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.

How travel brands can turn customer data into moments that matter
From Our Partners / Online
How travel brands can turn customer data into moments that matter
By Michelle Bruno | October 30, 2026
Travel brands have more customer data than ever, but fragmented systems often prevent them from using it to deliver timely, personalized experiences that improve customer satisfaction and drive revenue. Read More
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Travelport, HTS, Virgin Atlantic and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Travelport, HTS, Virgin Atlantic and more...
By PhocusWire | October 30, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
In Eastern Europe, local OTAs beat the giants by going narrow
News / Distribution
In Eastern Europe, local OTAs beat the giants by going narrow
By Phocuswright Research | October 29, 2026
Booking.com leads accommodation across most of Eastern Europe, but homegrown OTAs are growing faster by localizing hard. Read More
Expedia Group expands AI features across Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
News / Technology
Expedia Group expands AI features across Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
By Abby Crotty | October 28, 2026
The online travel giant launched approximately 30 new and enhanced features, including expanded natural language search, as part of its fall 2026 product release. Read More
Personal AI assistants could be re-shopping ‘landmine’ for hotels
News / Technology
Personal AI assistants could be re-shopping ‘landmine’ for hotels
By Matthew Parsons | October 28, 2026
Hotels and technology providers are now exploring the potential impact of re-shopping, where AI agents make a booking and later cancel and rebook if a better deal arises. Read More
BWH rebrands to WorldHotels, unifies loyalty programs, boosts digital offering
News / Online
BWH rebrands to WorldHotels, unifies loyalty programs, boosts digital offering
By Linda Fox | October 27, 2026
The franchise hotel group’s website and mobile app have been rebuilt using the Adobe platform, enabling greater personalization and the ability to evolve the digital experience. Read More
Every link in the booking chain is a compliance risk—and now AI agents have added one more
From Our Partners / Online
Every link in the booking chain is a compliance risk—and now AI agents have added one more
By Avalara | October 27, 2026
As AI streamlines booking processes, it adds complexity to tax compliance, with information often lost between intermediaries. Read More
Wyndham sees revenue gains from AI initiatives
News / Distribution
Wyndham sees revenue gains from AI initiatives
By Linda Fox | October 26, 2026
Wyndham said its voice and guest communications platforms are driving efficiency as well as revenue. Read More
Where are they now? Checking in with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025
News / Startups
Where are they now? Checking in with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025
By PhocusWire | October 26, 2026
We touched base with three members of our 2025 class, Byway, D3X and Faye, asking about their highlights from this year, their thoughts on AI and what challenges lie ahead. Read More
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia Group, Amadeus, JetBlue and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia Group, Amadeus, JetBlue and more...
By PhocusWire | October 23, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
YGO secures €8M to expand AI infrastructure layer for travel
News / Finance
YGO secures €8M to expand AI infrastructure layer for travel
By Linda Fox | October 21, 2026
The investment will enable YGO to continue to develop its AI platform, ramp up sales and expand its customer base. Read More
Cloudbeds to launch direct-booking integration with Meta's Muse
News / Online
Cloudbeds to launch direct-booking integration with Meta's Muse
By Abby Crotty | October 20, 2026
The API integration is set to roll out to Cloudbeds' U.S. hotel customers in the first quarter of 2027. Read More
Hotels are using AI to recommend room rates, not set them
News / Technology
Hotels are using AI to recommend room rates, not set them
By Abby Crotty | October 20, 2026
The findings come from RoomPriceGenie’s 2026 State of Revenue Management Report, which included responses from 450 hoteliers across Europe, North America and APAC. Read More
Ixigo revenue up 13% as hotel business gains momentum
News / Finance
Ixigo revenue up 13% as hotel business gains momentum
By Cathy Walsh | October 19, 2026
Hotels led segment growth, with GTV increasing 159% year over year and hotel revenue growing 528%. Read More
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Agoda, FCM Travel, HomeToGo and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Agoda, FCM Travel, HomeToGo and more...
By PhocusWire | October 16, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More