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.

Fly Now Pay Later adds £10M to Series A
News / Startups
Fly Now Pay Later adds £10M to Series A
By Linda Fox | May 6, 2021
The London-based alternative payments company plans to launch in the U.S. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 63 - Noah Brodsky of Travel + Leisure
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 63 - Noah Brodsky of Travel + Leisure
By PhocusWire | May 6, 2021
The formation of Travel + Leisure Co. in January this year marked an important milestone in the career trajectory of president of the Travel + Leisure Group, Noah Brodsky, as he explains to David Litwak... Read More
VIDEO: Capturing the social zeitgeist with Clubhouse for travel
News / Online
VIDEO: Capturing the social zeitgeist with Clubhouse for travel
By PhocusWire | May 5, 2021
The audio-only meeting and discussion app has only been in the market since March 2020 but has since ignited speculation ranging from it being a podcast-killer to the future of customer engagement and... Read More
Hotelbeds chairman steps down, new CEO appointed
News / Distribution
Hotelbeds chairman steps down, new CEO appointed
By Linda Fox | May 5, 2021
Joan Vilà is taking up a non-executive director role on the board of the Palma, Spain-based company and is handing the reins to newly appointed CEO, Nicolas Huss. Read More
Sabre sees U.S. bookings recovery, other markets slower
News / Distribution
Sabre sees U.S. bookings recovery, other markets slower
By Linda Fox | May 4, 2021
As the pandemic continues to impact the business, Sabre says operating losses were $203 million for the quarter compared to $151 million year-over-year. Read More
Hotel professionals eye a 2023 recovery timeline, but too late for some
News / Distribution
Hotel professionals eye a 2023 recovery timeline, but too late for some
By Linda Fox | May 4, 2021
The pandemic has hit the hotel segment hard, with 15% preparing to hand the keys for their properties back to lenders. Read More
trivago-q1-2021
News / Online
Trivago sees referral revenue jump more than 60% in March
By Mitra Sorrells | May 3, 2021
Trivago's total revenue in the first quarter of this year was €38.2 million – a 73% drop compared to the first quarter of 2020. Read More
VIDEO: TikTok on next-generation travel marketing on social media
News / Online
VIDEO: TikTok on next-generation travel marketing on social media
By PhocusWire | May 3, 2021
Speaking at PhocusWire Pulse: A New Age For Social Media, TikTok brand partnerships lead for travel Hannah Bennett explains why TikTok is an ecosystem ripe for marketers to exploit. Read More
Sonder plans to go public through SPAC on a $2.2B valuation
News / Online
Sonder plans to go public through SPAC on a $2.2B valuation
By Linda Fox | April 30, 2021
Sonder is merging with special purpose acquisition company Gores Metropoulos II to take the company public. Read More
Marketing tactics to think about as travel attempts to recover
Opinion / Online
Marketing tactics to think about as travel attempts to recover
By Gilad Barash - Dstillery | April 30, 2021
It's likely that the travel audiences from a year ago no longer apply so travel marketers need to find the signals consumers are putting out. Read More
FPG acquires rival TSA Solutions to expand hotel tech and revenue optimization tools
News / Technology
FPG acquires rival TSA Solutions to expand hotel tech and revenue optimization tools
By Kevin May | April 28, 2021
The deal is being touted as a means for FPG to bolster its portfolio of services in hospitality, previously including hotel software, front desk services and revenue optimization. Read More
VIDEO: Brian Solis on a new age for customer engagement in travel
News / Online
VIDEO: Brian Solis on a new age for customer engagement in travel
By PhocusWire | April 28, 2021
He shares his perspective on the evolution of social media and the development of new tactics and, more importantly, requirements around customer engagement. Read More
Under the sheets – optimize your hotel to maximize revenue
Opinion / Distribution
Under the sheets – optimize your hotel to maximize revenue
By Richard Valtr - Mews | April 27, 2021
Hotels are ignoring much of their available space by basing business on revenue per available room alone. Read More
WTTC Global Summit: Clarity, certainty and collaboration keys to travel recovery
News / Online
WTTC Global Summit: Clarity, certainty and collaboration keys to travel recovery
By Mitra Sorrells | April 27, 2021
More than 600 leaders from travel, tourism, government and the private sector are gathered for the World Travel and Tourism Council's Global Summit in Cancun, the organization's first in-person event... Read More
Airbnb's brand vs. Booking.com's performance marketing – is there a playbook for recovery?
Opinion / Online
Airbnb's brand vs. Booking.com's performance marketing – is there a playbook for recovery?
By Mario Gavira | April 26, 2021
Channels where marketing dollars are being spent is only part of the equation. How your brand stands out from the pack and connects with customers is equally, if not more, important. Read More
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