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.

VIDEO: The Big Picture for travel payments
News / Technology
VIDEO: The Big Picture for travel payments
By PhocusWire | August 6, 2021
In some respects the payments element of the travel, tourism and hospitality sector operates regardless of the number of travelers. Think again. Read More
Lastminute.com Group points to strong travel rebound as financials improve
News / Online
Lastminute.com Group points to strong travel rebound as financials improve
By Kevin May | August 5, 2021
The jump of 213% year-over-year points to a strong rebound for the business, especially in June when income was in line with pre-COVID levels despite lower booking volumes. Read More
Tripadvisor hits $235M revenue, beats internal expectations
News / Online
Tripadvisor hits $235M revenue, beats internal expectations
By Kevin May | August 5, 2021
The user review and travel search service posted total revenue across the business of $235 million, up by almost 300% from just $59 million in the corresponding quarter in 2020. Read More
booking-holdings-q2-2021
News / Distribution
Booking Holdings hits $22B in bookings as latest quarter rides recovery
By Mitra Sorrells | August 5, 2021
Room nights booked in the second quarter were 157 million, up from 99 million in the Q1 of this year and a 458% increase from Q2 2020.   Read More
russia-travel-recovery
News / Online
Russia's online travel primed as investment arrives
By Linda Fox | August 4, 2021
The country's travel industry had been experiencing strong growth in the years running up to 2020 and online travel sales were steadily growing. Read More
phocuswire-pulse-xanderpay
News / Online
VIDEO: Time to revamp payments in hospitality
By PhocusWire | August 4, 2021
XanderPay CEO Mike Carlo discusses the problems and inefficiencies plaguing the hospitality industry when it comes to payments and offers suggestions for innovations. Read More
Booking.com launches Flash Deals for hotels
News / Distribution
Booking.com launches Flash Deals for hotels
By Kevin May | August 4, 2021
The discounts will take place every two weeks and on fixed days, lasting for just 36 hours. Over that time period, customers will get up to 30% off a selected room and rate. Read More
VIDEO: Easing the burden of paying for travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Easing the burden of paying for travel
By PhocusWire | August 4, 2021
What is the appeal of buy-now-pay-later for brands? What segments of the industry is it more popular than others? And what effect does it have on the business models of exissting brands? Read More
STARTUP STAGE: TravelRank guides travelers to new destinations via AI
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: TravelRank guides travelers to new destinations via AI
By Linda Fox | August 4, 2021
TravelRank's AI analyzes the user's travel history and compares it to data of similar travelers and similar unvisited destinations. Read More
rentals-business-travel-sonder
News / Online
Will standardized rentals work for business travelers?
By Mitra Sorrells | August 2, 2021
A subset of alternative accommodations - ones that provide a standardized experience for travelers - could become more popular with business travelers coming out of the pandemic. Read More
Amadeus scores some financial improvements as traveler restrictions ease
News / Distribution
Amadeus scores some financial improvements as traveler restrictions ease
By Linda Fox | July 30, 2021
The distribution company reported improvements in revenue and EBITDA compared to Q1, while air bookings are recovering in all regions. Read More
Sounding Off: Do the right thing on sustainability - from big moves to small
Interview / Technology
Sounding Off: Do the right thing on sustainability - from big moves to small
By PhocusWire | July 30, 2021
If a brand can inspire just one customer (or thousands) to do the right thing when they return home, by the way it behaves on the smaller things, then it's a strategy worth implementing. Read More
Trivago seeing some markets bounce back bigger than 2019
News / Online
Trivago seeing some markets bounce back bigger than 2019
By Kevin May | July 29, 2021
Total revenue at the Germany-based company in Q2 was €96 million, up almost 500% from €16 million in the same quarter last year, when much of the industry had ground to a halt. Read More
hilton-q2-2021
News / Online
Hilton reports strong Q2, adjusted EBITDA $400M
By Mitra Sorrells | July 29, 2021
Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta says he expects continued strength in leisure demand and further upticks in business travel to drive continued resurgence in the back half of the year. Read More
Ixigo raises $53M led by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund
News / Distribution
Ixigo raises $53M led by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund
By Mitra Sorrells | July 29, 2021
The round also has participation from Bay Capital Holdings, IE Venture Fund, India Acorn Fund, Malabar India Fund and others.  Read More
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