Sean O'Neill Archives

Sean O’Neill is Skift's Senior Hospitality Editor. Sean's forte is reporting, and he's broken multiple industry scoops. Sean has also received praise as an event moderator, having interviewed the CEOs of major hotel groups such as Marriott, Hilton, and IHG on stage. He writes analysis pieces that pinpoint industry trends, and he profiles rising industry leaders. In his personal life, someone should stop him before he starts another home improvement project.

A view of a resort hotel with a big pool on a sunny day Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

Hotels

Hyatt Pushes Into Mid-Market Hotels While Doubling Down on Luxury

Hyatt is diversifying beyond luxury and premium. Appealing to multiple types of customer needs could provide a buffer against potential economic slowdowns long-term.

Sean O'Neill | 4 weeks ago

Hotels

Wyndham Gains From Infrastructure Boom With Record Pipeline

The hotel industry is having its own AI moment, helping to house all the construction workers building the needed data centers.

Sean O'Neill | 4 weeks ago

image of tourist boats in the floating market in Bangkok Thailand

Experiences

Klook Raises $100 Million From Vitruvian to Fuel Travel Experience Sales

This investment from private equity firm Vitruvian Partners sets Klook up for further expansion in Asia Pacific.

Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago

Hotels

Marriott's Latest Report: 9 Things We Learned

In good news for Marriott, travelers who've been flooding its hotels since the pandemic have been willing to pay prices that reflect a higher cost of doing business.

Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago

Hotels

Hyatt Buys Playa for $2.6 Billion in Bet on All-Inclusive Resorts

The acquisition positions Hyatt to capitalize on the growing demand for luxury all-inclusive experiences, while adding significant scale to its resort portfolio in key leisure destinations where development opportunities are limited.

Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago

photo of executive stitting and looking at camera Elie Maalouf IHG CEO

Hotels

IHG CEO Targets Indie Hotels in Tech-Driven Expansion — Exclusive Interview

IHG CEO Elie Maalouf sees rich potential in many fragmented hotel markets, such as Europe and Japan, where independent hoteliers face mounting pressures from digital transformation.

Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago

reception area of a boutique hotel in London called Nomad

Hotels

We Now Know What Hilton Paid for NoMad Hotels: Just $56 Million

Hilton has revealed it paid $56 million to acquire a controlling stake in NoMad Hotels, a smaller sum than recent comparable acquisitions in the luxury hotel sector. Now it plans to scale the brand to 30 to 50 hotels.

Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago

Hotels

Hilton CEO: Post-Election Bump for Business Travel and China Rebound

Hilton's loyalty program has 211 million members now. That's a lot of people who might be sad if a future AI tool books them into a Marriott instead. So executives are investing in AI to keep as much control over hotel booking patterns as possible.

Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago

Space Mountain is light up at night with Mickey Mouse and other characters standing outside it.

Tourism

Disney's Gamble: More Cruise Ships, Parks, and Premium Prices

Disney is expanding its cruise fleet and investing billions in its theme parks internationally. Yet maintaining premium pricing across a much larger footprint won't be easy.

Jade Wilson and Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago

ceo of marriott greets hotel workers who are wearing uniforms

Hotels

Marriott CEO: We Want '100% of Your Travel Wallet'

Marriott boss Anthony Capuano outlined his vision to transform the company from a traditional hotel group into an all-encompassing travel enterprise. This change will demand the company be fast and nimble, such as by streamlining decision-making.

Sean O'Neill | 1 month ago