Rival AMC has shown interest in acquiring some of chain ’s cinemas in US and Europe

Today ’s edition of Skift ’s daily podcast looks at Southwest’s technical collapse, an outrageous fine for cruise companies in Cuba, and Dubai’s alcohol tax update. -Jason Clampet

Instead of heeding employee concerns, Southwest focused primarily on tech for customers, leading to a worst-case example of what can happen when modernizing operations is not a priority. May other airlines learn from Southwest ’s mistake. -Justin Dawes

The Skift team last year wasted no time in making up for the pandemic pause, zig-zagging across the globe — for work and play. Can we top that? You bet. Check out our travel aspirations for the new year, and know that we never stop living the brand. -Tom Lowry

With three of its four acquisitions based in the U.S., RateGain is surely looking to acquire scale and dominance in the American market. -Peden Doma Bhutia

This lawsuit against major cruise lines, if upheld after inevitable appeals, could open up a floodgate of litigation against airlines and cruise lines that operated in Cuba after the Obama administration cleared the way. -Dennis Schaal

Once again a lack of information from China is stoking uncertainties and fears, prompting more and more destinations to put in place testing requirements for inbound Chinese travelers. The list grows to start out 2023. -Tom Lowry

In Skift top stories this week, we pick what we think are the biggest innovators in hospitality in 2022, offer disability rights advocate Tanzila Khan a column to express disappointment with Air France, and to put forward our boldest predictions for travel in 2023. -Tom Lowry