lounge podcast, the Indian government now says it wants to sell 100 percent of the state-owned carrier, but who will buy it? The beleaguered airline is notoriously saddled with debt and has a restive labor force. Airline Weekly Senior Analyst Jay Shabat noted that Air India actually has some strengths and assets that a would-be buyer could find attractive.

Travel agencies are thriving by replacing offices with lounges, complete with drinks and parties. By setting up shopfronts on busy streets, they're also convincing travelers that they still exist.

The latest perk hotels are offering guests: flexible check-in and checkout. Some charge a fee. But some are granting it for free. It's an interesting play to attract more loyal customers who will book directly with the hotels and not with online travel agencies.

Airlines are much more comfortable talking about mitigating climate change through incremental changes such as more efficient aircraft and carbon offsets. But these don't alter the fundamental problem. Flying is bad for the environment and it is only going to get worse as demand keeps rising.