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.

Google’s free booking links for hotels – too good to be true?
Opinion / Distribution
Google’s free booking links for hotels – too good to be true?
By Craig Stewart - Freetobook | March 29, 2021
Freetobook’s co-director Craig Stewart suggests property owners to take advantage on Google's recent shift in strategy and see how this one plays out.  Read More
Acing the hotel recovery test - considerations for a successful COVID-19 strategy
From Our Partners / Distribution
Acing the hotel recovery test - considerations for a successful COVID-19 strategy
By Mark Bedard - Amadeus | March 29, 2021
Should you focus on the technique you utilize in targeting, capturing and converting shoppers into loyal guests? Or should you spend more time looking at the technology you use to support your... Read More
VIDEO: The “not stupid” way to achieve loyalty in hospitality
News / Online
VIDEO: The “not stupid” way to achieve loyalty in hospitality
By PhocusWire | March 29, 2021
Speaking during PhocusWire’s Pulse: Loyalty For The Long Haul event, CitizenM’s Lennert de Jong says loyalty in hospitality is all about the physical experience. Read More
str-conference-benchmarking
News / Online
How COVID-19 is impacting hotel benchmarking
By Mitra Sorrells | March 26, 2021
STR's vice president of analytics advices hoteliers to uses indexes and incorporate a broad range of data to get the most effective view of trends. Read More
JetBlue launches new travel site for customers to book hotels, car rentals
News / Online
JetBlue launches new travel site for customers to book hotels, car rentals
By Jill Menze | March 25, 2021
Called Paisly, JetBlue's new travel website lets consumers book hotels, car rentals and theme park tickets after they've purchased a flight. Read More
VIDEO: Why loyalty programs are still relevant
News / Online
VIDEO: Why loyalty programs are still relevant
By PhocusWire | March 25, 2021
Phocuswright analyst Mark Blutstein has carried out a study into what consumers think about loyalty programs and what type of rewards and engagement they want from their favorite brands. Read More
PhocusWire Pulse: Loyalty For The Long Haul
News / Online
PhocusWire Pulse: Loyalty For The Long Haul
By PhocusWire | March 25, 2021
Our second PhocusWire Pulse concentrates on the world of loyalty and how the industry is evolving to capture the attention and hearts of consumers. Read More
My Method… How digitizing an IHG hotel helped save both time and money
News / Technology
My Method… How digitizing an IHG hotel helped save both time and money
By Aaron Belton - DocMX | March 25, 2021
With DocMX, the InterContinental Cascais-Estoril automated daily revenue audits by around 90%, saving considerable time, facilitating remote collaboration and reducing print-related costs. Read More
hopper-170m-hopper-cloud
News / Online
Hopper closes $170M funding round, creates new B2B offering with Capital One as first partner
By Mitra Sorrells | March 24, 2021
Hopper is kicking off an ambitious growth plan that includes the launch of Hopper Cloud, selling its infrastructure, agency content, financial technology and data science capabilities to other travel... Read More
Why hoteliers should consider a phased approach to a revenue rebound
Opinion / Distribution
Why hoteliers should consider a phased approach to a revenue rebound
By Klaus Kohlmayr - IDeaS | March 24, 2021
The sector needs a better understanding of data, insight into what is driving today’s consumer, untapped innovation, new leadership roles and the agility to keep up with demand. Read More
Progress continues toward decentralized customer data model for hospitality
News / Technology
Progress continues toward decentralized customer data model for hospitality
By Linda Fox | March 23, 2021
Hotel tech experts discuss customer data and the influence of online retail giants. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: WePlan brings tech to travel team planning
Interview / Technology
STARTUP STAGE: WePlan brings tech to travel team planning
By Jill Menze | March 23, 2021
The Germany-based startup was founded by Franziska Burmester and Lana Jansen following successful careers in aviation consulting. Read More
Tripadvisor looks to raise $300M from convertible note offering
News / Online
Tripadvisor looks to raise $300M from convertible note offering
By Kevin May | March 22, 2021
The company says it intends to issue the notes via a private offering, with a due date of 2026. Read More
ROAR for Good raises funds to meet demand for hotel panic button solution
News / Technology
ROAR for Good raises funds to meet demand for hotel panic button solution
By Jill Menze | March 22, 2021
The round of growth capital will help ROAR for Good ramp up marketing and sales efforts of its panic button solution, AlwaysOn. Read More
Is robotics taking over hospitality? Yes and no
Opinion / Technology
Is robotics taking over hospitality? Yes and no
By Chris Connar - Angie Hospitality | March 19, 2021
Robots and automated technology support the current evolution of hospitality, but only when they allow staff to focus on delivering exceptional guest services. Read More
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