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.

VIDEO: UpStay - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: UpStay - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | November 30, 2021
UpStay is reinventing upselling by enabling hotels to unlock new profit opportunities with its automated and data-driven solution. Read More
VIDEO: How Expedia Group wants to sharpen its focus
News / Online
VIDEO: How Expedia Group wants to sharpen its focus
By PhocusWire | November 29, 2021
Appointed at the outset of the pandemic, Peter Kern appears to be a pragmatic and humble CEO - something that many companies have been in sore need of during the last two years. Read More
VIDEO: YouTip - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: YouTip - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | November 29, 2021
Enterprise level digital tipping system for an emerging cashless society; more money for workers, more convenience for guests. Read More
Marriott outspends hotel rivals on social media ads
News / Online
Marriott outspends hotel rivals on social media ads
By Kevin May | November 26, 2021
Analysis of activity by five major hotel chains indicated Marriott's strategy to target social media users on sites such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn. Read More
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News / Online
VIDEO: RedDoorz on growth, distribution and IPO plans
By PhocusWire | November 26, 2021
Despite the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Asia, Singapore-based RedDoorz is emerging from the crisis with its ambitious vision intact. Read More
In The Big Chair - Nicolas Huss of Hotelbeds
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Nicolas Huss of Hotelbeds
By Linda Fox | November 24, 2021
Nicolas Huss became CEO of Hotelbeds just over six months ago, taking up the reins from chairman Joan Vila. Read More
phocuswright-conference-2021-kaufer
News / Online
Tripadvisor in transition as CEO, top exec prepare to depart
By PhocusWire | November 23, 2021
Following news of CEO Steve Kaufer's departure and his appearance at The Phocuswright Conference, it was confirmed Lindsay Nelson is also leaving Tripadvisor. Read More
VIDEO: Climate change is an inconvenient truth for travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Climate change is an inconvenient truth for travel
By PhocusWire | November 22, 2021
This session at The Phocuswright Conference is an uncomfortable listen for any brand or executive who knows they could and should be doing better around sustainability. Read More
Business travel spend back to pre-pandemic levels by 2024
News / Online
Business travel spend back to pre-pandemic levels by 2024
By Molly Dyson - BTN | November 22, 2021
While the recovery of business travel in 2021 has proceeded at a slower pace than predicted last year, global business travel spend is expected to surge in 2022. Read More
Elude raises $3 million for budget-based travel booking app
News / Online
Elude raises $3 million for budget-based travel booking app
By Jill Menze | November 19, 2021
The seed round was led by ATX Venture Partners, bringing Los Angeles-based Elude's total funding to $5 million. Read More
VIDEO: An investor on why everything is hot right now
News / Startups
VIDEO: An investor on why everything is hot right now
By Kevin May | November 19, 2021
Despite the sector being on its knees for the majority of the last two years, VCs are considering the industry as a market of opportunity as COVID-19 restrictions ease and consumers look to venture out... Read More
ota-insight-80m
News / Online
OTA Insight raises $80M Series B funding for expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | November 18, 2021
The company currently serves more than 55,000 properties in 185 countries and says it will use the funding for product innovation and global expansion. Read More
hopper-fintech-future-travel-2
News / Technology
VIDEO: Hopper on fintech and the huge opportunity in travel
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2021
During a session at the Phocuswright Conference 2021 this week, Hopper CEO Fred Lalonde discussed the size of the opportunity he sees in fintech. Read More
Marriott joins IHG on Amadeus reservations platform
News / Technology
Marriott joins IHG on Amadeus reservations platform
By Linda Fox | November 18, 2021
Amadeus announced IHG as the launch partner for the technology in 2015 and hoped to bring on similar enterprise level companies to create a community platform in the ensuing years. Read More
Despegar narrows adjusted EBITDA loss in Q3 2021
News / Online
Despegar narrows adjusted EBITDA loss in Q3 2021
By Jill Menze | November 18, 2021
Despegar ended the third quarter of 2021 with an adjusted EBITDA loss of $10.3 million, its highest adjusted EBITDA figure since the pandemic-affected second quarter of 2020. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026