Hilton’s Reinvention 🏗️

Leonard Gooz, leader of Hilton's flagship brand, outlined some changes it's making in an exclusive interview with Skift.

View in browser Unsubscribe Monday August 25, 2025 Good morning, readers. Hilton's flagship brand is testing out some new ideas. Southwest Airlines is discussing the possibility of international expansion. And business travel to the U.S. is strong despite concerns about geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.  Hotels   Sean O'Neill Senior Hospitality Editor Image by Hilton Hilton's Efforts to Update 106-Year-Old Flagship Brand Leonard Gooz, leader of Hilton's flagship brand, outlined some changes it's making in an exclusive interview with Skift. Hilton wants its lobbies to feel less like transit zones for business travelers and more like places where people might actually want to spend time. At its new hotel, the Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key, the front desk sits in the middle of the lobby rather than against a wall. Hilton has made brand-wide decisions like making bedside alarm clocks optional to avoid disruptive digital screens. Get The Full Story On Skift EVENT | Sept 16-18 Skift Global Forum Prices Increase This Week Join us in New York City on September 16–18 for the 12th annual Skift Global Forum, where global travel's boldest minds gather to shape the future of the industry. Last year's event sold out, and this year, there are only 100 seats remaining. Register today and lock in discounted rates — prices increase to full price after August 28. RESERVE YOUR SEAT Airlines   Meghna Maharishi Airline Reporter Image by Vincenzo Pace Southwest Airlines Considers Global Expansion Southwest Airlines has started discussions with pilots and flight attendant unions about expanding internationally. The carrier said it's exploring what new international destinations it could serve with its Boeing 737 fleet.  Southwest currently operates some short-haul international flights to popular leisure destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean. It would be one of many changes Southwest has made, such as introducing premium seats and baggage fees. Get The Full Story On Skift Online Travel Capturing the Travelers You Don't See Together With   Wunderkind Did you know that most travelers browsing your site never get identified — and their potential bookings vanish? Wunderkind's Ronen Kadosh shares how turning those anonymous clicks into known customers could mean thousands of extra direct bookings. Read the interview on Skift Business Travel Image by Adobe/Liubomir Strong Business Travel to the U.S. Despite Cautious Sentiment Business travel transaction data suggests that corporations are still sending business travelers to the U.S. despite rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.  "Transaction levels are returning to pre-pandemic heights," said Rose Stratford, BCD's executive vice president of Global Supplier Management. However, Stratford added that several industries are more affected by the uncertainty of U.S. tariffs than others. Concur data shows the U.S. maintaining its position as the top international business travel destination in the first half of 2025. Get The Full Story On Skift Editor's Picks   Rashaad Jorden Associate Editor/Archivist Hotels COP30: How Soaring Hotel Prices Could Keep Vulnerable Countries Out of Global Climate Talks Get More News On Skift   SKIFT PRO       With a subscription to Skift Pro, you get full access to the in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news that the Skift Editorial team produce – as well as the travel industry's premier AI answer engine and Skift Travel 200 stock index. SAVE 20% ON YOUR FIRST YEAR Defining the future of travel. Skift. 35 W 31st St., New York, NY, 10001, USA Follow Us: LinkedIn   |  X   |  Facebook   |  Whatsapp   |  Bluesky   |  Threads You received this because you are subscribed to Newsletter | The Daily from Skift. For Gmail users: If you are using the tabbed inbox, Skift emails may be pushed to the 'Promotions' tab. To get updates from Skift direct to your primary inbox, drag and drop this email to that tab.