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.

PhocusWire Pulse: A New Traveler Experience
News / Technology
PhocusWire Pulse: A New Traveler Experience
By PhocusWire | February 21, 2022
For our tenth event and the first of 2022, we focus on some of the cutting edge changes to the traveler experience that will be impacting on many sectors in the industry. Read More
LIVE BLOG: Coronavirus and the travel industry - impact and recovery
News / Online
LIVE BLOG: Coronavirus and the travel industry - impact and recovery
By PhocusWire | February 21, 2022
PhocusWire%252527s live blog is charting the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry and the sector%252527s efforts to recover. Read More
Sounding Off: Tripadvisor has lots to consider, much out of its control
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Tripadvisor has lots to consider, much out of its control
By PhocusWire | February 18, 2022
The new CEO will need to consider whether the current strategy is one to continue with or if the wider seismic changes that many are predicting (Web 3, for example) coming down the pipe are worth facing... Read More
Myth-busting the new digital nomad
News / Online
Myth-busting the new digital nomad
By Phocuswright Research | February 18, 2022
The demographics of the New Nomad population illustrate that many of the previously held assumptions about digital nomads are outdated. Read More
transaparent-amadeus-hotel-str-report
News / Online
Hotels, rentals differ in pricing strategy during pandemic
By Mitra Sorrells | February 18, 2022
Data from Transparent and Amadeus shows hotels have tried tried to boost occupancy with lower rates in 2020 and the majority of 2021 compared with 2019. Read More
In The Big Chair - Jeff Bzdawka of Knowland
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Jeff Bzdawka of Knowland
By Jill Menze | February 17, 2022
Jeff Bzdawka joined hotel and meetings market intelligence data platform Knowland as CEO in June 2021, following a combined 20 years at Hyatt. Read More
tripadvisor-q4-fy-2021
News / Online
Tripadvisor makes moves to spin off Viator
By Mitra Sorrells | February 16, 2022
In its Q4 and full-year 2021 financial report, Tripadvisor says it has filed a confidential S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission related to a possible initial public offering of... Read More
marriott-direct-bookings
News / Distribution
Marriott direct booking share up vs. OTA channels
By Linda Fox | February 16, 2022
GDS share of bookings have taken the "biggest dip" while OTAs benefited from the increase in leisure business Read More
Airbnb ends 2021 with 25% revenue growth over 2019
News / Online
Airbnb ends 2021 with 25% revenue growth over 2019
By Jill Menze | February 15, 2022
Despite the continued effects of the pandemic, Airbnb posted record Q4 numbers and said 2021 was the best year in its history. Read More
sabre-financial-2021
News / Distribution
Sabre plots recovery as profits lag
By Linda Fox | February 15, 2022
Sabre expects adjusted EBITDA to exceed pre-pandemic levels only by 2025, as travel continues its slow recovery from the impact of the coronavirus. Read More
Hoteliers hit by labor shortage have robots in their toolbox
News / Technology
Hoteliers hit by labor shortage have robots in their toolbox
By Tovin Lapan | February 15, 2022
Confronting a protracted labor shortage, hoteliers have struggled to maintain standard operations, much less meet new demands that the pandemic has produced. Read More
Top drivers of conversion for short-term renters
News / Distribution
Top drivers of conversion for short-term renters
By Phocuswright Research | February 14, 2022
Even regular short-term rental (STR) users are likely to have a hybrid consideration set, comparing rental options alongside hotels. Read More
startup-stage-lightly
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Lightly helps travel brands accommodate families
By Mitra Sorrells | February 14, 2022
Created by a mother who experienced frustration when traveling with her baby, Lightly provides essential products such as diapers, crib sheets and swaddle blankets for hotels and other travel companies. Read More
expedia-group-q4-fy-2021
News / Online
Expedia Group closes 2021 with record Q4 profitability
By Mitra Sorrells | February 11, 2022
Expedia Group CEO Peter Kern expresses optimism about 2022, calling it a year for innovation and delivery for the company. Read More
Hotelbeds lays out eco and social initiatives, joins Amazon Climate Pledge
News / Distribution
Hotelbeds lays out eco and social initiatives, joins Amazon Climate Pledge
By Linda Fox | February 11, 2022
The Spain-based bedbank says it has achieved carbon neutral status for the fourth consecutive year by reducing emissions as well as offsetting emissions through independent organization Cabon Footprint. Read More
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