In our weekend roundup, we delve into the pros and cons of Google’s latest foray into the tours and activities industry, providing insights into how online travel agencies might stand to benefit. We also catch up with IHG’s new CEO Elie Maalouf and his ambitious plans for the brand’s future. From AI’s influence on the travel sector to the latest controversies in short-term rentals, keep reading for a comprehensive look at the most pressing issues in today’s travel landscape.

Also: Go deeper into the business of travel with Skift’s new AI chatbot. Ask Skift Your Questions

Top Headlines

Google: Friend or Foe in the Tours and Activities Industry?

Google’s Things To Do tool has been met with both trepidation and excitement. In the tours and activities space, unlike other travel verticals, we expect that Google will benefit the online intermediaries, giving prominence to online travel agencies.

IHG’s New CEO on Launching a New Brand and Making Hotels Profitable

IHG’s new CEO Elie Maalouf sees blue-sky prospects across his group’s portfolio of brands. More: IHG to Launch Midmarket Hotel Brand Designed to Grow Quickly

The Trivago Guy Is Back But His Future Is ‘Uncertain’

Trivago Guy Tim Williams’ fate in Trivago commercials now lies in the hands of the numbers crunchers. No one ever said the travel business or the acting profession are for the meek.

Ask Skift: What is AI’s Impact on Travel?

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally altering how travel brands operate, and here’s a look at a few ways the rapidly booming technology has already done so.

Expedia Shows Signs of Gaining Ground on Booking.com in the U.S.

Expedia Group should have most of the pieces in place at the end of the year to complete key elements of its transition. Then we’ll have to see how well it executes on these new planks in reality.

5 Global Trends We Saw in Latest Hotel Results

When hotel executives have talked about their companies’ performance this earnings season, they indirectly spotlighted a few trends affecting much more than just their sector. As Skift has long said, “Travel is a global crucible for everything.”

U.S. Tourism Without China and New Competition – Brand USA Chief

If the U.S. can’t get Chinese tourists back, it will have to up its game attracting tourists from other international markets to make up for the spending shortfall.

Airbnb Lawsuit to Block NYC Short-Term Rental Law Dismissed

The judge’s ruling in favor of New York City is also a big relief for other U.S. municipalities that have also taken steps to closely regulate the short-term rental industry.

Air India’s New Brand Identity and Aircraft Livery

We appreciate how the new Air India livery has cleverly incorporated the Vistara colors, as the two airlines prepare to merge into one entity.

Listen Up

Edward Russell and Jay Shabat discuss the world's most profitable airlines on this edition of the Airline Weekly Lounge.

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Companies mentioned this week: Airbnb , Expedia Group , trivago , Air India Limited , Brand USA , Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) , IHG Hotels & Resorts , Google