Good morning, readers.

Southwest Airlines has made a series of big moves recently, including allowing its flights to be displayed through new booking channels for the first time. But that change hasn't been as successful as Southwest had hoped. And that was one factor that drove the carrier to make a stunning reversal to its business model.

Online Travel

Dennis Schaal

Executive Editor

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Image by Skift

Southwest Didn't Get the Gains It Expected From New Online Booking Channels

Southwest Airlines expected to get a boost from displaying its flights on Google Flights, Kayak, and Expedia for the first time, but that hasn't happened yet.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said at a financial conference this week that disappointing results from the change in distribution channels drove the carrier to reverse its longtime "bags fly free policy."
Southwest's app and website had largely been the only place for leisure travelers to book its flights online until 2024.
Jordan said Southwest would continue to add other online travel agencies to its distribution channels if the company believed it would be cost-effective.

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Q&A

How Sandals Resorts' New Campaign Champions Caribbean Authenticity

Sandals Resorts

By emphasizing its authentic roots, culture, and decades-long presence in the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts aims to remind travelers that it offers more than just luxury — it delivers an experience that is uniquely and unmistakably Caribbean.

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Short-Term Rentals

Jade Wilson

Global Tourism & Experiences Reporter

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Image by Unsplash/Jaimie Harmsen

Canadian Visits to the U.S. Trend Downwards

Canadian visits to the U.S. have shown signs of decline since President Trump's inauguration and announcements of tariffs.

About 1.5 million Canadian residents crossed back into Canada from the U.S. by car in January, a decline of 0.9%.
Key Data, which tracks short-term rental data, found U.S. vacation rental managers have reported a drop in Canadian bookings.
Nearly half of Canadian travelers said in a recent poll that they're less likely to visit the U.S. in 2025 than last year.

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Event

March 17-18

Skift India Forum Is Next Week

Skift India Forum is where travel's top decision-makers, innovators, and industry leaders come together.

See the Agenda and Register

"I've attended plenty of events in India and across the globe, but this Summit truly delivered a one of a kind experience."

– Skift India Summit 2023 attendee. Read what others say about this event.

Tourism

Peden Doma Bhutia

Asia Editor

Design by Skift

The Women Behind India's Travel Revolution

Ahead of next week's Skift India Forum, we're profiling 10 up-and-coming women making waves in the country's travel industry. Here's a sampling.

Ranju Alex, Marriott's Area Vice President for South Asia, has started an initiative called "Project Pranita" through which Marriott has hired over 200 underprivileged girls fresh out of high school.
Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, the first female head of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association, has helped shape sustainable tourism policies and championed local women entrepreneurs.
Amruda Nair, the founder of Araiya Hotels & Resorts, manages a thriving restaurant business in Europe and a hotel management company in India.

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