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.

Fleetcor acquires Levarti to bolster tech for air passenger services
News / Technology
Fleetcor acquires Levarti to bolster tech for air passenger services
By Kevin May | March 8, 2022
U.K.-based Levarti has a passenger notification system for delays and cancellations, flight re-booking tools, hotel accommodation, transfers and vouchers. Read More
OYO, Hopper bet on gamification to drive user retention
News / Online
OYO, Hopper bet on gamification to drive user retention
By Mitra Sorrells | March 7, 2022
OYO and Hopper are leading the way but expect to see more brands using both game theory and actual games in their mobile apps. Read More
VIDEO: Guest experience as the leading tactic in rentals
News / Technology
VIDEO: Guest experience as the leading tactic in rentals
By PhocusWire | March 7, 2022
If price is not the determining factor for a traveler to choose which product they're going to opt for on a trip, then overall experience could be the clincher. Read More
Climate expert Mike Berners-Lee sounds stark warning to travel
News / Technology
Climate expert Mike Berners-Lee sounds stark warning to travel
By Linda Fox | March 3, 2022
The industry is at a crunch point in time, whatever way it looks at the climate emergency and the current solutions - so action needs to be taken now. Read More
Mews continues tech spending spree with Bizzon acquisition
News / Technology
Mews continues tech spending spree with Bizzon acquisition
By Jill Menze | March 3, 2022
Point-of-sale software provider Bizzon is Mews’ second acquisition this month and fifth overall. Read More
Klook rebrands, eyes new verticals and merchant offerings
News / Online
Klook rebrands, eyes new verticals and merchant offerings
By Jill Menze | March 2, 2022
The Hong Kong-based tours and activities OTA more than quadrupled its number of products and services during the pandemic from 100,000 in 2019 to 490,000 in 2021. Read More
virdee-closes-seed-5m
News / Startups
Virdee closes seed financing with additional $5M
By Mitra Sorrells | March 1, 2022
Virdee provides digital check-in and virtual concierge solutions that integrate with door lock and property management systems. Read More
How open distribution helps hotels regain selling power
Opinion / Distribution
How open distribution helps hotels regain selling power
By Ben Stephenson - Impala | March 1, 2022
An open distribution model reimagines how hotel selling works from the ground up. Read More
Consumers want more from loyalty programs than racking up points
From Our Partners / Online
Consumers want more from loyalty programs than racking up points
By Michelle Bruno | February 28, 2022
Consumers have big appetites. They're eager for reward opportunities to keep pace with their lifestyles and preferences. Read More
Book on Google for hotels to shut after low take-up
News / Distribution
Book on Google for hotels to shut after low take-up
By Mitra Sorrells | February 25, 2022
Google says it has seen relatively low usage of the Book on Google option for hotels, in terms of both consumer engagement and partner interest.  Read More
Hotel guest platform Canary Technologies signs in with $15M investment
News / Technology
Hotel guest platform Canary Technologies signs in with $15M investment
By Kevin May | February 25, 2022
The total raised by the provider of a mobile guest management system for hotels now stands at $17 million. Read More
tripmoney-launches-credit-card
News / Online
MakeMyTrip’s TripMoney launches credit card for Indian travelers
By Jill Menze | February 24, 2022
MakeMyTrip’s fintech arm TripMoney and SBM Bank India are launching a rupee-denominated credit card for Indian outbound travelers. Read More
IHG says creating digital advantage is a priority
News / Distribution
IHG says creating digital advantage is a priority
By Linda Fox | February 23, 2022
The hotel giant says guests now expect sustainable practices and seamless tech, as it reports its full-year 2021 earnings. Read More
Hosco cooks up a €3.4M round for hospitality network
News / Online
Hosco cooks up a €3.4M round for hospitality network
By Linda Fox | February 22, 2022
The hospitality recruitment platform is planning further expansion following the latest injection of capital. Read More
The importance of empathy - how to understand your guests
Opinion / Technology
The importance of empathy - how to understand your guests
By Danielle Delozier - HomeToGo | February 22, 2022
It’s also important to remember the human touch as companies work to provide peace of mind and a positive experience for their guests. Read More
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