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.

Airbnb continues hotel push: 'Stepping on the gas'
News / Finance
Airbnb continues hotel push: 'Stepping on the gas'
By Abby Crotty | August 6, 2026
Airbnb’s hotel business performing is “significantly better than expected,” CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky said. Read More
Google Maps updates Ask Maps with hotel, event discovery
News / Online
Google Maps updates Ask Maps with hotel, event discovery
By Linda Fox | August 6, 2026
Hotel and event discovery is being rolled out in the U.S. on Google Maps' Ask Maps conversational interface. Read More
Airbnb partners with boutique hotel operator Lark
News / Distribution
Airbnb partners with boutique hotel operator Lark
By Abby Crotty | August 4, 2026
Lou Zameryka, Airbnb’s global head of hotel enterprise and connectivity partnerships, said the STR giant is focused on adding “unique, localized-feeling, hospitality-driven hotel partners.” Read More
Report: Travelers want AI personalization, not unchecked autonomy
From Our Partners / Technology
Report: Travelers want AI personalization, not unchecked autonomy
By Amadeus | August 3, 2026
Amadeus’ Tailored Horizons report explores how U.S. travelers want AI to personalize trips, where they trust the technology and why control and transparency matter. Read More
Amadeus adjusts 2026 guidance, air distribution hit by Middle East conflict
News / Finance
Amadeus adjusts 2026 guidance, air distribution hit by Middle East conflict
By Linda Fox | July 31, 2026
Amadeus reported a booking evolution decrease of 7.6% in Q2 2026 because of the conflict in the Middle East. Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Katanox, Airbnb, Amex GBT and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Katanox, Airbnb, Amex GBT and more...
By PhocusWire | July 31, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
The Access Group to pick up hospitality recruitment platform Talent Funnel
News / Technology
The Access Group to pick up hospitality recruitment platform Talent Funnel
By Abby Crotty | July 30, 2026
Talent Funnel will join the Access Group's hospitality technology division and become part of its AI-enabled platform, Access Evo. Read More
Accor says most conversations with hotel owners now about AI
News / Finance
Accor says most conversations with hotel owners now about AI
By Linda Fox | July 30, 2026
Accor's CEO believes there are significant savings and RevPAR to be gained through AI. IHG and Radisson unveil latest AI developments. Read More
HBX Group CEO Nicolas Huss to retire
News / Online
HBX Group CEO Nicolas Huss to retire
By Abby Crotty | July 29, 2026
In a separate announcement, the company issued a trading update for the third quarter of 2026. Read More
How hoteliers can adapt to survive the AI discovery shift
News / Technology
How hoteliers can adapt to survive the AI discovery shift
By Morgan Hines | July 29, 2026
As travelers swap traditional search for generative engines, hospitality brands must restructure data layers and content. Read More
The travel startup funding deals and acquisitions that stood out in Q2
News / Finance
The travel startup funding deals and acquisitions that stood out in Q2
By Linda Fox | July 28, 2026
The appetite for travel startup funding was limited in Q2, with more activity in mergers and acquisitions. Read More
TravelAI acquires Sonder brand, relaunches Sonder.com
News / Online
TravelAI acquires Sonder brand, relaunches Sonder.com
By Abby Crotty | July 27, 2026
Last November, Sonder announced a wind down of operations and filed for bankruptcy after Marriott ended its licensing agreement with the STR specialist. Read More
Hospitality executives on foundations before AI, industry readiness
News / Online
Hospitality executives on foundations before AI, industry readiness
By Linda Fox | July 27, 2026
Executives from Cendyn HomeToGo and Penta Hotels discussed the impact of AI on hospitality marketing at Phocuswright Europe 2026. Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: American Airlines, Spotnana, Hostaway and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: American Airlines, Spotnana, Hostaway and more...
By PhocusWire | July 24, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Google fined €890M by European regulator in DMA breaches
News / Online
Google fined €890M by European regulator in DMA breaches
By Linda Fox | July 23, 2026
In its decision, the commission said the search giant gives its own services more prominence in search by using, for example, “enhanced visuals and filters.” Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026