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.

Q&A: Exploring the role of cryptocurrency in travel's recovery
News / Technology
Q&A: Exploring the role of cryptocurrency in travel's recovery
By Linda Fox | August 26, 2021
Some believe cryptocurrencies have many applications in travel and their use could potentially aid the industry's recovery as well as setting it up for a better future. Read More
They won't go away even if COVID does - top cybersecurity issues still hitting travel
Opinion / Technology
They won't go away even if COVID does - top cybersecurity issues still hitting travel
By Dominik Birgelen - Oneclick | August 26, 2021
While the industry can expect business to increase as restrictions are lifted, the potential risk of cyber crime will also heighten.  Read More
REPORT: Influencing and activating travelers as travel recovers
From Our Partners / Online
REPORT: Influencing and activating travelers as travel recovers
By Hollis Thomases - PhocusWire | August 25, 2021
This exclusive report, produced by PhocusWire in association with TINT, examines what has come before and what comes next for travel brands as they utilize social to assist in their recovery efforts. Read More
REPORT: Why modern corporate travel management technology isn’t just about the tech
From Our Partners / Technology
REPORT: Why modern corporate travel management technology isn’t just about the tech
By Cathy Walsh - PhocusWire | August 25, 2021
When planning for the next phase of corporate travel, businesses need to understand their travel program’s objectives and - in order to meet them - seek out technology built from the ground up, with a... Read More
RoomPriceGenie conjures up $2.2M for international push
News / Startups
RoomPriceGenie conjures up $2.2M for international push
By Linda Fox | August 24, 2021
RoomPriceGenie claims it has tripled it revenues in the past 12 months. Read More
The state of digital advertising in travel
News / Online
The state of digital advertising in travel
By Jill Menze | August 24, 2021
A new report from Sojern seeks to understand how COVID-19 has impacted budget, ad spend, allocation by channel and how advertisers are thinking about the future of ad tech. Read More
hotel-property-management-system-survey
News / Technology
Hotel tech bosses urge better multi-platform integration
By Kevin May | August 24, 2021
Over 80% of chief information officers, chief technology officers and chief operating officers of hotel brands wanted their PMS provider to concentrate on integrations. Read More
Travel startup investment to hit $44B in 2021
News / Startups
Travel startup investment to hit $44B in 2021
By Linda Fox | August 23, 2021
The number of travel and mobility startups grew 5% in 2021, according to Lufthansa Innovation Hub. Read More
How 3D robots can aid hotels amid labor shortages
Opinion / Technology
How 3D robots can aid hotels amid labor shortages
By David Chen - Orbbec | August 23, 2021
Robots are some of the most impactful forms of hospitality technology hoteliers can invest in to maintain efficiency, serve guests and aid understaffed operations. Read More
startup-stage-staytick
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: StayTick is a membership-based hotel booking platform
By Mitra Sorrells | August 23, 2021
For an annual membership fee of €25, StayTick says its members save up to 25% on bookings at more than 500,000 hotels worldwide. Read More
How subscription models can democratize luxury travel
Opinion / Online
How subscription models can democratize luxury travel
By Brent Handler - Inspirato | August 20, 2021
Subscription-based innovations can bridge the affluent consumer’s desire for seamless travel experiences with accelerated upside for B2B travel purveyors. Read More
Despegar revenues up against 2020, still around half of 2019
News / Online
Despegar revenues up against 2020, still around half of 2019
By Kevin May | August 19, 2021
Latin America-focused Despegar captured $61 million in revenue in the second quarter of 2021, indicating a gradual uptick in activity in the region. Read More
How COVID-19 has changed travel's chief technology officers
News / Technology
How COVID-19 has changed travel's chief technology officers
By Linda Fox | August 19, 2021
Travel CTOs have had to acquire new skills, upend their priority list and think carefully about how to combine new tech with legacy systems and practices, for maximum efficiency. Read More
As consumers gear up for open banking are we now ready for open traveler?
Opinion / Technology
As consumers gear up for open banking are we now ready for open traveler?
By Tony Evans - TProfile | August 19, 2021
Open traveler models could spur action in other markets, by encouraging traveles to look at other third party providers offering products such as financial services and payment options. Read More
RateGain plans IPO, more acquisitions in the cards
News / Technology
RateGain plans IPO, more acquisitions in the cards
By Linda Fox | August 18, 2021
RateGain hopes to raise $54 million from a fresh issue of shares while the company's founders and investors will also sell stakes. Read More
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