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.

Here's why to review your travel and spend policy now
From Our Partners / Technology
Here's why to review your travel and spend policy now
By TripActions | April 26, 2021
Companies must build in more flexibility to accommodate quick pivots, as well as incorporate more nuanced controls to allow for more focused approvals and more streamlined processes. Read More
Future-Proofing Travel: Emily Weiss of Accenture
News / Technology
Future-Proofing Travel: Emily Weiss of Accenture
By PhocusWire | April 23, 2021
Our guest for this episode of Future-Proofing Travel is Emily Weiss, managing director and global travel industry lead at Accenture. Read More
How the pandemic is reshaping hotel distribution strategies and onboarding
News / Distribution
How the pandemic is reshaping hotel distribution strategies and onboarding
By Mitra Sorrells | April 22, 2021
Updated tech tools and new strategies are surfacing as distribution partners prepare for travel to resume. Read More
Expedia unveils rebrand in major push to capture travel demand
News / Online
Expedia unveils rebrand in major push to capture travel demand
By Jill Menze | April 19, 2021
Expedia is debuting a new look and product offerings on its quest to become consumers’ "ultimate travel companion." Read More
Virdee adds $2M to seed round for virtual concierge service
News / Startups
Virdee adds $2M to seed round for virtual concierge service
By Linda Fox | April 19, 2021
U.S-based Virdee believes contactless solutions for check-in and payment at hotels are here to stay. Read More
HalalBooking secures $5M to expand business, plots IPO exit
News / Online
HalalBooking secures $5M to expand business, plots IPO exit
By Kevin May | April 19, 2021
The $5 million funding round is being positioned as a pre-Series B investment, with a further $15 million to follow during the second quarter of 2021. Read More
What are travelers on Google searching for?
News / Online
What are travelers on Google searching for?
By Jill Menze | April 19, 2021
According to TripsToDiscover, searches are up dramatically for travel products since January 1, 2021. Read More
trip-joins-common-trust-network
News / Technology
Trip.com Group joins Common Trust Network to develop COVID compliance technology
By Mitra Sorrells | April 19, 2021
The Common Trust Network is an effort of public and private partners from travel, health and technology to develop solutions that help restart travel. Read More
Personalization will power the next era of hospitality
Opinion / Technology
Personalization will power the next era of hospitality
By Rod Jimenez - SHR | April 16, 2021
After a year of dreaming about travel, guests will return to hotels with high expectations and hoteliers can't miss the opportunity to provide exceptional guest experiences. Read More
marriott-uber
News / Online
Marriott partners with Uber to expand Bonvoy loyalty program
By Jill Menze | April 15, 2021
Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points by ordering food delivery via Uber Eats or requesting select Uber rides. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 60 - Alex Zozaya of Apple Leisure Group
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 60 - Alex Zozaya of Apple Leisure Group
By PhocusWire | April 15, 2021
The history of the organization is one marked with taking opportunities when they arise, guesswork and luck, plus making some crucial strategic decisions, as Zozaya explains to Mozio's David Litwak and... Read More
Cleartrip sold to Indian consumer products marketplace Flipkart
News / Online
Cleartrip sold to Indian consumer products marketplace Flipkart
By Kevin May | April 15, 2021
The Flipkart online marketplace, which has a customer base of over 300 million members, sells goods in more than 80 consumer categories. Read More
hrs-acquires-itelya
News / Technology
HRS acquires German travel billing company Itelya
By Mitra Sorrells | April 15, 2021
Terms of the deal are not being disclosed but the entire Itelya team will become employees of HRS. Read More
Will the pandemic change corporate travel technology distribution?
Opinion / Distribution
Will the pandemic change corporate travel technology distribution?
By Gavin Smith - Element | April 13, 2021
The major suppliers in our sector have unwittingly created an elite club of users and clients, as they have dramatically reduced their indirect sales partners to the point where they are not taking on... Read More
Windows of opportunity - optimizing receptiveness in a scattered guest journey
From Our Partners / Online
Windows of opportunity - optimizing receptiveness in a scattered guest journey
By Jantien Abma - Oaky | April 12, 2021
In this tense period for the hospitality industry, every little bit of revenue counts – but every impression a hotel makes on their guests does too.  Read More
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