Expect some travel industry shifts this fall: Priceline CEO

Job growth picked up in September, easing investor concerns about a weakening labor market. Priceline (BKNG) CEO Brett Keller joins Catalysts to discuss what the print signals about the strength of the consumer and how that weighs on the broader travel industry.

Wage growth ticked up 4% year-over-year in September, and Keller explains, “More money means more travel.” He notes that the travel industry held up well through the summer, and with the holiday travel season right around the corner, the industry data is showing traffic patterns in line with 2023. Meanwhile, the hotel industry has grown slightly stronger, and he notes that it has normalized since the post-COVID revenge travel cycle.

While prices normalize, Keller warns of some potential shifts ahead during the fall travel season. He highlights that many airlines, like Spirit (SAVE) and United (UAL), are pulling inventory out of the market. “So as capacity comes out, we could see prices increasing in the airline industry,” he explains. However, more hotel capacity is expected to come into the market, which will keep prices “relatively stable.”

“I think the dynamics are going to shift, but the airline industry clearly could see some bigger changes coming in the next month or two,” he concludes.

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This post was written by Melanie Riehl