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.

The Phocuswright Conference 2021 - five questions for Peter Kern
News / Online
The Phocuswright Conference 2021 - five questions for Peter Kern
By PhocusWire | October 19, 2021
Kern oversees a portfolio of brands such as Expedia, Vrbo, Hotels.com and Trivago, as well as a number of B2B services including Expedia Group Media Solutions and Expedia Group Partner Solutions. Read More
Urban air mobility is taking off - every travel brand needs a plan
Opinion / Technology
Urban air mobility is taking off - every travel brand needs a plan
By Scott Davidson - Accenture | October 19, 2021
The disruptive potential of urban air mobility is such that no travel company can afford to wait before thinking through the implications. Read More
Microservice tech is the future for hotels, part 2
Opinion / Technology
Microservice tech is the future for hotels, part 2
By Anthony Hunt - Shiji Group | October 18, 2021
In the second part of his analysis of hotel PMS architecture%2c Shiji Group%27s Anthony Hunt explains why microservice technology has benefits the industry needs to modernize. Read More
Microservice tech is the future for hotels, part 1
Opinion / Technology
Microservice tech is the future for hotels, part 1
By Anthony Hunt - Shiji Group | October 15, 2021
Legacy systems built on client-server architecture lack the efficiency and scalability now available in more modern technology.      Read More
cuddlynest-3.5million
News / Startups
Startup accommodation platform CuddlyNest raises $3.5M
By Mitra Sorrells | October 14, 2021
Founded in 2017, CuddlyNest says it will use the funding to grow its team and add new product features.   Read More
New booking platform for luxury hotels promises higher, faster pay
News / Online
New booking platform for luxury hotels promises higher, faster pay
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | October 14, 2021
Four Hundred by Design offers advisors access to a curated collection of high-end hotels, resorts, villas and private residences. Read More
Majority of travelers prefer flexible booking
News / Online
Majority of travelers prefer flexible booking
By Phocuswright Research | October 13, 2021
Several behaviors, preferences and expectations shifted in the age of COVID, as travelers had to acclimate to travel in the most unusual state of the world. Read More
Pandemic business travel is different, not dead
Opinion / Online
Pandemic business travel is different, not dead
By Steve Black - Topia | October 13, 2021
Business trips may become more valuable, strategic and appreciated than ever before. Read More
ibm-environmental-suite
News / Technology
IBM launches climate impact tools for airlines, other companies
By Mitra Sorrells | October 12, 2021
The IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite combines weather data, carbon accounting capabilities, artificial intelligence and more. Read More
What will drive hotel recovery in 2022?
From Our Partners / Distribution
What will drive hotel recovery in 2022?
By Paul Barron - Amadeus Hospitality | October 11, 2021
Trends and considerations for hospitality professionals focused on sales, marketing, operations and revenue management. Read More
digital-first-hotel-staffing-ibs-software
Opinion / Technology
How digital-first can address hospitality labor shortages
By Lisa Barker - IBS Software | October 8, 2021
Technology has the potential to reduce persistent staffing pressures while simultaneously improving the guest experience. Read More
sonder_hotel_engine
News / Distribution
Hotel Engine to offer Sonder inventory to business travelers
By Donna M. Airoldi - BTN | October 7, 2021
Hotel Engine has added short-term rental provider Sonder's inventory to its offerings. Read More
VIDEO: Change is everywhere in alternative accommodation
News / Online
VIDEO: Change is everywhere in alternative accommodation
By PhocusWire | October 7, 2021
Not only is the sector now a mainstream form of accommodation but it has proven to be one that is at center of fundamental discussions around what is hospitality. Read More
google-carbon-emission-flights
News / Online
Google adds carbon emission data to flight search results
By Mitra Sorrells | October 6, 2021
It’s the latest step in the company’s commitment to help one billion people make more sustainable choices by 2022, according to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. Read More
Vouch expands to Europe as it raises $1.1M seed round
News / Startups
Vouch expands to Europe as it raises $1.1M seed round
By Mitra Sorrells | October 6, 2021
 Singapore-based Vouch, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Startup of 2021, provides artificial intelligence and chatbot-based solutions for hotels to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience.... Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026