Good morning, readers.

Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta wants the U.S. to do a better job of marketing itself to international travelers. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has abruptly stepped down. And February saw another decline in Canadians visiting the U.S.

Skift Static Email Banner - 600x200 (1) (2)

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.

PRICES INCREASE THIS FRIDAY. PAY NOW - SUBMIT LATER.

Hotels

Sean O'Neill

Senior Hospitality Editor

Image by Skift

Hilton CEO Calls for Stronger Tourism Strategy

Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta said the U.S. has lost half its share of global inbound tourism in a generation, falling from 10% to about 5%, and called for a stronger strategy to market the country abroad.

"If you said to me Hilton lost half its global market share, I'd have been fired a long time ago," Nassetta said.
Nassetta said the 2026 World Cup and other events present major opportunities, but warned the U.S. must remove friction from the travel process.
He also pointed to several economic tailwinds he believes will lift hotel spending.

Get The Full Story On Skift

Airlines

Peden Doma Bhutia

Asia Editor

Image by Skift

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers' Exit

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has stepped down, ending a three-and-a-half-year tenure with the Indian carrier.

Elbers transformed IndiGo from a domestic giant into a global aviation player.
But IndiGo's failure to plan for new pilot regulations triggered the airline's worst-ever operational meltdown in December.
The crisis shattered IndiGo's decades-long reputation for punctuality.

Get The Full Story On Skift

webinar

Innovative Revenue Strategies for Uncertain Times

Skift and ZS Associates hosted a webinar with senior leaders from Marriott and AWS on diversifying revenue streams beyond core business models.

89% of travel execs say companies need to further diversify how they make money as markets become more unpredictable
Learn actionable strategies for turning non-core capabilities into sustainable revenue growth

watch on demand

Tourism

Rashaad Jorden

Associate Editor/Archivist

Welcome_to_the_United_States_sign_at_the_Peace_Arch-1 (1)

Image by Wikimedia Commons/Craig Nagy

Canadian Travel Drops Again

Canadian travel to the United States continued to fall in February, extending a yearlong decline in cross-border trips.

The number of Canadian residents returning from the U.S. by car fell 12.9% from last year, marking the 13th straight month of declines.
Canadian-resident return trips by air dropped 17.6%.
The trend is unlikely to reverse soon — 62% of Canadians said they're less likely to visit U.S. destinations in 2026 than last year.

Get The Full Story On Skift