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Skift Take Sessions
Skift Take Sessions episodes
- Club Med CEO on the Evolution of All-Inclusive Travel
Carolyne Doyon, president and CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean, joins Katie Cline at Skift Global Forum to discuss Club Med's evolution into a premium all-inclusive brand and its plans for global expansion. Doyon shares how the company is redefining all-inclusive travel through luxury resorts, mountain destinations, safaris, and culinary experiences while maintaining its signature people-first hospitality. The conversation also explores Club Med's growth plans, its upcoming U.S. resort in St. Croix, changing traveler expectations, personalization, and the importance of connecting guests with local communities.
This episode is brought to you by ZS
Connect with Skift
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social
X: https://twitter.com/skift
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
00:00 Meet Carolyne Doyon
01:03 From Montreal to Tourism
02:41 Delta Internship Leap
06:38 Career Pivots Mindset
08:53 Joining Club Med Sales
09:35 Premium Brand Shift
12:42 Club Med Spirit Explained
15:07 Beyond the Resort
17:43 All Inclusive Expands
18:08 Surf and Safari Resort
19:05 Beyond Beach All Inclusive
19:30 Mountains and Ski Expansion
20:23 Club Med Yacht Cruising
21:41 Roadmap to 100 Resorts
23:09 First US Resort St Croix
24:12 All Inclusive Image Shift
25:59 Reinventing the Buffet
28:33 Sports and Trend Spotting
29:53 Personalization in Service
31:52 Hospitality Philosophy Finale
36 min - Darley Newman on the Power of Storytelling in Travel
Travel storyteller and Travels with Darley creator Darley Newman joins Sarah Dandashy at Skift Global Forum to discuss the evolution of travel content, the importance of authentic storytelling, and how creators can maximize content across platforms. Newman shares insights from her new book, Revolutionary Road Trip: Hidden Stories of America's Founding Journey, including the lesser-known historical stories she's uncovered, the growing role of AI in preserving history, and why meaningful travel experiences can change perspectives. She also discusses solo female travel, discovering overlooked destinations, and the enduring value of connecting with local people.
This episode is brought to you by ZS
Connect with Skift
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social
X: https://twitter.com/skift
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
00:00 Forum Intro and Reunion
00:40 Darley Background and Shows
01:36 Why Attend Skift Now
02:02 AI Tools and Small Teams
02:51 Travels With Darley Milestones
03:25 Picking Destinations and 50 States
03:44 Revolutionary Road Trip Project
04:41 Princeton Battle Story
05:37 Content Strategy Multi Platform
07:43 Research Meets Real Conversations
09:08 Roadside Stops and Quirky Finds
10:27 Book Deep Dive and AI Archives
12:34 Travel Trends National Parks and Solo Women
13:42 Future of Travel Content and Civil Rights Stories
16:19 Where to Follow Darley
19 min - Filip Filipov on AI, Travel Data, and the Connected Trip
In this episode of Skift Take Sessions, recorded at Skift Data and AI Summit in London, Wil Slickers speaks with Filip Filipov, CEO of OAG, about how connected, accurate, and fresh travel data is becoming increasingly important as AI transforms the industry. Filipov explains why travel fragmentation will never fully disappear, but how AI could make the traveler experience feel seamless by connecting airlines, hotels, transportation, and other services.
The conversation also explores where travel companies are wasting money on AI, how OAG measures employee adoption and productivity gains, and why businesses should reinvest AI-driven efficiency into growth rather than simply cutting costs.
This episode is brought to you by ZS
Connect with Skift
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews
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Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social
X: https://twitter.com/skift
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
00:00 Welcome to Skift Takes Sessions
00:20 What OAG Does
00:59 Who Gets Blamed
02:32 Becoming Data Driven
04:08 Fragmentation and AI
06:26 Who Owns the Trip
08:10 Where AI Burns Cash
09:10 Measuring AI Success
10:53 Productivity for Growth
11:48 Wrap Up and Links
14 min - Carnival CEO on the Future of Cruising
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy joins Sarah Dandashy at Skift Global Forum to discuss the cruise line’s expansion plans, evolving guest expectations, and the growing appeal of drive-to cruise markets. Duffy shares how Carnival is using shorter sailings to attract first-time cruisers, developing new experiences across its fleet, and adapting its loyalty program as the cruise industry grows.
This episode is brought to you by ZS
Connect with Skift
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social
X: https://twitter.com/skift
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
00:00 Live at Skift Forum
00:38 Drive Market Strategy
01:57 Galveston and Texas Growth
02:59 Short Cruises on Excel
04:58 Come As You Are Design
07:51 Private Destinations Metrics
08:59 Carnival Rewards Overhaul
11:41 Next Gen Ship Attractions
14:49 Cruise Industry Outlook
15:57 Closing Thanks
Thank you Joan!!
Skift Take Sessions - Christine Duffy, Carnival CEO.mp4 DownloadSkift Take Sessions - Christine Duffy, Carnival CEO.mp316:18 DownloadSkift Take Sessions - Christine Duffy, Carnival CEO.docx15.8 KB DownloadKelsey Tran Podcast Production Manager today 1:00pmAdd your comment…3 people will be notified when someone completes or comments on this to-do.Add/remove people…Don't notify meMy TasksMy EventsDue TodayMy BookmarksMy ActivityMy NotesPing someoneView all PingsPingGabriel(unread)TasminSarah + 2 more peopleAnne + 2 more peopleMonicaWilJoanBailey + 1 more personJoan + 1 more personMelissaMelissa + 1 more personJoan + 1 more personBeatriceGabriel + 1 more personMonica + 1 more personNew for youGabriel Espino:
or you want to review first?1:03pm Ping with Gabriel EspinoPrevious notificationsJoan Staite@mentioned you in: Re: Edit Christine Duffy, Carnival CEO - Skift Take Sessions12:27pm Joan Staite inCreative Request CenterSeth Borko:
Seth: ok can I confirm a time tomorrow then? I will have a better snese of my schedule once I arrive in destination6:41am Ping with Sarah Kopit, Seth Borko + Wil SlickersYou: Screenshot 2026-10-26 at 12.24.49 PM.png11:04am Ping with Tasmin LockwoodJoan Staite@mentioned you in: Re: Edit Roman Pedan - GMH Bonus Episode8:36am Joan Staite inCreative Request CenterGordon Smith posted a comment, Re: Edit Alex Macheras / Gordon - Airline Weekly Lounge Bonus EpisodeRe: Edit Alex Macheras / Gordon - Airline Weekly Lounge Bonus EpisodeThanks guys - I'm still struggling to hear the audio on the test versions above. Is this beyond repair? I'm okay to admit defeat if so. Alternatively, if it is salvageable, is a solution to create a draft copy with audio and vision and I add my timestamp edits to that? Thanks again.Oct 24 Gordon Smith inCreative Request CenterWil Slickers@mentioned you I gotta give the credit to Joan and Kelsey for this - they make us look and sound so good 🙌Oct 24 Wil Slickers inPodcasts 2026Chat inAll Podcasts Chat: Podcasts 2026latest post byWil Slickers Oct 24Monica Arguelles:
Let me knowOct 23 Ping with Monica ArguellesWil Slickers:
Wil: In terms of actually scheduling itOct 23 Ping with Anne, Diana Nay + Wil SlickersDiana Nay@mentioned you in: Re: AW Lounge: Pariveda x AWS adOct 23 Diana Nay inPodcasts 2026Diana Nay assigned you AW Lounge: Pariveda x AWS adAssigned you: AW Lounge: Pariveda x AWS adOct 23 Diana Nay inPodcasts 2026Wil Slickers@mentioned you Alright, Kelsey - on Monday, let’s start planning/coordinating this with S&SOct 23 Wil Slickers inAnne, Diana Nay + Wil SlickersWil Slickers:
PerfectoOct 23 Ping with Wil SlickersWil Slickers@mentioned you in: Re: Edit Draft Video of Skift Intelligence Walk Through VideoOct 23 Wil Slickers inCreative Request CenterMelissa Carter posted a message, October 23, 2026October 23, 2026Brand Creative Update October 19 - October 23, 2026 🎯 HEADLINE This week, the Brand Creative team focused on prep for WLT MTL next week as well as the upcoming SCS and SAF events. ✅ COMPLETED Design • Airline Weekly: illustration, data chart and YT thumbnail (Gordon, Vonn) • Skift Meetings: Multi...Oct 23 Melissa Carter inCreative Request CenterMelissa Carter posted a comment, Re: STS Social ClipsRe: STS Social ClipsWil once those new clips are posted, can you share the links with Anne to close that loop? Thank you!Oct 23 Melissa Carter inEvents | Skift Transatlantic Summit 2026Chat inCampfire: X | ZS | SGF Brand Talk, 1x Data Brief, Podcasts | 2026latest post byRachel Levy Oct 23Bailey Schulz:
Bailey: you too!Oct 23 Ping with Bailey Schulz + Wil SlickersYou: Aw no worries!! Totally understand.Oct 23 Ping with Joan StaiteMelissa Carter@mentioned you in: Re: STS Social ClipsOct 23 Melissa Carter inEvents | Skift Transatlantic Summit 2026Shhh…Ping fromGabriel18 min - KAYAK CEO on Why AI Won’t Replace Travel Search
In this Skift Take Sessions episode, recorded at the Skift Data and AI Summit in London, Wil Slickers speaks with Peer Bueller, CEO of KAYAK, about the company’s approach to AI and the future of travel search. Bueller shares key lessons from launching KAYAK.ai, including why keeping the product separate helped the team move quickly and why integrating AI into KAYAK.com proved more complicated.
The conversation explores why travelers still value traditional metasearch for comparing options, how KAYAK is combining conversational AI with its classic search experience, and where agentic AI could create new opportunities in leisure and corporate travel. Bueller also discusses KAYAK’s role within Booking Holdings and how the company plans to adapt its platform for AI agents.
Connect with Skift
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social
X: https://twitter.com/skift
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
00:00 Welcome and Intro
00:20 New CEO Perspective
01:13 CEO Involvement and Meetings
02:21 Why Kayak.ai Launched
03:28 Integrating AI With Metasearch
04:47 Metasearch Edge in AI Search
05:33 Kayak Role at Booking
06:55 Agentic AI and Future
08:07 What to Expect Onstage
09:29 Personal Travel Habits
10:57 Wrap Up and Thanks
13 min - How First Class Jerk Is Building a Travel Media Brand
In this Skift Take Sessions episode, recorded at the Skift Creator Summit during Skift Global Forum, Sarah Dandashy sits down with Adam Lovick, founder of First Class Jerk, to discuss how he built a travel brand around irreverent storytelling, video, and photography. Lovick shares how his family’s history in the travel industry shaped his path and why he sees content and audience attention as a competitive advantage for travel brands.
The conversation explores the growing role of creators in travel marketing, First Class Jerk’s plans to expand into YouTube and long-form storytelling, and opportunities in luxury cruising, destination partnerships, and hotel openings. Lovick also explains why travel brands should collaborate with creators on ideas and authentic storytelling rather than bringing them in only for individual campaigns.
Connect with Skift
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social
X: https://twitter.com/skift
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
00:00 Summit Intro and Reunion
00:55 Origin Story and Travel Roots
02:01 Creator Summit Takeaways
03:16 Why the Name Works
04:09 Access and YouTube Plans
04:43 Future Trends and Cruising
06:30 Advice for Brand Partnerships
07:57 Wrap Up and Shoutouts
10 min - Steve Case on the Future of Luxury Travel and the Exclusive Collective
In this Skift Take Sessions episode, recorded at Skift Global Forum, Sarah Dandashy speaks with Steve Case, CEO of Revolution, about his growing investment in travel and hospitality and the strategy behind Exclusive Collective, which brings together Exclusive Resorts, Inspirato, and onefinestay. Case explains how the combined portfolio aims to serve luxury travelers through curated properties, personalized service, and greater flexibility.
They also discuss the role of AI in luxury travel, why human connection and trust remain essential, and how the company plans to grow its portfolio of homes, resorts, and experiences. Case shares his outlook on the expanding luxury travel market and the development of Punta Cacique in Costa Rica and properties in Hawaii.
This episode is sponsored by ZS.
00:00 Live From Skift Global Forum
00:19 From AOL To Revolution
01:30 Building Exclusive Collective
03:30 Curation Over Choice
04:27 Synergies And Scale
07:11 Onefinestay Portfolio Shift
09:04 Revenue Targets Check In
09:15 AI In Luxury Travel
10:45 Luxury Growth Flywheel
12:46 Whats Next In The Pipeline
14:13 Wrap Up And Thanks
17 min - What It Takes to Put AI Into Production in Travel
In this Skift Take Sessions episode, recorded at the Skift Data & AI Summit in London, Sania Lali speaks with Benjamin Cany, Vice President of Product and Business Strategy for the AI Delivery Hub at Amadeus, about the challenges of moving AI from pilot projects into live travel operations.
They discuss why AI initiatives should start with business problems, how governance and trust shape deployment, and what changes when AI moves from making recommendations to taking actions like rebooking flights. Cany also shares examples of Amadeus AI solutions reducing manual work and explains why clear human handoffs and collaboration across the travel ecosystem will be critical as agentic AI advances. Learn more at amadeus.com/ai.
Connect with Skift
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social
X: https://twitter.com/skift
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
00:00 Summit Intro
00:44 AI Adoption Shift
02:18 From Pilot to Production
03:50 Agentic Actions Risks
05:10 Trust and Governance
06:00 MAX for Travelers Example
07:17 Proving Business Value
08:43 Executive Next Steps
10:17 Closing and Resources
13 min - Marriott and Meta: Why Creator Marketing Is Driving Travel Bookings
In this Skift Take Sessions episode, recorded at the Skift Creator Summit at Skift Global Forum, Katie Cline sits down with Laura Troy, Senior Director of Creative and Content for the U.S. and Canada at Marriott, and Sanjay Bhatia, Managing Director and Head of Industry at Meta, to discuss how creator marketing is evolving into a measurable driver of travel bookings.
They explore why authentic storytelling and long-term creator relationships matter, how brands can balance creative freedom with business goals, and why engagement is often more valuable than follower counts. They also discuss how creator content in paid campaigns can improve performance and why travel brands need the right systems, measurement and internal alignment to scale their creator marketing efforts.
14 min - Growth Under Pressure: The Decisions Hotel Brands Are Making Now
Recorded live at Skift Global Forum 2026, Jeremy Kressman talks with Heather Balsley, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Peter Manoogian, Partner at ZS, about hotel owner profitability, conversions and the changing economics of hotel growth.
They also discuss how AI is reshaping hotel search, loyalty and distribution, and why machine-readable, accurate and consistent hotel content is becoming a critical demand driver.
The conversation closes with a look at where hotel companies should focus their technology investments and why AI initiatives need to deliver more than marketing hype.
This episode is brought to you by ZS
Connect with Skift
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social
X: https://twitter.com/skift
Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.
00:00 Intro
00:47 Owner Profitability
02:45 Conversions vs. New Builds
04:45 Demand Capture
06:30 Loyalty in the AI Era
08:45 Tech Investment Priorities
12:15 Final Takeaways
17 min
About Skift Take Sessions
From the publisher's feed
Skift Take Sessions is a weekly podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry.
Each episode features candid, journalist-led interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, travel platforms, and experiences.
Recorded live at Skift events, these conversations go beyond headlines to explore how decisions are made, how companies compete, and how the industry is evolving.
Hosted by Wil Slickers, Skift Take Sessions adds the context that matters — why each conversation is relevant now and what we learned.
You’ll hear directly from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more.
If you want a clearer view into where travel is headed next, Skift Take Sessions delivers insight from the people shaping it.
New episodes every week. Available wherever you get your podcasts and at Skift.com.