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.

Startup Stage: TravelSnap.AI turns guest video reviews into booking opportunities
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: TravelSnap.AI turns guest video reviews into booking opportunities
By Cathy Walsh | October 12, 2026
 The platform uses AI to collect, translate and publish guest video reviews to help travel businesses increase their visibility in AI search and drive bookings.  Read More
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Hilton, Mews, PriceLabs and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Hilton, Mews, PriceLabs and more...
By PhocusWire | October 9, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Exclusive: 1.1 million hotel-branded ads linked to ‘predatory OTAs’ in a single month
News / Distribution
Exclusive: 1.1 million hotel-branded ads linked to ‘predatory OTAs’ in a single month
By Matthew Parsons | October 9, 2026
Websites that look legitimate hijack a hotel’s name, misleading travelers into thinking they are booking directly. Read More
Duetto acquires FLYR Hospitality to boost AI capabilities
News / Technology
Duetto acquires FLYR Hospitality to boost AI capabilities
By Linda Fox | October 8, 2026
The acquisition adds FLYR Hospitality’s AI-driven revenue strategy platform to Duetto’s revenue and profit operating system. Read More
BA-parent IAG applies a 3-question test for AI automation
News / Technology
BA-parent IAG applies a 3-question test for AI automation
By Linda Fox | October 8, 2026
IAG has a federal approach to AI but with risk committees at each airline and a 10-point AI policy in place. Read More
Dfinitiv unveils travel loyalty experiences platform for AI assistants
News / Technology
Dfinitiv unveils travel loyalty experiences platform for AI assistants
By Linda Fox | October 7, 2026
Dfinitiv's loyalty program platform aims to help travel brands drive engagement and increase revenue opportunities. Read More
Travel’s leading investors split on role of AI in dealmaking
News / Finance
Travel’s leading investors split on role of AI in dealmaking
By Matthew Parsons | October 6, 2026
Certares, Revolution and General Catalyst are betting on AI in travel in different ways. Read More
Lobby, Crewfare win People's Choice Awards at the 2026 Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Lobby, Crewfare win People's Choice Awards at the 2026 Global Startup Pitch
By WiT | October 2, 2026
Lobby and Crewfare will showcase their innovations at The Phocuswright Conference 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Read More
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia, Mindtrip, Yanolja and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia, Mindtrip, Yanolja and more...
By PhocusWire | October 2, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Choice Hotels acquires RV travel company Harvest Hosts for $130M
News / Distribution
Choice Hotels acquires RV travel company Harvest Hosts for $130M
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2026
Choice is acquiring 100% of Harvest Hosts in an all cash deal from growth equity firm Stripes and other shareholders. Read More
Juniper Group acquires Bookassist
News / Technology
Juniper Group acquires Bookassist
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2026
Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but Ireland-based Bookassist will join Juniper Group in January 2027. Read More
Hotels still stuck on manual work despite increased AI adoption
News / Technology
Hotels still stuck on manual work despite increased AI adoption
By Abby Crotty | October 1, 2026
The latest State of Distribution report from NYU, RateGain and HEDNA suggests that midsize chains are best positioned to benefit from AI. Read More
Indonesia set to overtake Thailand as Southeast Asia's largest travel market
Online
Indonesia set to overtake Thailand as Southeast Asia's largest travel market
By Phocuswright Research | September 30, 2026
A fuel shock from the U.S.-Iran War has slowed regional growth to 2% in 2026. Phocuswright's new report tracks the fallout through 2029. Read More
'Constant intention to buy' forces hotels to rethink the marketing funnel
News / Online
'Constant intention to buy' forces hotels to rethink the marketing funnel
By Matthew Parsons | September 30, 2026
Rather than guiding consumers along a linear path to booking, hotels should pull them in from multiple “orbits,” new research suggests. Read More
Booking Holdings-backed Lola unveils membership model for AI travel and experiences assistant
News / Technology
Booking Holdings-backed Lola unveils membership model for AI travel and experiences assistant
By Abby Crotty | September 29, 2026
Kayak founders Steve Hafner and Paul English share new details on Lola, the new AI assistant they are building with paid memberships, booking capabilities and ad-free recommendations. Read More