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.

Travelzoo reports revenues halved during 2020
News / Online
Travelzoo reports revenues halved during 2020
By Kevin May | March 18, 2021
The company's 2020 earnings report released this week disclosed a decline from $105 million in 2019 to $53 million in the following pandemic-hit 12 months. Read More
How pandemic-led consumer behaviors might play out in travel
News / Online
How pandemic-led consumer behaviors might play out in travel
By Linda Fox | March 18, 2021
We look at some of Euromonitor's consumer trends for 2021 and how they're impacting travel and its attempts to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Read More
launchtrip-preseed-round
News / Startups
Group travel startup Launchtrip raises $3.8M pre-seed round
By Mitra Sorrells | March 18, 2021
The startup will offer its app in beta this summer with 200,000 hotels in seven U.S. cities. Read More
Hostelworld sees revenue decline 81%, continues to bet on experiences
News / Online
Hostelworld sees revenue decline 81%, continues to bet on experiences
By Linda Fox | March 17, 2021
Hostelworld says improvements in marketing, user experience and inventory will help it emerge stronger from the pandemic. Read More
How travel brands are using Apple's App Clip to drive engagement, touchless experiences
News / Technology
How travel brands are using Apple's App Clip to drive engagement, touchless experiences
By Jill Menze | March 16, 2021
Brands including KKday, Caesars Entertainment and Expedia Group have developed App Clip solutions to provide a frictionless experience for travelers while increasing customer engagement. Read More
Sounding Off:  Brave or foolhardy - a tip of the hat for trying
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Brave or foolhardy - a tip of the hat for trying
By PhocusWire | March 12, 2021
 There will be some who consider it a brand extension too far; others will admire Kayak for simply having a go at something new. Read More
giancarlo-one-year-later-covid
News / Distribution
One year on from COVID, Italian hoteliers recognize Booking.com is not the enemy
By Mitra Sorrells | March 12, 2021
Florence hotelier Giancarlo Carniani checks in to explain what has changed - and what remains the same - since last March. Read More
What do you know about travelers in the future and how to develop a customer for life?
Opinion / Online
What do you know about travelers in the future and how to develop a customer for life?
By Tony Evans - TProfile | March 11, 2021
There are four important steps that every travel business will need to follow to deliver growth, loyalty and continued success. Read More
phocuswire-pulse-daon
News / Technology
VIDEO: Health passports and next steps for COVID travel solutions
By Mitra Sorrells | March 10, 2021
Daon vice president Clive Bourke spoke with us during PhocusWire's Pulse: Safer & Seamless event to discuss the Verifly health passport product and how the broader travel industry can create solutions... Read More
Hospitality startup Cosi raises €20M to fuel European expansion
News / Startups
Hospitality startup Cosi raises €20M to fuel European expansion
By Jill Menze | March 9, 2021
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Germany-based Cosi says its tech-enabled properties outperformed traditional hotels by 400% in 2020.   Read More
kayak-hotel-miami-beach
News / Technology
Kayak opening hotel, developing hotel tech in partnership with Life House
By Mitra Sorrells | March 9, 2021
Kayak will open Kayak Miami Beach in April and will use the property as a "design lab" to develop hotel technology. Read More
VIDEO: What Google's overhaul of hotel booking ads really means
News / Distribution
VIDEO: What Google's overhaul of hotel booking ads really means
By Kevin May | March 9, 2021
We speak to hotel consultancy and digital marketing specialist Mirai's CEO, Pablo Delgado, to understand what the development means for all players in the hotel marketing ecosystem, including Google's... Read More
Tripadvisor launches Tripadvisor Plus, touts growth and revenue opportunities
News / Online
Tripadvisor launches Tripadvisor Plus, touts growth and revenue opportunities
By Linda Fox | March 9, 2021
Tripadvisor Plus, which is free for accommodation brands to join, believes it now offers suppliers lower distribution costs. Read More
Spend more, stay longer: The consumer trends driving travel in 2021
News / Online
Spend more, stay longer: The consumer trends driving travel in 2021
By Jill Menze | March 9, 2021
According to the American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends Report, consumers are approaching travel in 2021 with a new mindset. Read More
Google eliminates fees for hotel booking links
News / Distribution
Google eliminates fees for hotel booking links
By Mitra Sorrells | March 8, 2021
Now in addition to up to four paid ad slots, Google will provide an extensive organic list of booking options, such as the hotel website, online travel agencies and other travel sites. Read More
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