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.

Sounding Off: Travelers may have other goals than doing the right thing
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Travelers may have other goals than doing the right thing
By PhocusWire | April 9, 2021
The best hope that anyone can have right now is that people will actually come through on the industry's desire to capitalize on pent-up demand AND do so in a way that at least illustrates signs of a... Read More
starkov-google-zero-click-search
Opinion / Online
Is Google's zero-click search a threat or opportunity for hoteliers?
By Max Starkov - hospitality consultant and strategist | April 9, 2021
Google's "zero-click" reality means hoteliers need to focus on optimizing their properties' websites and using effective content marketing strategies. Read More
trip-com-group-hong-kong
News / Online
Trip.com Group hopes to raise $1.4B from second public listing in Hong Kong
By Kevin May | April 8, 2021
The second IPO will be the first online travel company to proceed with a dual listing in both the U.S. and Hong Kong. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 59 - Rolf Schromgens of Trivago
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 59 - Rolf Schromgens of Trivago
By PhocusWire | April 8, 2021
Rolf Schromgens was broke and scarred from the experience of a previous startup when he finally sat down with his co-founders and created Trivago, as he explains to Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May of... Read More
Bob W tops up seed round with €6M for apartment rental concept
News / Startups
Bob W tops up seed round with €6M for apartment rental concept
By Linda Fox | April 8, 2021
Bob W plans to develop its technology stack and add further apartments following its latest investment. Read More
travelport-plus-launch
News / Distribution
Travelport unifies services in new Travelport+ platform, replacing three legacy brands
By Mitra Sorrells | April 7, 2021
CEO Greg Webb says the new Travelport+ platform better positions the company to serve "the blossoming retail structure of travel." Read More
The data conundrum for travel marketers in 2021
Opinion / Online
The data conundrum for travel marketers in 2021
By Chris Heike - Koddi | April 6, 2021
As the industry enters peak travel season, marketers are faced with a question that most are not prepared to answer: How should I account for the lack of data I gathered in 2020? Read More
VIDEO: Bringing loyalty to travel's hottest sector
News / Online
VIDEO: Bringing loyalty to travel's hottest sector
By PhocusWire | April 5, 2021
While the sector is not new by any means, brands are still unsure of the best way to gain loyalty from their guests and ensure they have the attention of travelers every time they consider a new trip. Read More
Xie Zhu lands $46M for smart hotel technology
News / Technology
Xie Zhu lands $46M for smart hotel technology
By Linda Fox | April 2, 2021
This latest investment comes on top of $37 million in funding announced in January 2020. Read More
apaleo-funding
News / Startups
Apaleo adds €4.5M in Series A investment in hotel technology
By Linda Fox | April 1, 2021
Apaleo says it has continued to grow and gain customers despite the pandemic. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 58 - Rami Zeidan of Life House
Interview / Distribution
How I Got Here, episode 58 - Rami Zeidan of Life House
By PhocusWire | April 1, 2021
After working in the finance and real estate worlds for the early part of his career, Rami Zeidan tells Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May of PhocusWire how he took the plunge into the operational part... Read More
Webjet invests $4.1M into blockchain startup LockTrip
News / Technology
Webjet invests $4.1M into blockchain startup LockTrip
By Jill Menze | March 31, 2021
As part of the deal, Webjet has agreed to a second optional tranche of $4.2 million for a total of $8.3 million. Read More
Venza acquires CyberTek in hospitality security technology roll-up
News / Technology
Venza acquires CyberTek in hospitality security technology roll-up
By Linda Fox | March 30, 2021
Venza says its acquisition of CyberTek will boost its service for hotel customers. Read More
VIDEO: Tripadvisor on its big push to subscriptions and loyalty
News / Online
VIDEO: Tripadvisor on its big push to subscriptions and loyalty
By PhocusWire | March 30, 2021
Speaking during PhocusWire Pulse: Loyalty For The Long Haul, chief experience officer Lindsay Nelson explains why Tripadvisor's Plus program came together now, how the early stages have worked out with... Read More
My Method... How Hotel Treats helped properties earn valuable revenue during the pandemic
News / Online
My Method... How Hotel Treats helped properties earn valuable revenue during the pandemic
By Kasia Pankowska - Hotel Treats | March 29, 2021
Hotel Treats helped Hard Rock Hotels earn $1.5 million through vouchers during the pandemic. Read More
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