Hotel Industry News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the hotel sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on B&Bs, hotels, guesthouses and other property types.

The hotel sector is undergoing significant transformation, powered by new technologies, evolving guest expectations, and a renewed focus on direct booking and operational efficiency. PhocusWire delivers the latest hotel industry news, covering the strategies and innovations shaping the future of global hospitality.

Hotel chain developments, hospitality trends, and market shifts

Stay updated on how hotel brands are expanding, restructuring, and embracing digital platforms to elevate the guest experience. From contactless check-in and AI-powered pricing to loyalty evolution and branded residential offerings, our coverage tracks the industry’s response to changing demand and competitive pressure.

Why the booking layer is the real test for AI in travel
From Our Partners / Distribution
Why the booking layer is the real test for AI in travel
By PhocusWire | July 9, 2026
Mike Putman, founder and CEO of Custom Travel Solutions, discusses AI travel agents, direct supplier APIs, legacy distribution and why the booking step remains a critical challenge. Read More
Will AI commoditize the hospitality sector?
News / Technology
Will AI commoditize the hospitality sector?
By Morgan Hines | July 9, 2026
As AI tools become ubiquitous, technology could cease to be a differentiator, according to hospitality industry leaders. Read More
Mews cuts 15% of workforce as AI changes 'economics of hospitality'
News / Technology
Mews cuts 15% of workforce as AI changes 'economics of hospitality'
By Linda Fox | July 7, 2026
A spokesperson for the company said the cuts were across all teams and geographies, adding that customer-facing roles were largely unaffected. Read More
Amid $1B tech revamp, Marriott readies next steps in distribution
News / Technology
Amid $1B tech revamp, Marriott readies next steps in distribution
By BTN | July 7, 2026
Marriott International EVP and chief revenue and technology officer Drew Pinto discusses the hotel company's tech updates, its stance on corporate travel partners and more in conversation with BTN. Read More
Why hotel AI needs more than generic answers
From Our Partners / Technology
Why hotel AI needs more than generic answers
By PhocusWire | July 7, 2026
Juanjo Rodriguez, chief AI officer at Lighthouse, discusses hotel data, domain-specific AI, revenue management and why connected systems matter for hospitality’s next phase. Read More
Startup Stage: Hotel Splitter builds hotel booking platform around split stays
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Hotel Splitter builds hotel booking platform around split stays
By Cathy Walsh | July 6, 2026
The startup compares traditional hotel bookings with multi-hotel itineraries, aiming to reduce accommodation costs on longer city breaks.   Read More
Beyond the app: How wearable AI is rewiring the global travel tech stack
News / Technology
Beyond the app: How wearable AI is rewiring the global travel tech stack
By Alex Levin - L+R | July 6, 2026
Alex Levin, founding partner at L+R, argues that wearable artificial intelligence will replace mobile apps as the primary interface for travel, requiring the industry to rethink its technology... Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: TSA, Google, Mindtrip and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: TSA, Google, Mindtrip and more...
By PhocusWire | July 2, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Why traveler loyalty depends on what happens when things go wrong
From Our Partners / Online
Why traveler loyalty depends on what happens when things go wrong
By PhocusWire | July 1, 2026
Allianz Partners’ Anna Kofoed discusses why travel loyalty depends not only on points and perks but also on how brands respond when disruption, illness or emergencies affect the traveler journey. Read More
AI debate continues: Will travel's biggest brands thrive or falter?
Interview / Technology
AI debate continues: Will travel's biggest brands thrive or falter?
By Cathy Walsh | July 1, 2026
Mario Gavira and Christian Watts brought their ongoing PhocusWire debate to the studio at Phocuswright Europe 2026, offering sharply different views on how artificial intelligence will reshape travel... Read More
Partner marketing in travel: Say goodbye to the last-click legacy
From Our Partners / Online
Partner marketing in travel: Say goodbye to the last-click legacy
By Michelle Bruno | June 30, 2026
Download the PhocusWire report on how partner marketing in travel is evolving beyond last-click attribution amid AI, creator commerce and changing consumer behavior. Read More
U.S. Hotel and Lodging 2026: Slow growth, a stable split and AI waiting at the door
News / Online
U.S. Hotel and Lodging 2026: Slow growth, a stable split and AI waiting at the door
By Phocuswright Research | June 30, 2026
The 2026 outlook is cautiously optimistic for the hotel sector. Read More
Hostelworld’s Gary Morrison on building for the social traveler
News / Online
Hostelworld’s Gary Morrison on building for the social traveler
By Cathy Walsh | June 30, 2026
Hostelworld CEO Gary Morrison discussed how the industry misunderstands hostel travelers, the company's strategy and more at Phocuswright Europe. Read More
Almost right isn't good enough for travel's agentic future
News / Technology
Almost right isn't good enough for travel's agentic future
By Linda Fox | June 29, 2026
Executives from Anthropic, Kismet and Travelport discuss where the travel industry is in its journey to agentic commerce and what's holding things up. Read More
The architecture of truth: Why ‘AI SEO’ for hotels is snake oil
Opinion / Technology
The architecture of truth: Why ‘AI SEO’ for hotels is snake oil
By Fred Bean - HotelPORT | June 29, 2026
Fred Bean, founder and CEO of HotelPORT, argues that AI search rewards data accuracy and consistency—not AI SEO tactics or technical shortcuts. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026