Skift

Meta on Tuesday introduced its first Ray-Ban smart glasses designed specifically for prescription wearers, a move that puts hands-free AI translation within reach of a far larger slice of the global travel market. The announcement builds on a product line that has sold more than 7 million units in 2025 alone — and now, for the first time, targets the majority of people who wear corrective lenses. AI-powered wearables going from early-adopter gear to everyday eyewear means travelers can hear real-time translations in six languages without pulling out a phone or remembering to bring earbuds. https://hubs.li/Q0499gDG0

India’s largest online travel agency MakeMyTrip has been accused of indulging in “abusive and anti-competitive practices” by activist Morpheus Research. The short-selling firm said that its investigation involved interviews of 103 industry experts, including former MakeMyTrip employees. “We also found evidence of a new and undisclosed regulatory investigation from the Director General of the Competition Commission of India, whose findings and potential actions are coming in ‘early 2026,’ according to a peer-reviewed paper,” the report reads. https://hubs.li/Q0495lFw0

AirAsia Group is making a decisive pivot in its long-haul strategy, shifting focus from Bahrain to Turkey as international conflicts reshape its plans. Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said on Monday that the group is in advanced discussions with a major Turkish carrier, part of a broader move to turn Istanbul into the Malaysian low-cost carrier’s new gateway to Europe. “We’re about to do a partnership with a very large Turkish airline, which will give us a huge European network,” Fernandes told a press conference. https://hubs.li/Q048__HZ0

On this week’s Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast: Hotels Edition, Sarah Dandashy and Steve Turk break down Marriott Hotels’ launch of its 39th brand: a wellness-focused concept in Italy, and ask whether hyper-segmentation is a smart strategy or brand overload. During this part of the discussion, Sean O'Neill will be joining us to share his insights. They also explore the rise of food-led hotels and why dining is becoming a core differentiator, Virgin Atlantic’s quick exit from Riyadh and what it signals about demand in emerging markets, and how rising fuel costs are already hitting cruise profits. Finally, in the Unhinged Story of the Week, a viral TikTok shows a passenger boarding what she thought was a flight… only to end up on a bus — sparking confusion over what actually counts as air travel.

Is Southwest Airlines still Southwest? Assigned seats. Bag fees. Expedia listings. Even talk of lounges. For decades, Southwest had shunned these tactics. Southwest is starting to look a lot like other airlines after decades of going its own way. There will be bumps and some loyal passengers will gripe. None of that will matter if it delivers on its profit goals. https://hubs.li/Q0495d280

What are IDEA Awards judges really looking for when it comes to climate innovation in travel? Join us on April 9 for a live webinar featuring IDEA Awards judges: • Christopher Miller, SVP of Sustainability at Aspen One • Jonathan Gomez Punzon Ph.D., CEO of the Turismo de Málaga | Malaga Tourism Board Alongside Skift Climate Reporter Darin Graham, they’ll share the ideas, initiatives, and innovations standing out right now — and what it takes to turn them into lasting impact. Get an inside look at how the industry’s leading judges are thinking about climate action today. Register now → https://hubs.li/Q0490Nfl0

Have you got your ticket in to one of our most in-demand events of the year? It’s filling fast! If the Skift Data + AI Summit is on your list, now’s the time to lock in your spot. Prices increase THIS WEEK on April 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Join us June 3 in NYC for the conversations shaping how AI is transforming travel. 🎟️ Register here before rates go up: https://hubs.li/Q048S5lZ0

Airbnb has launched a pre-booked private car transfer service from airports and train stations in about 125 cities, expanding its travel services beyond accommodation. Pre-booking rides to your Airbnb or hotel may ease the journey when arriving in an unfamiliar destinations, but there doesn't seem to be anything Airbnb-ish about the new service partnership. Maybe Airbnb gets less unique as it grows? https://hubs.li/Q04903Kl0

Asia’s travel story is accelerating - fast. What used to be emerging is now leading. What used to be predictable is now being rewritten in real time. Skift Asia Forum 2026 brings together the people shaping that shift — across aviation, hospitality, destinations, and travel tech. 📍 Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, Bangkok 📅 April 28–29, 2026 If you want to understand where travel in Asia is headed next — this is the room. 👉 Apply to attend: https://hubs.li/Q048_XZP0