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.

tripadvisor-plus-changes
News / Online
Tripadvisor revamps Plus, shifts discounts to cash-back
By Mitra Sorrells | September 21, 2021
Just three months after launching in the U.S., Tripadvisor is shifting its primary benefit for Plus subscribers from discounts at booking to cash-back at check-in.  Read More
REPORT: Timeshare in transition - The rise of the secondary market
From Our Partners / Distribution
REPORT: Timeshare in transition - The rise of the secondary market
By Diane Merlino | September 21, 2021
From humble origins at a single resort, timeshare has evolved into a major segment of the global travel industry. Read More
Big Asia Pacific travel market developments to know
News / Online
Big Asia Pacific travel market developments to know
By Phocuswright Research | September 20, 2021
The road to recovery is long and varies by market, especially as the more contagious Delta variant of the virus wreaks havoc across the region in 2021, hampering travel recovery. Read More
SoftBank leads $200M investment in serviced robotics company Keenon Robotics
News / Technology
SoftBank leads $200M investment in serviced robotics company Keenon Robotics
By Jill Menze | September 17, 2021
The Chinese company says the Series D round is the largest round of funding to-date in the service robot field. Read More
Voxel acquires Troovo to boost B2B payments platform
News / Technology
Voxel acquires Troovo to boost B2B payments platform
By Linda Fox | September 15, 2021
Voxel aquisition of Troovo’s gives it GDS connectivity as well as a decision engine, which optimizes payments. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Your Rocket Fuel helps hotel sales teams generate corporate revenue
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Your Rocket Fuel helps hotel sales teams generate corporate revenue
By Jill Menze | September 15, 2021
Launched in September 2020, Your Rocket Fuel combines data from public and private sources to predict company hotel and relocation demand. Read More
SiteMinder secures $74M funding round, plots public listing
News / Distribution
SiteMinder secures $74M funding round, plots public listing
By Linda Fox | September 14, 2021
Existing shareholders AustralianSuper and equity funds managed by BlackRock, Ellerston Capital and Pendal Group have also participated. Read More
VIDEO: Location targeting as a travel marketing tactic
News / Technology
VIDEO: Location targeting as a travel marketing tactic
By PhocusWire | September 14, 2021
Even with the looming threat of Big Tech hanging over the technical capabilities of travel brands to target consumers in a destination, brands still have plenty of tactics at their disposal. Read More
How innovative technology is revolutionizing hotel contracting
From Our Partners / Distribution
How innovative technology is revolutionizing hotel contracting
By Charlie Cowley - Impala | September 13, 2021
What happens next is anyone's guess - we're in uncharted territory that's for sure - but by re-tooling now, organizations large and small can stay one step ahead of the competition. Read More
Key developments in the Russia online travel market
News / Online
Key developments in the Russia online travel market
By Phocuswright Research | September 13, 2021
Whether using online or offline distribution channels, Russians are rediscovering the tourism gems that their homeland offers, despite the pandemic restrictions. Read More
Tackling unconscious bias in travel marketing
Opinion / Online
Tackling unconscious bias in travel marketing
By Lizzy Duffy Anderson - Sparkloft Media | September 13, 2021
We know it helps everyone to see themselves in an advertisement to better imagine a meaningful and momentous vacation. Yet, far‐too‐often, there’s something missing. Read More
Will leisure travel companies break into corporate accommodation?
Opinion / Distribution
Will leisure travel companies break into corporate accommodation?
By Lee Curtis - Reside | September 10, 2021
This has created opportunities for players in the travel sector to widen the appeal of their offering to both leisure and business travelers, especially as optimism for travel continues to increase. Read More
microsoft-oyo-partnership
News / Technology
Microsoft, OYO partner to develop travel products and tech
By Mitra Sorrells | September 9, 2021
Along with announcing that the companies will work together to create "next-gen travel and hospitality products and technologies," Microsoft acknowledges a recent equity investment in OYO.   Read More
Atomize attracts €3.4M to address hospitality pricing challenges
News / Technology
Atomize attracts €3.4M to address hospitality pricing challenges
By Linda Fox | September 9, 2021
The company's funding is a precursor to Atomize's plan to list on the public markets in 2022. Read More
VIDEO: A hotelier’s approach to digital marketing
News / Online
VIDEO: A hotelier’s approach to digital marketing
By PhocusWire | September 9, 2021
Speaking during PhocusWire Pulse, Red Carnation Hotel Collection global marketing director Victoria Murden explained how her team is adapting strategies as it plans for the future. Read More
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