In this rare first-ever podcast appearance, Shai Zelering, Global Head of Hospitality Investments at Brookfield Real Estate, sits down with Skift CEO Rafat Ali to discuss how one of the world’s largest real estate investors is shaping the future of travel and hospitality. From billion-dollar acquisitions in Europe to long-term plays in India, Shai shares how Brookfield balances real estate fundamentals with operational excellence to build—not just extract—value in hospitality.

They explore Brookfield’s strategy across markets, the challenges of aligning brands and owners, the rise of affordable travel solutions like Generator hostels, and the cultural edge of brands like Leela. The conversation also dives into Europe’s niche lodging products, the U.S. hospitality labor crunch, and why Zelering believes AI and better tech adoption could unleash a new golden era of hospitality service.

Presented by ⁠⁠⁠EF World Journeys⁠⁠⁠.

Key Themes:

Brookfield’s $1B Generator hostels deal and Europe’s affordable travel market

Long-term investment strategy in India: 10 years before the first deal

Leela’s growth story, its IPO, and the challenge of exporting Indian luxury brands abroad

Why niche lodging models like Center Parcs and Locke extended-stay are outperforming

Differentiation vs. commoditization: why Brookfield avoids cookie-cutter hotels

How traveler sentiment and credit card data guide investment decisions

The misalignment between hotel brands and real estate owners in the U.S.

What America can learn from India, Europe, and Latin America about hospitality as culture

Technology adoption vs. technology creation: the industry’s Achilles’ heel

Why AI could push hospitality to refocus on EQ and human connection