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.

Q&A: Hyatt exec on brand-building with community in mind
News / Online
Q&A: Hyatt exec on brand-building with community in mind
By Jill Menze | September 16, 2022
Crystal Vinisse Thomas, the global brand leader for Hyatt’s lifestyle and luxury brands, explains why hotels should hire, buy and support local. Read More
future-call-centers-cruisewatch-oped
Opinion / Technology
Voicing optimism about the future of travel call centers
By Markus Stumpe - Cruisewatch | September 16, 2022
Travel brands can benefit from a hybrid model where data forms a bridge between human agents and technology. Read More
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts introduces mobile tipping app
News / Technology
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts introduces mobile tipping app
By Kathryn Walson | September 15, 2022
Once a hotel opts-in to the béné platform, guests can tip the employee of their choice by scanning a QR code during their stay. Read More
guesty-yieldplanet-new-hub
News / Distribution
Guesty expands hotel offerings with acquisition of YieldPlanet
By Mitra Sorrells | September 14, 2022
Guesty is also launching a new Distribution Hub that adds direct connections with Hopper, Trip.com, Marriott Homes & Villas and Google’s hotel and vacation rental search products. Read More
My Method... How Staycity went from pen and paper to tech-driven operations
News / Technology
My Method... How Staycity went from pen and paper to tech-driven operations
By Lloyd Green - Staycity | September 14, 2022
Staycity enlisted Optii Solutions to help the hotel company improve productivity and efficiency across housekeeping and operations. Read More
roukas-abs-opinion-header
News / Distribution
An early look at new attribute-based shopping for hotels
By George Roukas - Hudson Crossing | September 14, 2022
Data from properties using a new attribute-based shopping system indicates a significant portion of consumers will buy through it. Read More
Introducing The Phocuswright Conference 2022
News / Online
Introducing The Phocuswright Conference 2022
By PhocusWire | September 13, 2022
The Phocuswright Conference 2022, taking place in November in Phoenix, will include Center Stage sessions featuring industry leaders along with dedicated programs for innovation, diversity, Young... Read More
Q&A: Doug Lansky on the efficacy of carbon offsetting schemes
News / Online
Q&A: Doug Lansky on the efficacy of carbon offsetting schemes
By Jill Menze | September 13, 2022
The destination management and tourism specialist explains why offsetting schemes sound “too good to be true.” Read More
Hungarian OTA Szallas Group acquired by Wirtualna Polska Holding
News / Online
Hungarian OTA Szallas Group acquired by Wirtualna Polska Holding
By Jill Menze | September 13, 2022
Szallas Group operates the largest domestic travel portals in Central and Eastern Europe, enabling travelers to book accommodations in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland and Croatia. Read More
Acquisition
News / Online
HotelOnline acquires HotelPlus to accelerate expansion across Africa
By Kathryn Walson | September 12, 2022
Prior to the deal, HotelOnline was valued at $24 million. Read More
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Opinion / Technology
3 hospitality tech predictions for the new era of travel
By Elaine Shuck - Aruba | September 12, 2022
Improved connectivity, the use of cognitive computing with AI and even emerging digital worlds inside the metaverse are shaping the future of hospitality.    Read More
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Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Pinktada is an NFT-based hotel marketplace
By Mitra Sorrells | September 12, 2022
Pinktada is a blockchain-based marketplace for hotels that turns each combination of "hotel plus room plus night" into an NFT that the owner can use, sell or swap. Read More
Multi-day packaged tours specialist Exoticca snags €20M for growth in North America, Latin America
News / Online
Multi-day packaged tours specialist Exoticca snags €20M for growth in North America, Latin America
By Jill Menze | September 12, 2022
The financing brings the Barcelona-based company’s total funding to €66 million. Read More
Google partners with Women in Travel CIC to support disadvantaged women in travel
News / Online
Google partners with Women in Travel CIC to support disadvantaged women in travel
By Jill Menze | September 9, 2022
The program will give disadvantaged women in travel in the U.K. access to upskilling, mentoring and development tools. Read More
In The Big Chair - Aloke Bajpai of Ixigo
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Aloke Bajpai of Ixigo
By Linda Fox | September 8, 2022
Aloke Bajpai founded India-based Ixigo in 2007 alongside co-founder Rajnish Kumar to improve the travel booking process for consumers through technology.  Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026