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.

Travel recovery and responsibility: A chance to do the right thing
News / Technology
Travel recovery and responsibility: A chance to do the right thing
By PhocusWire | May 17, 2021
With the COVID-19 pandemic putting the industry's operations on hold for over a year, some might hope that companies have used this time to think seriously about their role in climate change and other... Read More
mydigitaloffice-acquires-broadvine
News / Technology
MyDigitalOffice acquires Broadvine to boost hotel performance platform
By Linda Fox | May 17, 2021
MyDigitalOffice says the addition of Broadvine's budgeting and forecasting technology rounds out its platform. Read More
airbnb-q1-2021-earnings
News / Online
Airbnb revenue climbs 5% as travel rebounded in Q1 2021
By Jill Menze | May 13, 2021
Airbnb revenue grew 5% to $887 million in the first quarter of 2021, though losses mounted to $1.2 billion. Read More
Hotel booking windows gradually lengthening as traveler confidence returns
News / Distribution
Hotel booking windows gradually lengthening as traveler confidence returns
By Linda Fox | May 13, 2021
Occupancy rates vary in different regions, according to a report, with China hitting rates of 60% and North America 50%, but Europe is still trailing at around 18%, attributed to a slower easing of... Read More
How I Got Here, episode 64 - John Guscic of Webjet
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 64 - John Guscic of Webjet
By PhocusWire | May 13, 2021
John Guscic's path to the top of Webjet is a different one to those that many leaders have taken, having sat on its board of directors since the early 2000s, as he explains to Mozio's David Litwak... Read More
The post-pandemic reality for travel: What's really changed?
News / Online
The post-pandemic reality for travel: What's really changed?
By PhocusWire | May 12, 2021
As the industry starts to show some encouraging signs of movement, travel's hundreds of thousands of employees have the right to ask what has changed since those first few months of 2020. Read More
expedia-group-trend-report
News / Online
Cost, convenience increasing as considerations for air travel, ahead of health and hygiene
By Mitra Sorrells | May 12, 2021
A report from Expedia Group Media Solutions points to a shift in Q1 2021 in topics searched for when booking air travel. Read More
paravision-funding
News / Technology
Facial recognition company Paravision raises $23M
May 12, 2021
Paravision’s technology provides touchless identification used for security and access in travel, workplaces, retail and more.   Read More
trip-com-group-marketing-hub
News / Online
Trip.com Group creates new marketing hub for suppliers
By Mitra Sorrells | May 11, 2021
The "Star Hub" gives suppliers their own channel in Trip.com Group's mobile app where they can share products and promotions. Read More
What is the early impact of Google's free booking links for hotels?
Opinion / Online
What is the early impact of Google's free booking links for hotels?
By Fran Diéguez - Mirai | May 10, 2021
Eight weeks after Google's big move in hotel advertising, the dust has settled and we are finally able to evaluate performance based on a variable previously unavailable: data. Read More
Amadeus revenues halve in early 2021, vaccine programs offer hope
News / Distribution
Amadeus revenues halve in early 2021, vaccine programs offer hope
By Kevin May | May 7, 2021
The Spain-based IT and distribution provider saw its total revenue figure come in at 50% lower in the first quarter of the year compared to the corresponding three months in 2020. Read More
Go2Joy tops up Series A+ with $1.3M
News / Startups
Go2Joy tops up Series A+ with $1.3M
By Linda Fox | May 7, 2021
The Vietnam-based company previously raised $2.5 million in February 2020 followed by its Series A+ round in February this year. Read More
Debunking myths around hotel lobby kiosks
Opinion / Technology
Debunking myths around hotel lobby kiosks
By Branigan Mulcahy - Virdee | May 7, 2021
Kiosks serve an important role in the hotel lobby today and will continue to do so even after COVID issues subside. Read More
Expedia Group bets on brand marketing as it prepares for travel rebound
News / Online
Expedia Group bets on brand marketing as it prepares for travel rebound
By Jill Menze | May 6, 2021
In its Q1 2021 earnings call, Expedia Group said it's focusing on brand marketing to differentiate its offerings and capitalize on returning travel demand. Read More
tripadvisor-q1-2021
News / Online
Tripadvisor reports rising demand in Q1, progress on Plus subscription product
By Mitra Sorrells | May 6, 2021
Tripadvisor says the Plus subscription product will roll out fully in the U.S. in the next few months, and it's developing more partnerships to provide offers to subscribers.   Read More
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