Latest news with #SarahKopit
Skift
4 days ago
- Skift
The New Era of Solo Women Travelers
Solo women travelers above 50 are a booming demographic, but there are several misconceptions about the group, which we examine in this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast. Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko talk travel every week. Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko talk travel every week. Learn More This week's episode of The Skift Travel Podcast examined the surge in solo women travelers over the age of 50. JourneyWoman CEO Carolyn Ray and Intrepid Travel's Leigh Barnes discussed how travel is becoming a means of self-discovery for older women and the challenges of marketing to this demographic, among other topics, with Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko. Listen Now Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSS Five Key Points Solo Travel for Women Over 50 Is Now Mainstream: What was once considered niche has become mainstream. Travel companies are now actively recognizing the value and demand of older solo female travelers. Intrepid Travel, for example, has seen women over 50 become one of their fastest-growing customer segments. Factors Driving Travel Choices: 'Solo' isn't just about traveling alone — it's about making independent, empowered decisions. Women in this demographic often prioritize safety, cultural immersion, and meaningful experiences over luxury or traditional vacation formats. Travel Goals: Older women are moving away from the 'bucket list' mentality and toward travel experiences that foster personal growth, humility, gratitude, and cultural understanding. This demographic values meaningful and transformative journeys over tourist checklists. Challenges Facing Solo Women Travelers: A major barrier is the 'single supplement' fee that penalizes solo travelers for not sharing a room. Research shows 78% of women view this cost as a deterrent, and many prefer privacy over being assigned roommates. Companies need to rethink this model to better support solo female travelers. Myths About Older Travelers and Spending: The stereotype that older women always seek discounts is outdated. In reality, travelers aged 65–74 are among the most affluent and willing to spend on high-quality, meaningful travel. They may be frugal in other areas but prioritize spending on unique travel experiences. Episode Summary Kopit, Borko, Barnes, and Ray discussed how solo women travelers above 50, once largely ignored by the travel industry, are becoming more visible. Ray said a recent study published by JourneyWoman revealed a significant decrease in members of that group feeling undervalued by travel companies — from 70% to 34% in just two years. The four of them noted that marketing and authentic storytelling are crucial to reaching this audience, who rely more on word of mouth than traditional advertising. Despite their influence and spending power, older women remain underrepresented in travel marketing due to ageism and outdated perceptions. However, societal shifts such as increased longevity, better health, and rising passport ownership are driving this demographic to travel more than ever. The conversation also explored whether modern wellness trends, like weight-loss drugs, could further empower older women to pursue more ambitious travel experiences.
Skift
16-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Inside Palantir's Opinionated Approach to Travel Tech
Palantir's Breno Helfstein Moura has no shortage of thoughts about what travel brands really need, which he discussed in this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast. Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko talk travel every week. Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko talk travel every week. Learn More This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast features a discussion with Breno Helfstein Moura, the head of hospitality at Palantir. Moura addressed a wide variety of topics with Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko, including how the company leverages data to solve complex problems in travel. Listen Now Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSS Five Key Points Off-the-Shelf AI Solutions Are a Myth: Buying a plug-and-play AI solution is often a fantasy, and true transformation requires custom integration and an understanding of the unique challenges each business faces. Even standardized systems like PMS or ERP transitions often end up as costly, multi-year projects. Operational AI Trends Are Driving ROI: Key AI trends Palantir sees across industries — especially in travel and hospitality — include procurement and supply chain optimization, revenue and rate management, and targeted marketing. AI is a Mirror — and a Force Multiplier: AI doesn't replace humans — it enhances them. Like chess grandmasters paired with AI outperforming AI alone, people with AI tools perform at their best. But AI can also reflect the flaws in a company's culture or data. If the organization is confused or misaligned, the AI will be too. Travel Tech Can Skip the Legacy Journey: The travel industry often assumes it must progress through slow technology such as clunky interfaces and fragmented tech before adopting advanced solutions like AI. Palantir argues that travel companies can leapfrog outdated steps and go straight to modern, integrated platforms. AI Use Cases Are Already Transforming Travel: Revenue management and loyalty optimization are among the viable AI use cases already active in travel. Episode Summary Palanatir's Breno Helfstein Moura discussed the company's growing role in the travel industry with Kopit and Borko. Known primarily as a defense contractor, Palantir is expanding into commercial sectors, including travel, where it has leveraged its expertise in data integration and AI. While some may view Palantir as a consulting firm, Moura emphasizes that it's fundamentally a software company delivering tailored tech solutions. He also warned of AI's potential risks, stressing the need for safeguards around data access, especially in sensitive industries like hospitality, to ensure responsible and ethical use. Moura added he sees strong return on investment opportunities in both revenue generation and cost reduction. Finally, he said he views the industry's vast amount of underused, unstructured data as a goldmine for improvement.
Skift
09-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
The Brand That Set The Standard for Lifestyle Hotels
The Standard is considered one of the elite lifestyle hotel brands, and we discuss its evolution in this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast. Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko talk travel every week. Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko talk travel every week. Learn More This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast featured a discussion with Amar Lalvani, Executive Vice President, President & Creative Director, Lifestyle at Hyatt. Lalvani touched on The Standard's evolution following Hyatt's acquisition of the brand in 2024 with Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko. Listen Now Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSS Five Key Points Creative Direction and Innovation: Lalvani said he emphasizes innovation driven by intuition and personal taste rather than traditional consumer surveys — citing examples like The Manner in New York City, which has no TVs and bans kids in public areas. Strategic Expansion into Southeast Asia: The Standard's growth in Southeast Asia was a mix of strategy and serendipity. A major factor was their previous majority investor, Sansiri — a major Thai developer — which provided capital, connections, and local market understanding. Southeast Asia's accessibility, English fluency, and tourism volume made it a practical launchpad for global expansion. Travel as an Essential Need: Despite global uncertainty, Lalvani said modern travel is no longer optional — it's essential. He noted that younger generations prioritize travel more than previous ones, making it a resilient industry despite geopolitical and economic turbulence. Wellness as a Holistic and Evolving Experience: Hyatt's approach to wellness — through immersive retreats like Miraval and serene properties like Alila — reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations. Lalvani is also intrigued by 'tech wellness,' including AI-driven therapies, cryotherapy, and NAD+ drips, suggesting wellness is expanding into personalized, high-tech territory. AI's Impact on Hospitality: AI is transforming hospitality operations behind the scenes — from analyzing customer feedback to designing rooms and streamlining internal tasks. While Lalvani doesn't see AI in guest rooms as immediate, he sees enormous potential in how guests discover, plan, and experience travel using AI. Episode Summary This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast explored the evolution and impact of lifestyle hotels, with a focus on The Standard brand, which began in Hollywood 25 years ago and rose to prominence with its flagship Meatpacking District location in New York City. Lalvani said 'lifestyle' is not just a marketing term but a commitment to immersive guest experiences that transcend traditional hotel offerings. While the term 'luxury' remains fluid, Lalvani argues that personalization and relevance to context are more important than conventional industry classifications. The discussion also touches on changing consumer behaviors, particularly among younger travelers who prioritize wellness, quality experiences, and moderation. Ultimately, the future of lifestyle hospitality, according to Lalvani, lies in bold creativity, thoughtful design, and staying ahead of evolving guest expectations. Korpit, Borko, and Lalvani also discussed the company's global expansion, which began in earnest with the opening of The Standard London in 2019. They also talked about AI's potential to improve internal processes, guest journey personalization, and design inspiration. While AI isn't being added directly into rooms at The Standard yet, it has been useful in backend operations and understanding guest insights.
