InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) crossed one million open hotel rooms in July, capping a record pace of global expansion. But the milestone comes as revenue slipped in the United States — IHG’s largest market — and China struggles to recover.

The numbers show both momentum and pressure across IHG’s portfolio.

U.S. RevPAR Slips Despite Strong Start. IHG’s U.S. revenue per available room (RevPAR) fell 0.9% in the second quarter, reversing the 3.5% growth seen in Q1 and bringing first-half growth to just 1.2%. Executives blamed the downturn on shifting holiday calendars and broader macroeconomic headwinds.

Executives attributed the softness to shifting holidays and broader macroeconomic developments, but pointed to positive shifts.

“We believe we’re past the peak of th

Key Points

• American Airlines will launch new summer routes from Philadelphia to Budapest and Prague starting May 21, 2026, using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.
• These new routes reflect a strategic shift toward more international and premium travel to offset weaker domestic demand and profits.
• American’s international network expansion includes other new European routes and the debut of upgraded business class seats on select long-haul flights.

Summary

American Airlines is expanding its international network by launching new seasonal summer routes from Philadelphia to Budapest and Prague in May 2026, becoming the only U.S. carrier to serve the Hungarian capital. This move is part of a broader strategy to focus on premium and international travel, areas where demand remains strong despite softer domestic markets. The airline is also introducing new business class offerings and additional European routes to boost profitability and compete more effectively with rivals Delta and United.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, August 7. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Airbnb shared early trends and updates on its relaunched Experiences product and new Services segment, writes Executive Editor Dennis Schaal. 

The company said it processed 60,000 host applications for Experiences and Airbnb Services, where guests can order everything from private chefs to hair styling at a property. In addition, people who have booked Airbnb Experiences and Services gave those products higher reviews on average than stays. 

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Chief Financial Officer Ellie Mertz said Airbnb will be marketing stays, Services, and Experiences as one brand. 

Next, Southwest Airlines will now be available to book on Priceline, making it the second online travel agency to partner with the carrier, writes Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi.

Maharishi reports that Southwest flights will also be available across other Booking Holdings platforms, including Booking.com and Agoda. Southwest’s deal with Priceline comes after it announced a partnership with Expedia in February to host the carrier’s flights.

Southwest had previously resisted online travel agencies and encouraged direct bookings as a way to build loyalty and reduce distribution costs. 

Finally, Choice Hotels said it’s focusing on global growth as business in the U.S. softens, writes Hospitality Reporter Luke Martin.

Choice executives said the company opened 15% more rooms internationally during the second quarter than it did last year, a higher figure than in the U.S. And Choice recently reached deals that would see the company grow in France and China.  

Choice’s revenue per available room in the U.S. fell nearly 3%, and the company lowered its 2025 forecast. It now expects growth to land between flat and a decline of 3%.