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.

STARTUP STAGE: RemoteDream helps travelers find and book work-friendly hotels and hostels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: RemoteDream helps travelers find and book work-friendly hotels and hostels
By Jill Menze | November 10, 2021
Founded in 2021, the startup caters to remote workers, travelers on workations and digital nomads. Read More
Q&A: SiteMinder on how it went public during a pandemic
News / Technology
Q&A: SiteMinder on how it went public during a pandemic
By Kevin May | November 9, 2021
We spoke to CEO Sankar Narayan, who took over from co-founder and managing director Mike Ford three years ago, at the end of the its first day of trading as a public company. Read More
tripadvisor-q3-2021
News / Online
Tripadvisor CEO Steve Kaufer to retire after two decades at helm
By Mitra Sorrells | November 8, 2021
Tripadvisor announced the news in tandem with its financial report for the third quarter of 2021. Kaufer says he will remain in his position until a successor is named. Read More
The hospitality industry's €768B journey to net zero
News / Technology
The hospitality industry's €768B journey to net zero
By Linda Fox | November 8, 2021
The accommodations industry is responsible for 10% of the total tourism sector's annual emissions. Read More
Post-lockdown - new revenue streams for travel through digital services
From Our Partners / Technology
Post-lockdown - new revenue streams for travel through digital services
By Marisa Garcia | November 8, 2021
Travel brands must identify and adopt the best practices of online retailers and service apps which have been keeping their would-be customers satisfied and connected during this period of social... Read More
expedia-group-q3-2021
News / Distribution
Expedia Group nearly matches 2019 profit levels in Q3 2021
By Mitra Sorrells | November 4, 2021
Expedia Group says recovery in Q3 2021 was led by leisure and domestic travel, coming in particular from Vrbo.   Read More
Airbnb Q3 revenue tops $2.2B in record quarter
News / Online
Airbnb Q3 revenue tops $2.2B in record quarter
By Jill Menze | November 4, 2021
For the third quarter of 2021, Airbnb also reported its most profitable quarter ever with net income reaching $834 million. Read More
uniguest-acquires-volara
News / Online
Uniguest acquires Volara to launch voice tech division
By Mitra Sorrells | November 4, 2021
Volara founder and CEO Dave Berger will become executive vice president of Uniguest’s new voice division, which will maintain the brand name of Volara. Read More
cloudbeds-series-d
News / Technology
Cloudbeds raises $150M to accelerate R&D and customer acquisition
By Mitra Sorrells | November 3, 2021
The company says it currently serves more than 22,000 properties, including independent hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and hotel groups, across 157 countries.   Read More
makemytrip-amazon-pay
News / Online
Amazon to offer travel in India via MakeMyTrip
By Linda Fox | November 3, 2021
The deal is part of Amazon Pay’s bid to add value by offering more services to consumers in the country. Read More
FOMO vs. loyalty: How technology can help hotels compete directly with OTAs
From Our Partners / Distribution
FOMO vs. loyalty: How technology can help hotels compete directly with OTAs
By Phelim Pekaar - P3 Hotel Software | November 3, 2021
Hoteliers who wish to compete with OTAs for a larger slice of the bookings pie need to arm themselves with the tools to drive direct bookings. Read More
Sabre third-quarter revenues more than double, losses drop significantly
News / Distribution
Sabre third-quarter revenues more than double, losses drop significantly
By Kevin May | November 2, 2021
The company says it will narrow its product portfolio and intensify focus on the core customer revenue-generating retailing, distribution and fulfillment units. Read More
EaseMyTrip acquires Traviate for B2B hotels push
News / Online
EaseMyTrip acquires Traviate for B2B hotels push
By Linda Fox | November 2, 2021
EaseMyTrip hopes to gain a new revenue stream through the acquisition of Traviate. Read More
VIDEO: Growth trends and challenges for travel startups
News / Startups
VIDEO: Growth trends and challenges for travel startups
By PhocusWire | November 2, 2021
Speaking during PhocusWire Pulse, Trippers CEO Charlotte Franzellin explains why the travel planning app launched amid the pandemic and the challenges of entering the travel tech space. Read More
cendyn-pegasus-merge
News / Technology
Cendyn, Pegasus merge to help hoteliers boost direct bookings
By Mitra Sorrells | November 2, 2021
The financial terms of the merger are not being disclosed and details about “branding, structure and leadership” will be shared once the deal is finalized in about a month.   Read More
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