The travel industry stands at a critical juncture, navigating a landscape defined by rapid technological upheaval, shifting geopolitical alliances, and a fundamental transformation in consumer behavior. As the sector moves beyond the post-pandemic recovery phase and into a period of structural transformation, the Skift Global Forum 2026 arrives as the definitive platform for understanding what is being called "Travel’s Great Recalibration." The second round of speakers announced for this year’s flagship event represents a cross-section of the most influential decision-makers in the global economy, from the architects of the artificial intelligence revolution to the chief executives of the world’s largest hospitality and transportation empires. The significance of this year’s forum lies in its timing. Participants will have the rare opportunity to hear how the industry’s biggest operators are pricing services and allocating capital in real-time, often before these strategies are codified in formal earnings reports or investor presentations. In an era where a single technological breakthrough or a sudden shift in fuel costs can rewrite a balance sheet, the insights shared on the Skift stage serve as a leading indicator for the entire global travel ecosystem. The AI Intent Layer: Who Owns the Traveler? At the heart of the 2026 agenda is the looming shadow—and promise—of artificial intelligence. The dialogue has moved past the experimental phase of chatbots into the "intent layer," where AI agents begin to take autonomous actions on behalf of the consumer. This shift poses a fundamental question for the industry: If an AI agent handles the search, comparison, and booking process, who truly owns the relationship with the traveler? Ariane Gorin, the CEO of Expedia Group, will take the stage to address this existential challenge. Since taking the helm, Gorin has overseen a massive technological consolidation at Expedia, moving the company toward a unified platform that leverages vast quantities of first-party data. Her session will focus on the high-stakes bets Expedia is making to ensure it remains the primary interface for travelers, even as AI agents begin to mediate the booking process. The "recalibration" here involves a pivot from being a mere transactional marketplace to becoming a data-driven partner that anticipates traveler needs before they are even articulated. Complementing this perspective is Bret Taylor, the Founder of Sierra and Chairman of the Board at OpenAI. Taylor’s presence underscores the blurring lines between Silicon Valley and the travel industry. As the architect of some of the most significant shifts in enterprise software and generative AI, Taylor will provide a macro view of how AI is reshaping the traveler’s path from the initial spark of inspiration to the final stay. His insights will be crucial for any executive trying to understand how the "search-to-stay" pipeline is being re-engineered at the foundational level. Hospitality’s Growth Phase and the Evolution of Scale The hospitality sector is currently grappling with a "recalibration" of its own, as traditional chain-scales are being redefined by new consumer habits. Christopher Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton, will discuss the factors driving the next phase of hospitality growth. Hilton has been aggressive in its expansion into the "premium economy" and "lifestyle" segments, recognizing that the modern traveler—particularly from the burgeoning middle classes in Asia and Latin America—demands a different value proposition than the travelers of a decade ago. Nassetta’s strategy relies heavily on data-driven decision-making to identify where the next 100 million travelers will come from and what they will expect from a room. Similarly, Geoff Ballotti, CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, will delve into the complexities of room counts and brand identity. In an environment where consumer loyalty is increasingly fragmented, Ballotti is rethinking how room counts adapt to evolving habits. The focus is no longer just on the number of keys, but on the flexibility of the asset and its ability to deliver consistent returns in a volatile market. The "great recalibration" in hospitality is, in many ways, a return to the fundamentals of operational efficiency combined with a radical openness to new brand formats. Sébastien Bazin, Group Chairman and CEO of Accor, will bring a global perspective to the stage, discussing the resilience required to manage a portfolio that spans from economy brands to ultra-luxury icons like Raffles and Orient Express. Bazin has long been a proponent of the "augmented hospitality" model, where hotels serve as community hubs rather than just places to sleep. His session will address how global disruption—whether economic or political—can be met with a strategy that prioritizes local relevance and operational agility. Mobility and the Platform Advantage In the realm of transportation, the theme of recalibration is perhaps most visible in the evolution of "super-apps" and the shifting corridors of global aviation. Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, will discuss the compounding nature of Uber’s platform advantage. Under his leadership, Uber has moved far beyond ride-hailing to become a comprehensive mobility and delivery ecosystem. The challenge for 2026 and beyond is maintaining global growth while navigating diverse regulatory environments and the transition to autonomous fleets. Khosrowshahi’s strategy for "global growth" is a masterclass in how a tech platform can successfully integrate into the physical infrastructure of cities worldwide. On the aviation side, Hamad Al-Khater, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, will provide an insider’s look at how airlines are adapting to a world reordered by fuel pressures and geopolitical volatility. As global flight paths are redrawn due to airspace restrictions and shifting economic centers, Qatar Airways’ role as a central hub between East and West becomes even more pivotal. Al-Khater will address how the airline is managing its fleet and route network to stay agile in a world where the only constant is change. The Experience Economy: Cruises and Cuisines The "great recalibration" also extends to how experiences are priced and delivered. Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, will explain how the cruise industry is navigating a shifting geopolitical map to call demand and set pricing. The cruise sector has seen a massive resurgence, but it faces unique challenges in sustainability and port access. Duffy’s insights into how Carnival is balancing record-breaking demand with the need for long-term environmental and social responsibility will be a highlight of the forum. Further enriching the discussion on the "human-first" element of travel is Vikas Khanna, the renowned chef, author, and filmmaker. As travel becomes more commoditized through technology, the role of sensory experiences—particularly food—becomes a critical differentiator. Khanna will discuss how cuisines and traveler expectations have shifted, and how he creates meaningful, memorable experiences that transcend the transactional nature of the modern journey. Capital Allocation and the Permission to Exist The forum will also tackle the "why" behind the industry’s biggest moves. Kenneth Chenault, Chairman and Managing Director of General Catalyst and former CEO of American Express, will join the stage to discuss how travel brands define their "permission to exist" in a reordered world. His perspective, grounded in decades of leadership at the intersection of finance and travel, will focus on the importance of brand trust and the ethical considerations of growth in the AI era. Steve Case, Chairman and CEO of Revolution and the legendary founder of AOL, will round out the discussion on capital allocation. Case has been a vocal advocate for investing in "the rest" of the world, moving beyond traditional tech hubs. In the context of travel, Case will explore why people remain both the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity, even as AI begins to automate many aspects of the industry. His session will be a vital reminder that while technology provides the tools, it is human talent and vision that drive the industry forward. One Room, the Whole Industry The Skift Global Forum 2026 is designed to be more than just a series of presentations; it is a collaborative effort to map the future of the industry. For years, this forum has been the one week where the entire industry gathers in the same room because the biggest challenges—whether they be the "intent layer" of AI, the sustainability of aviation, or the evolution of the hotel room—do not respect sector lines. This year’s agenda is intentionally broad, reflecting the interconnected nature of modern travel. From Glenn Fogel of Booking Holdings discussing the changing nature of discovery to Brian Chesky of Airbnb outlining the next phase of the discovery-to-booking interface, the forum provides a holistic view of the traveler’s journey. The senior lineup of speakers is, in itself, a reflection of the current state of the industry. These are the leaders who are currently making the decisions that will reset Profit and Loss statements for years to come. By gathering these perspectives in one place, Skift Global Forum 2026 offers a unique vantage point on the "Great Recalibration," providing attendees with the intelligence needed to navigate the complexities of the next decade of travel. With seats limited and the stakes higher than ever, the forum remains the essential event for anyone invested in the future of the world’s most dynamic industry. Post navigation IHG Challenges Industry Norms with New Franchisee Service Model as Competitors Pivot to Fee Concessions FAA Proposes Sweeping Environmental Waivers to Accelerate the Transformation of U.S. Airports into Commercial Spaceports.
