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 new rules for acquisition, experience and loyalty in travel
Opinion / Online
The new rules for acquisition, experience and loyalty in travel
By Ericka Podesta McCoy - Resonate | July 2, 2021
As brands navigate which consumers are likely to book a quick overnight over versus who’s itching to jump on a plane to cross the country, or even overseas, it will be critical to target messaging based... Read More
VIDEO: ReTravel Technologies - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2021
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: ReTravel Technologies - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2021
By PhocusWire | July 2, 2021
ReTravel is an autonomous up-selling and cross-selling service for the travel industry designed to maximize travelers' value. Read More
Accor leads $16M investment in Treebo Hotels
News / Startups
Accor leads $16M investment in Treebo Hotels
By Linda Fox | July 1, 2021
As part of the partnership with Accor, Treebo's Hotel Superhero technology will be implemented in selected properties around the chain's portfolio. Read More
Inspirato to go public via SPAC merger with Thayer Ventures
News / Online
Inspirato to go public via SPAC merger with Thayer Ventures
By Kevin May | July 1, 2021
The company has more than 385 upmarket vacation homes on its books and works with 500+ hotel and resort partners to provide inventory for its membership program. Read More
VIDEO: RoomPriceGenie - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: RoomPriceGenie - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2021
By PhocusWire | July 1, 2021
RoomPriceGenie is dynamic pricing software that can automatically set prices and helps hotels and serviced apartments to increase revenue by 15-20%. Read More
big-chair-dori-stein
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Dori Stein of Fornova
By Mitra Sorrells | July 1, 2021
Dori Stein is one of the founders of hotel distribution intel service Fornova and has been CEO since 2015. Read More
VIDEO: Myth or reality - What’s really changed in travel?
News / Online
VIDEO: Myth or reality - What’s really changed in travel?
By Jill Menze | June 30, 2021
Speaking during Phocuswright Europe, CarTrawler's Aileen McCormack and Trivago's Axel Hefer debate what travel will look like as the industry emerges from the pandemic. Read More
Younger travelers more likely to choose accommodation with inclusive policies
News / Online
Younger travelers more likely to choose accommodation with inclusive policies
By Linda Fox | June 30, 2021
Social injustices of last year put a spotlight on equity and inclusion, and the ongoing discourse changed people’s ideas, behaviors and expectations when it comes to travel. Read More
Startup Stage: Travlled opens up guest data services for hotels
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Travlled opens up guest data services for hotels
By Jill Menze | June 30, 2021
Travlled solves the guest data issue, by enabling customers to create and share their unique preference profile with hotels.  Read More
Hotel payments: Is it time for a wake-up call?
From Our Partners / Technology
Hotel payments: Is it time for a wake-up call?
By Worldpay by FIS | June 29, 2021
As a hotelier, it's very likely that in recent times you've experienced a sea change in the way travelers want to book, pay for, and ultimately visit hotels. Read More
Hotelhero founders exit, join hospitality tech specialist Apaleo
News / Startups
Hotelhero founders exit, join hospitality tech specialist Apaleo
By Jill Menze | June 29, 2021
Hotel software review and recommendation platform Hotelhero will begin to wind down operations as its founding team joins hospitality technology specialist Apaleo. Read More
corporate-hotel-rates
News / Distribution
Recovery in corporate hotel rates predicted for the end of 2021
By Donna M. Airoldi - BTN | June 28, 2021
Tripbam's Q2 report reveals rates are recovering with 2019 levels already being seen in some markets. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Luxury Travel Hackers makes dream trips for millennials on social media
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Luxury Travel Hackers makes dream trips for millennials on social media
By Linda Fox | June 28, 2021
Founded by former film and television producer Gary Kohn, Luxury Travel Hackers wants to provide a one-click booking experience to users. The startup has landed early-stage funding led by a former CEO... Read More
google-travel-search-terms
News / Online
Travel search terms on Google show scale of pent-up demand
By Linda Fox | June 25, 2021
Searches for the term beach holiday have been steadily rising in 2020 but city breaks are not yet recovering compared to 2019 levels.  Read More
travelport-trust-study
News / Online
Travel industry must fix “trust gaps” as it restarts
By Mitra Sorrells | June 24, 2021
Based on a results of a survey of 11,000 consumers, Travelport says the pandemic has created a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for the travel industry to regain travelers’ trust. Read More
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