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.

Nearly half of Airbnb experiences bookings unrelated to accommodations
News / Online
Nearly half of Airbnb experiences bookings unrelated to accommodations
By Morgan Hines | November 6, 2025
When asked why Airbnb wasn’t a partner on OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT apps, CEO Brian Chesky said the company didn't believe the integration was "ready." Read More
Expedia Group outlines strategies for OpenAI partnership, highlights B2B strength
News / Online
Expedia Group outlines strategies for OpenAI partnership, highlights B2B strength
By Abby Crotty | November 6, 2025
When asked about Expedia Group’s strategic approach to its OpenAI partnership, CEO Ariane Gorin said the company has two main priorities. Read More
2 of India's travel founders on their journeys, rivalries and the future of the industry
News / Online
2 of India's travel founders on their journeys, rivalries and the future of the industry
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | November 6, 2025
At WiT Singapore last month, Deep Kalra of MakeMyTrip and Aloke Bajpai of Ixigo weighed in on domestic travel in India, AI and more. Read More
Hotels turn to AI and automation to drive profitability amid economic uncertainty
From Our Partners / Technology
Hotels turn to AI and automation to drive profitability amid economic uncertainty
By Cathy Walsh | November 5, 2025
By transforming compliance from a manual process into an intelligent, automated function, hotel operators can reduce errors, lower costs and free staff to focus on growth and guest experience. Read More
Rapid Fire with Kristie Goshow, formerly of Peregrine Hospitality
News / Online
Rapid Fire with Kristie Goshow, formerly of Peregrine Hospitality
By Morgan Hines | November 4, 2025
As we approach The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, PhocusWire is highlighting a number of conference speakers in a series of Q&As. Read More
The AI-native edge: What travel can learn from AI-driven companies
News / Startups
The AI-native edge: What travel can learn from AI-driven companies
By Phocuswright Research | November 3, 2025
 Travel companies can get a preview of Phocuswright's report "The AI-Native Edge: Travel Startups 2025." Read More
Where are they now? Revisiting the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025
News / Startups
Where are they now? Revisiting the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025
By Mileva Sapic | November 3, 2025
We're revisiting the Hot 25 Travel Startups roster for 2025, which includes several up-and-coming players in the travel tech space. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Vrbo, IBS Software, TourRadar and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Vrbo, IBS Software, TourRadar and more...
By PhocusWire | October 31, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
More EMEA travelers trust AI for vacation planning
News / Technology
More EMEA travelers trust AI for vacation planning
By Abby Crotty | October 31, 2025
A large survey from Marriott Bonvoy found that travelers in Europe, the Middle East and Asia are increasingly using AI for travel research. Read More
Message received: WhatsApp’s role in travel industry
News / Technology
Message received: WhatsApp’s role in travel industry
By Morgan Hines | October 30, 2025
Travel companies are integrating with WhatsApp to take advantage of its wide user base. Read More
MakeMyTrip reports robust domestic and international demand, updates on AI
News / Online
MakeMyTrip reports robust domestic and international demand, updates on AI
By Linda Fox | October 29, 2025
The India-based OTA reported margin gains across air, hotel and bus ticketing business units. Read More
Booking Holdings shares 'early' thoughts on OpenAI apps, reports domestic growth
News / Online
Booking Holdings shares 'early' thoughts on OpenAI apps, reports domestic growth
By Abby Crotty | October 28, 2025
CEO Glenn Fogel conceded that it is still early, but the company is “very happy to be in the first wave of apps with OpenAI.” Read More
Mews brings agentic AI on board with acquisition of DataChat
News / Technology
Mews brings agentic AI on board with acquisition of DataChat
By Linda Fox | October 28, 2025
DataChat, which was initially launched in 2017 as a research project, works in the retail, financial services and telecommunications sectors. Read More
Destination Different: How Gen Z is rewriting the travel playbook
From Our Partners / Online
Destination Different: How Gen Z is rewriting the travel playbook
By AB Tasty | October 28, 2025
The travel and hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, and Gen Z is quickly reshaping what the online travel journey looks like.  Read More
What travel tech entrepreneur Bobby Healy would build if he had another life
News / Technology
What travel tech entrepreneur Bobby Healy would build if he had another life
By Linda Fox | October 28, 2025
The Meili co-founder shared his thoughts on "easy money" in travel technology and had some advice for startups during an interview at a recent Travel Massive event. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026