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.

Accor partners with Citroen on autonomous urban future
News / Technology
Accor partners with Citroen on autonomous urban future
By Linda Fox | September 29, 2021
The Urban Collectif, a partnership between Accor, Citroen and JCDecaux, aims to advance the development of autonomous mobility in cities. Read More
Rebuilding growth a priority, so is reviving Southeast Asia's pre-pandemic dynamism
News / Online
Rebuilding growth a priority, so is reviving Southeast Asia's pre-pandemic dynamism
By Phocuswright Research | September 29, 2021
Mirroring developments throughout the Asia Pacific region, innovation in digital technology will boost the travel recovery in Southeast Asia, particularly among younger demographics. Read More
Hotel booking flexibility replaces price as top priority
News / Distribution
Hotel booking flexibility replaces price as top priority
By Linda Fox | September 28, 2021
Travelers now have higher expectations of their accommodation says SiteMinder in its Dynamic Traveller report. Read More
turismocity-acquistion-funding
News / Online
Turismocity raises $6M and acquires Brazilian travel platform
By Mitra Sorrells | September 27, 2021
Argentina-based Turismocity says it is planning more acquisitions and investments as it aims to become one of the world's top travel companies. Read More
Pudu Robotics adds $77M for delivery robots
News / Startups
Pudu Robotics adds $77M for delivery robots
By Linda Fox | September 27, 2021
Pudu Robotics announced $78 million in Series C1 funding earlier this year. Read More
Do online travel agencies suffer from brand blindness?
Opinion / Online
Do online travel agencies suffer from brand blindness?
By Chris Torres - Tourism Marketing Agency | September 27, 2021
To grow a successful brand, online travel agencies need to refocus how they brand and market their services. Read More
Travel app downloads surpass 2019 numbers, Hopper ranks top booking app
News / Online
Travel app downloads surpass 2019 numbers, Hopper ranks top booking app
By Jill Menze | September 27, 2021
According to a report from SensorTower, top travel booking apps exceeded 10.6 million downloads in Q2 2021 – an 81% jump compared to 2019. Read More
sounding-off-131-tripadvisor
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Tripadvisor Plus changes show the complexity of travel subscriptions
By PhocusWire | September 24, 2021
Tripadvisor's U-turn this week on the structure of Plus raises more questions than it answers about consumer and brand desire for subscription programs. Read More
Trip.com Group takes advantage of domestic travel return
News / Online
Trip.com Group takes advantage of domestic travel return
By Kevin May | September 24, 2021
Executive chairman James Liang says the Chinese domestic travel market has been encouraging for the company and it sees great potential in international markets. Read More
RateGain to acquire hotel distribution provider MyHotelShop
News / Technology
RateGain to acquire hotel distribution provider MyHotelShop
By Kevin May | September 23, 2021
MyHotelShop was created in Germany in 2012 and provides tools and services to hotels to help increase their direct sales. Read More
google-sustainability-things-to-do
News / Online
Google launches sustainability initiatives, confirms "Things to Do" changes
By Mitra Sorrells | September 22, 2021
Google, in addition to adding "eco-certified" badges to hotels and joining the Travalyst coalition, has confirmed updates to its search and booking functions for tours and activities. Read More
travel-building-loyalty-salesforce
From Our Partners / Online
Building loyalty into your travel brand
By Marisa Garcia | September 22, 2021
As travel recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, travel brands need to re-examine the effectiveness of their loyalty programs in encouraging return visits and building a positive brand image. Read More
global-market-insight-hotel-recovery-2
From Our Partners / Distribution
Discover how to track worldwide recovery and spot early signs of demand
By Nadine Böttcher - OTA insight | September 22, 2021
Despite hoteliers across the globe eager to capitalize on recovery efforts, strategic decision-making is more difficult in a post-pandemic world than ever before. Read More
Expedia Group brings loyalty programs into a single platform
News / Online
Expedia Group brings loyalty programs into a single platform
By Kevin May | September 21, 2021
The company says all brands and products will be in the program, covering flights, hotels, alternative accommodation, car rentals, cruises and activities. Read More
VIDEO: New audiences and where to spend your travel marketing budget
News / Online
VIDEO: New audiences and where to spend your travel marketing budget
By PhocusWire | September 21, 2021
Phocuswright managing director Pete Comeau discussed a range of marketing-related issues with Michael Shafrir, industry manager at Facebook, during the recent TravelTech Show 2021 online... Read More
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