Latest news with #SkiftIDEAAwards
Skift
5 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Skift IDEA Awards: Meet the 2025 Finalists
Now in its seventh year, Skift IDEA Awards will once again recognize the individuals, teams and businesses that are driving the travel industry forward. See the 2025 finalists below. Now in its seventh year, the Skift IDEA Awards continues to spotlight the individuals, teams and companies shaping the future of our industry. Today, we're excited to reveal the finalists for the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards. With over 420 submissions from around the globe – and 247 advancing to the final round – the 2025 edition reaffirms the IDEA Awards as the definitive benchmark for innovation, creativity, and impact across the travel ecosystem. For 2025, the program was split across seven distinct criteria groups: Industry Innovators: Forward-thinking projects that drive a sector forward and make an impact with consumers. Forward-thinking projects that drive a sector forward and make an impact with consumers. Change Makers: Organizations elevating the Travel Industry's role as a force for good by affecting meaningful change. Organizations elevating the Travel Industry's role as a force for good by affecting meaningful change. Creative Thinkers: Marketing, strategy and technology that inspires and pushes the industry forward. Marketing, strategy and technology that inspires and pushes the industry forward. Problem Solvers: Service providers who offer solutions, address business challenges, or use technology to guide the industry. Service providers who offer solutions, address business challenges, or use technology to guide the industry. Travel Technology: Technology providers offering innovative technological solutions that are guiding the industry forward. Technology providers offering innovative technological solutions that are guiding the industry forward. Short-Term Rentals: Recognizing the individuals and organizations that are shaping the future of the short-term rental industry. Recognizing the individuals and organizations that are shaping the future of the short-term rental industry. Meetings & Events: Presented by Skift Meetings. Celebrating the business events industry's most respected and innovative suppliers. The submissions progressing into the final round are a testament to an industry that is increasingly bold, purpose-led and future-ready. The submissions will now be reviewed by an independent panel of expert judges, selected for their leadership and perspective across key sectors of the industry. Explore the full list of 2025 Skift IDEA Awards finalists below: INDUSTRY INNOVATORS Activities & Attractions Airlines & Airports CAE | SkyTeam's Carry-on Calculator Alaska Airlines | The Next Generation of Search, Powered by AI Spirit Airlines | Revolutionizing Travel with Wellness-Driven Innovations Tradewind Aviation | Predicting Potential Problems Hours Prior to Arrival Endava | Armani for Etihad Luxury Inflight Range created by Buzz SkySquad | Data-Activated Personalization Reaches New Heights AirportLabs Limited | Airport Community App: Elevating Airport Operations Through Efficiency, Community and Wellbeing Business Travel TravelPerk | Book It Easy Otto The Agent | Pioneering Business Class in Ground Transportation Engine | Breaking the Expense Management Mold BizAway | A Unified Platform for Modern Enterprises Mastercard | Delivering the Future of Travel Global Rescue | Delivering the Future of Travel Hospitality Tour Operators Butterfield & Robinson | Around The World in 60 Days DreamSetGo | Taking India to the World of Sports GrupBlox | Build, Scale and Contract Multi-City Tours and Financial Metrics TravelLocal | A New Era of Locally Led Multi-Day Travel Staays | Make it Easier to Travel Better Worldia | Empowering Travel Distributors to Offer Unique Custom Trips Exodus Adventure Travels | Pioneering a Regenerative Future for Multi-Day Tours Aurora Travel | Redefining How Individuals and Groups Explore the World Tourism VISIONARY 2030 CHANGE MAKERS Leadership People & Community Sustainability Rising Star Aaron Fessler, Founder and CEO, TripWorks Richard Nunn, CEO, MileagePlus Eliza Pesuit, Founder and CEO, Global Glimpse Mike Weiss and Ben Weinberg, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, Trailborn Justine Palefsky & Tasneem Amina, Co-Founders, Kindred DEI Champion CREATIVE THINKERS Content Marketing Physical Experiences Creative Design PROBLEM SOLVERS Business Outcomes Communications New Orleans & Company | Crisis Communications YKONE | Transforming Perceptions: Experience Abu Dhabi 2024's Global Influencer Program Abode Worldwide | From Visibility to Value: PR That Grows B2B Hospitality and Property Tech Brands Heritage Corridor Destinations | Secrets and Surprises Data Provider TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY Operational Streamlining Traveler Journey Best Use of AI Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) | Noura AI: Transforming Travel with a Human Touch Matador Network | GuideGeek: Custom AI for Travel Brands PriceLabs | AI Innovation, Everywhere – The New Standard in Revenue Management Destination Canada | Traveller Twin: Canada's Trusted Segmentation, Now a Strategic AI-Powered Conversation with the Ideal Traveller Cloudbeds | The world's first foundation AI model for the hospitality industry Amperity | Amperity CDC: AI-Driven Identity Resolution for Travel and Hospitality Growth Sacher Hotels | Franz – A Sacher Original: Where AI Learns the Art of Hospitality Qatar Tourism | Visit Qatar GenAI Concierge Destination Vancouver | The AI Concierge Which Deserves a Clef D'Or Yanolja | Redefining Global Travel Through AI-Powered Data Innovation MEETINGS & EVENTS Hotels Destination Marketing Organizations Convention Centers & Other Venues Event Technology Snapsight | World's First AI-based Real Time Event Content Summarisation NMR Events | Behind the Magic: The Tech Driving Disney's 2025 Upfront BoomPop | AI-Powered, Human-Centered Event Planning GlobalMeet | Driving the Next Era of Virtual Event Technology | Leading the AI Revolution in Meetings and Events Cvent | Transforming Event Experiences Through Next-Gen Technology Zoho Backstage | Reimagining the Future of Events RainFocus | All-in-One Event Management Technology vFairs | Blending Powerful Tech with a Human Touch to Create Unforgettable Events Grip | Making Business Relationships Happen at Events SHORT-TERM RENTALS Property Management PriceLabs | The Missing Link in Revenue Management: PriceLabs' Listing Optimizer Boom | Bringing the Short-Term Rental Industry Into the Future Evolve | An Owner-First Property Management Model eviivo | eviivo Suite: Empowering Short-Term Rentals to Compete on a Global Scale Dharma | Elevating Hospitality with AI-Driven Operations, Seamless Guest Services, and Smart Tools that Boost Sales and Efficiency. Sentral | Tech + Luxe Lifestyle = STR success Northgate Resorts | Leading the Way in Outdoor Hospitality Short-Term Rentals Guesty | 3,975,143 x 5-Stars with Guesty: The Most Customer-Driven PMS Charlie & Onfly | Disrupting the Corporate Stay: STR for the Modern Business Traveler KozyGuru | Seamless Short-Term Rental Management for the Modern Host Guest Experience Guesty | The Data Driving 5-Star Reviews Accor | Novotel x PSG – La Suite Novotel by A Once-in-a-Lifetime Stay Inside Parc des Princes Rental Escapes | Luxury Made Personal: Rental Escapes' Villa Specialists and Concierge Service Extenteam | Tailwind by Extenteam: Transforming Guest Experience with Human + AI Synergy Villa Finder | Beyond's Tally: Powering the Future of Payments in Short-Term Rentals Beyond | Beyond's Tally: Powering the Future of Payments in Short-Term Rentals
Skift
27-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Inside the Skift IDEA Awards Winners Package 2025: Recognition, Access, Visibility
With just three days until the final submission deadline, let's take a look at the incredible 2025 Skift IDEA Awards winner package. Whether you've already submitted or are still deciding, here's what you stand to gain. The final deadline for the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards is Monday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Each year, Skift IDEA Awards celebrate design, innovation, and impact across the global travel industry. From brand campaigns to destination storytelling, sustainability initiatives to excellence in meetings & events, the program highlights standout work that's shaping what comes next. Winners receive a prize package valued at over $10,000, designed to deliver real visibility, access, and long-term recognition across the travel sector. What 2025 Skift IDEA Awards Winners Receive Full Access to Skift Global Forum ($3,495 value) Winners receive a complimentary ticket to the travel industry's most influential event this September in New York City. 25% Off Additional Passes Invite collaborators or colleagues at a reduced rate. Onstage Recognition Join Skift CEO Rafat Ali onstage for a winner spotlight and group photo during the Forum. A Skift IDEA Awards Trophy A physical award to mark the achievement, introduced last year and returning bigger and better for 2025. Access to the Most Powerful Room in Global Travel Skift Global Forum is where travel's top minds gather to define what's next, and winners will gain access to unparalleled networking opportunities. Editorial Coverage on Winners are featured across Skift's channels, reaching a global audience of decision-makers and travel professionals. Brand Presence at Skift Global Forum Get exposure on-site through branded digital displays and signage. Custom Digital Winner Kit Includes branded assets for press, social media, and internal communications. Visibility with Skift Editors and VIP Judges Put your work in front of influential voices shaping the future of travel. View the 2025 judging panel here. $395 Credit Toward Skift Premium Products Apply credit toward industry research and reporting. Industry-Wide Recognition Join a cohort of brands, agencies, and creators driving meaningful change. What the Judges Are Saying 'I'm excited to take part in the Skift IDEA Awards and get a first look at the innovations shaping the future of travel... I'm looking for ideas that not only challenge the norms but also offer practical, helpful solutions that enhance the traveller's experience.' — Hannah Bennett, Head of Travel, TikTok 'Travel has the power to truly be a force for good... I'm excited to see how this year's entries are pushing the boundaries and showing what's possible when travel is reimagined through the lens of sustainability, innovation, and community.' — Aditi Mohapatra, Vice President, Global Social Impact & Sustainability, Expedia Group 'With AI dominating the conversation the last years... I'm looking for work that feels distinctive, intentional, and built to last.' — Katalina Mayorga, CEO, El Camino Travel See how past winners landed a Skift IDEA Award and what made their work stand out. Not Sure Where to Start? Explore the right category for your work with our Category Finder Quiz. The submission form doesn't need to take all day - you can put together a thoughtful, clear, and compelling entry in under 90 minutes. Final Deadline to Submit: Monday, June 30, 2025 There are just three days left to submit your entry. With a $10,000+ prize package and global visibility on the line, this is your last opportunity to be part of the travel industry's most forward-thinking award program.
Skift
25-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
How Past Winners Landed a Skift IDEA Award
What wins a Skift IDEA Award? Heart, purpose, and fresh thinking. Past winners stood out by solving real problems, sparking emotion, and moving the industry forward. With just days left to submit for the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards, it's time to ask: What actually makes a campaign stand out? It's not just about being big or bold. It's about ideas that feel original, solve real problems, connect with communities, and spark emotion. The best work shifts perspectives and pushes the travel industry forward. Here's what judges are really looking for, along with standout examples from past winners that nailed it. Start with Emotion: Make People Care Great campaigns make people feel something. Whether it's awe, nostalgia, pride, or connection, emotional resonance is what makes an idea stick. Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia brought this to life with Wintjiri Wiṟu, the world's largest permanent drone show. Set against the iconic backdrop of Uluru, the show tells an ancient Indigenous story, co-created with Aṉangu leaders and performed in their native language. It's immersive, unforgettable, and deeply respectful. Solve a Real Problem The most effective campaigns are rooted in utility. They address real traveler pain points and offer practical, creative solutions. SkyTeam did just that with a tool that standardizes carry-on rules across partner airlines, solving a daily frustration for travelers. It's a simple fix, but one that required collaboration and smart design. Thrust Carbon created tools that help companies meet climate goals by embedding sustainability into everyday decisions, removing friction from compliance and reporting. 'Our mission is to make travel effortlessly green. We believe people can travel without the footprint it has... but that requires better data to empower better choices. We were inspired by this foundational problem. If you were too, go inspire the next person by submitting and winning this award.' — Kit Aspen, Founder & CEO, Thrust Carbon Put Purpose First: Show your Impact Judges are drawn to campaigns with substance. It's not just about talking the talk, but about showing a clear impact. Southwest Airlines turned old leather seats into a social good. Through its Repurpose with Purpose initiative, over 1.4 million pounds of aircraft leather have been transformed into jobs and goods for underserved communities. Trafalgar Travel made an industry-first decision to end all branded merchandise giveaways due to their carbon impact. Instead, the brand redirected that spend to climate-positive projects through the TreadRight Foundation. 'I feel that awards like this are really valuable because there is no one size fits all to the many challenges that we face... Often the media will highlight a selection of projects... but it also can be irresponsible not to shine a light on other projects who are new, unique, or perhaps haven't gotten their share of the spotlight... I think that's absolutely the role that Skift IDEA Awards play.' — Shannon Guihan, Chief Sustainability Officer, The Travel Corporation Lean into What Makes You Different Some of the most successful campaigns came from embracing the unexpected. Visit Seattle flipped a perceived negative into a romantic draw with its 'Kissing in the Rain' booth. Rather than avoid the city's rainy reputation, the team turned it into something cinematic, cozy, and shareable. Tourisme Montréal launched a cheeky campaign asking for the Olympic Torch Relay to pass through the city on its way to Paris. It was smart, well-timed, and packed with cultural insight. Design for Impact, Not Just Attention The most memorable work is intentional. It's not just beautiful, it's built to shift something meaningful, whether that's how people travel, who gets access, or how we think about sustainability. Hear it from one of our Skift IDEA Awards judges: 'There's something magical when travel, creativity, and style come together. It's not just about smart ideas – it's about ideas that feel human. I'm drawn to things that are nimble, that go beyond the obvious, do more with less, and focus on what really matters... I love celebrating work that's thoughtful, lightweight, and designed with people at the center.' — Aliya Khan, VP, Global Design Strategies, Marriott International Banyan Tree's Buahan Escape reimagined luxury hospitality with no walls and no doors, placing guests in harmony with the natural world. Every detail was informed by local research and cultural preservation. Vail Resorts created long-term access programs to break down financial, geographic, and cultural barriers to skiing, partnering with over 165 organizations across North America. Rustic Pathways redesigned student travel to build empathy and cross-cultural understanding, not just deliver photo ops. Now It's Your Turn If your work sparked emotion, solved a real problem, or moved the industry forward, it deserves recognition. You don't need the biggest budget. You need a great idea. What Winners Receive: A physical trophy to proudly display your achievement to proudly display your achievement A moment of celebration on stage at our largest event — Skift Global Forum in New York City A full digital brand kit to showcase your win across channels to showcase your win across channels Inclusion in editorial coverage on , viewed by the global travel industry , viewed by the global travel industry Credit towards Skift's premium subscription products And more to amplify your impact and elevate your profile Deadline to enter: June 30 Not Sure Where Your Campaign Fits? Take our quick Category Finder Quiz to match your project with the right award category and boost your chances of winning. Got questions? Reach out at awards@ We're happy to help.
Skift
17-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Skift IDEA Awards Deadline Extended to June 30 Due to Overwhelming Demand
The Skift IDEA Awards deadline has been extended to June 30 due to overwhelming demand and high interest from across the travel industry. This gives entrants two extra weeks to submit their most innovative work for recognition. Due to unprecedented interest and a surge in submissions, the deadline for the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards has officially been extended by two weeks. Entrants now have until June 30 to submit their work for consideration. The Skift IDEA Awards celebrate the most impactful and innovative design, experiences, and initiatives across the global travel industry. From trailblazing campaigns and transformative sustainability projects to cutting-edge digital experiences and creative hospitality concepts, the awards aim to spotlight the visionaries shaping the future of travel. New Deadline: Monday, June 30 The deadline extension comes in direct response to overwhelming demand from companies and creatives around the world requesting more time to finalize their entries. With submissions arriving from every corner of the travel landscape—airlines, hotels, tourism boards, experience providers, short-term rentals and more—this year is on track to be our most competitive and inspiring yet. If you've been considering submitting your work but needed more time to polish your presentation or gather final materials, this is your moment. The Skift editorial and judging teams are eager to see the innovation, imagination, and impact you've brought to the industry. Still unsure which category to apply for? Take our easy quiz to guide you to the best fit. We encourage all organizations, agencies, and individuals working in the travel ecosystem to take advantage of this additional window. This is your chance to gain global recognition and be celebrated as a changemaker at the forefront of travel's evolution. For submission guidelines, past winners, and judging criteria, visit:
Skift
16-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
How to Enter the Skift IDEA Awards in Under 90 Minutes
Great ideas deserve industry recognition. Enter the Skift IDEA Awards now, then use the extra time to elevate your submission before the deadline. If entering the Skift IDEA Awards has been sitting on your to-do list, consider this your sign. It doesn't need to take all day. You can put together a clear, compelling entry in under 90 minutes. The best part? You can go back and edit your submission anytime before the final deadline. Here's how to get it done fast and smart. Why Enter the Skift IDEA Awards Now Skift IDEA Awards spotlight the best creative, strategic, and forward-thinking work in travel. That includes marketing campaigns, product innovations, experience design, and more. If your team built something you're proud of, this is the place to showcase it. Submitting now gives you time to polish before the final cut-off. It's not about perfection. It's about showing thoughtful, effective work that moves the industry forward. How to Complete Your Entry in Under 90 Minutes Use this simple five-step plan to move quickly and still put your best work forward. 1. Get Set Up (10 to 15 Minutes) Log in to the submission platform Review the official entry guide (PDF) Gather your key materials: a few visuals, basic performance data, maybe a short quote or testimonial You don't need everything at once. You can upload or update files later. 2. Choose Your Category (10 to 15 Minutes) Pick the category that fits your project's core focus. If you're unsure, try the Category Quiz to help make the call. When in doubt, choose the category where your story is strongest. Don't forget you can always enter more than one category to boost your chances of making it to the finals. 3. Write the Main Entry (40 Minutes) Answer these three questions clearly: What was the goal? How did you make it happen? What was the impact? Use short paragraphs or bullet points. Focus on results. 4. Add Key Proof Points (15 to 20 Minutes) Upload whatever you have ready: A few screenshots or images A single stat that highlights success A quote from a client, partner, or internal team member Don't overthink this. You can always log back in to upload new files or rewrite sections. 5. Submit Now, Edit Later This is the most important part. Once you hit 'submit,' you're in, but you can continue editing your entry until the final deadline. That means you can: Rewrite your text Add or change visuals Update your stats Submitting early gives you space to improve. Waiting until the last minute locks you into whatever you wrote under pressure. You've Already Done the Work. Now Share It. The best Skift IDEA Awards entries are focused. One clear idea, well-executed, with real results. It's not about how big the brand is; it's about how thoughtful and effective the work was. You don't need a full day. Just set aside 90 minutes, tell the story, and hit submit. Also, check out our handy 'How to Enter guide' for some more insider tips from the team. You'll be able to refine it later. What matters now is starting.
