Trivago's Surge, H World's Ambitions and Wizz's Climate Warning

On today’s pod we discuss Trivago’s bounce, H World’s rapid growth, and what Wizz Air is warning about the climate.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, May 1. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Trivago said it’s seen growth accelerate recently, writes Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.

Trivago generated $141 million in revenue during the first quarter, a 22% jump from last year. CEO Johannes Thomas said Trivago’s solid first quarter was not a one-off, adding the company believes its growth trajectory is sustainable.

Schaal cites the success of Trivago’s global brand marketing campaign, as well as local ones in places like Japan and Brazil, as a major factor in its growth. Trivago plans to increase its advertising spend throughout the year.

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Next, China’s H World Group has surpassed all major Western hotel companies in hotel count and loyalty membership. Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill examines its ambitious growth plans.

H World Group Chief Strategy Officer Jihong He told Skift the company aims to nearly double its hotel count within five years. O’Neill notes the company will mainly open budget and limited-service properties in China’s underserved smaller cities. Ms. He said H World Group has its sights on expanding to 2,000 more Chinese cities.

H World Group is also looking to grow its upscale brands internationally, especially in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Finally, low-cost airline Wizz Air has warned that the aviation industry isn’t moving fast enough to combat climate change, Climate Reporter Darin Graham writes.

Wizz Air’s Corporate and ESG Officer Yvonne Moynihan said radical change needs to happen for airlines to keep net zero goals on track. The carrier is calling on governments to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and redirect the money into greener jet fuels, which Graham notes are seen as the key solution to reduce aviation emissions.

The European Union has said that most fossil fuel subsidies are due to be phased out by 2030.