The Skift Travel Podcast

For this week's podcast, host Sarah Kopit is joined by Jane Poynter, a founder of the space tourism company Space Perspective to discuss the next frontier of travel. Kopit recently wrote a feature story about how the industry has developed over the last two decades, as well as where it is now positioned.

Highlights of their conversation include:

Growth of the Space Economy: The space tourism sector is rapidly expanding, with Space Perspective being part of a larger movement toward space accessibility. Developments such as private space stations, lower launch costs, and increased commercial interest suggest a thriving space economy that could soon become mainstream.

Space Tourism through Balloons: Space Perspective, founded by Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum, is pioneering a unique form of space tourism using high-altitude balloons instead of rockets. This method provides a smooth, slow ascent to the edge of space, offering passengers an experience akin to a luxurious space lounge.

Accessibility and Affordability: Space Perspective’s goal is to make space travel accessible and affordable. Their current ticket price of $125,000 is lower than other space tourism options, with plans to reduce costs further in the future. The experience is designed to be as seamless as a plane ride, eliminating the need for intense training.

Environmental and Safety Considerations: The balloons are filled with hydrogen, making the flights carbon-neutral. Extensive safety measures include a legacy balloon technology tested by NASA, multiple backup parachute systems, and real-time monitoring by the FAA and Coast Guard.

The Impact of Viewing Earth from Space: Poynter emphasized the profound impact of viewing Earth from space, which often shifts people's perspectives and worldviews. Space Perspective hopes that by allowing more people to experience this, it will foster a stronger connection to Earth and inspire positive change.

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Airlines Editor Gordon Smith joins Seth to discuss all things airlines. First, the growing prevalence of premium cabins and products in aviation. Secondly, the quiet but noticeable divestment from China by many western airlines, the subject of Gordon's recent feature story "Why Are Airlines Quiet Quitting China?".

Airlines are increasingly investing in premium cabins, including first class, business class, and premium economy, to enhance their brand positioning and appeal to high-margin passengers. This move reflects a commitment to long-term enhancements despite the high costs and operational challenges involved. Meanwhile, Western airlines are adopting a 'quiet quitting' approach in China by reducing flight frequencies and cutting routes due to economic and geopolitical pressures, notably the restriction on using Russian airspace, which affects European carriers' operational costs.

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According to a new Skift Research report on U.S. travel trends, family travel constitutes the largest segment of U.S. leisure travel.

The report’s lead author, Skift Research Manager Varsha Arora, joins Seth and Sarah to talk about what it means for the business of travel.

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The United Arab Emirates has moved quickly since 2022 to establish its very own gambling hub in the once sleepy emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, with gaming resorts from big hitters MGM and Wynn Resorts in the works amidst a slate of regulatory action and marketing. Skift Middle East Reporter Josh Corder joins the program to discuss how this could be one of the biggest shifts in tourism in modern memory.

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The actions of governments can move markets as much, if not more than, any business or technological development. In this episode Sarah is joined again by Skift Managing Editor Lex Harris to discuss the implications of global immigration policies, the results of the upcoming U.S. presidential election and politics in general, on the business of travel. 

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Seth recaps some of the biggest impact speakers and moments from last week's Skift Global Forum 2024. Highlighting the intertwined nature of the business of travel, Seth covers stage sessions with Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, Jetblue CEO Joanna Geraghty, and Wyndham Hotels CEO Geoff Ballotti.

See full videos of all the stage sessions from Skift Global Forum 2024 on the official Skift Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SkiftNews

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Fresh off the heels of Skift Global Forum 2024, we present a conversation between Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group, and Skift Executive Editor Dennis Schaal, that took place on stage at The Glasshouse in New York on the final day of the forum.

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Who’s the first phone call when a power player wants to make something big happen in the travel industry? Who moves markets and shapes trends with a single sound bite? Skift attempted to answer these questions and more in our first ever Skift Power Rankings.

Seth and Sarah are joined by Airlines Editor Gordon Smith and Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O'Neill to discuss the methodology behind the rankings, who might make the list in the near future, and what power means to them.

See the full Skift Power Rankings for 2024 here: https://skift.com/skift-power-rankings

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Skift Global Forum returns to New York on September 17-19, featuring top travel industry leaders in exclusive interview sessions and talks. Skift's executive editor, Dennis Schaal, joins Seth and Sarah to preview the forum's themes and speakers.

To purchase tickets or learn more about the agenda and speakers, visit https://www.live.skift.com.

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Our coverage of the Skift State of Travel Report 2024 continues as Seth and Sarah are joined by Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi and Research Analyst Ashab Rizvi to discuss the report's insights about the aviation sector.

Read the full report for FREE today at https://skift.com/insight/state-of-travel

Connect with Skift

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