📝 Airbnb's Loyalty Test

Airbnb executives have discussed launching a loyalty program for years, and now the company is finally conducting tests.

View in browser Unsubscribe Thursday February 19, 2026 Good morning, readers. Airbnb is finally running tests for loyalty programs. Booking Holdings highlighted its partnerships with independent hotels. And Minor Hotels is mapping out a strategy to grow in the U.S. AWARDS Skift IDEA Awards Submissions are open for this year's Skift IDEA Awards, honoring the most impactful and inspiring work from brands, agencies, companies, and individuals that solve real challenges, spark change, and shape the future of travel. From purpose-built spaces and standout digital experiences to creative excellence and transformative leadership, IDEA Award winners signal where the industry is headed next. PURCHASE YOUR ENTRY NOW AT THE LOWEST PRICE Short-Term Rentals   Dennis Schaal Executive Editor Image by Airbnb Airbnb Tests Loyalty Benefits Airbnb executives have discussed launching a loyalty program for years, and now the company is finally conducting tests. "We think that could be a massive accelerant for our company," CEO Brian Chesky said about a loyalty program.  Chesky added that Airbnb's loyalty program wouldn't be a typical points program.  Airbnb executives have previously outlined a vision centered around a more personalized, possibly paid-membership approach.   Get The Full Story On Skift Online Travel   Dennis Schaal Executive Editor Image by Skift Booking Emphasizes Strong Ties to Independent Hotels Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel talked up the company's relationships with independent hotels as LLMs and Airbnb look to cut into that vital part of Booking's business. Fogel said independent hotels represent "the vast majority" of Booking.com's booked room nights.  He added that Booking.com provides technical expertise to independent hotels, including customer service. "We recognize effective partnerships require much more than technology alone," Fogel said. Get The Full Story On Skift hotels The Next Era of Independent Luxury Hospitality Together With   The Set   The Next Era of Independent Luxury Hospitality The Set reveals why individuality is becoming luxury's most valuable asset Demand for authenticity is creating new room for boutique luxury brands The Set helps independent hotels scale without losing their individuality get the full story on skift Hotels   Sean O'Neill Senior Hospitality Editor Image by Minor International Minor Hotels' U.S. Strategy Thailand-based Minor Hotels has laid out its plan to grow in the U.S., which includes a narrow geographic focus, a few key brands, a franchising push, and an unusual financing model for development. While Minor Hotels has a dozen brands, it's primarily focusing on NH, Tivoli, and Anantara in the U.S. market. Minor Hotels is offering franchise contract terms that start below the standard for U.S. hotel groups.  A Minor Hotels executive said she's been courting the European banks that already have lending relationships with the company.  Get The Full Story On Skift Editor's Picks   Rashaad Jorden Associate Editor/Archivist Hotels Wyndham Takes $160 Million Hit After European Franchisee Files for Insolvency   Business Travel Navan to Replace CFO 4 Months After IPO   Travel Technology How Indian Travel Tech Bought Its Way Into the West's Backyard   Airlines Here's How U.S. Airlines Say They're Using AI   Tourism Japan Posts First Tourism Decline in Four Years as Chinese Arrivals Plunge 61%   Tourism South Africa Wants 100,000 Indian Travelers — Here's the Plan   Tourism Bahrain's Tourism Makeover: Diversifying Beyond Saudi Visitors and Short-Stay Weekends Get More News On Skift 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.