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.

PhocusWire Pulse: Safer & Seamless
News / Technology
PhocusWire Pulse: Safer & Seamless
By PhocusWire | February 26, 2021
We explore health regulatory and vaccine trends, technology provision for welcoming back customers, changes to business practices and the implementation of new processes for customers and staff. Read More
In first earnings report, Airbnb posts quarterly loss of $3.9B
News / Online
In first earnings report, Airbnb posts quarterly loss of $3.9B
By Jill Menze | February 25, 2021
Despite a massive loss in the fourth quarter of 2020, CEO Brian Chesky says the pandemic has proved Airbnb's business is "inherently adaptable." Read More
How I Got Here, episode 53 - Atle Skalleberg of StudentUniverse
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 53 - Atle Skalleberg of StudentUniverse
By PhocusWire | February 25, 2021
After arriving in the U.S. from Norway, Skalleberg took a job at StudentUniverse, prepared to do anything in order to learn the basics and secure a visa, as he tells Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin... Read More
eDreams Odigeo says it's ready to seize post-pandemic demand
News / Online
eDreams Odigeo says it's ready to seize post-pandemic demand
By Kevin May | February 25, 2021
The online travel agency group reckons the business is "agile and nimble" enough to adapt quickly when travel markets open up over the next few months in its core European consumer base. Read More
Booking Holdings focuses on payment platform, connected trip and U.S. growth as 2020 revenue drops 55%
News / Online
Booking Holdings focuses on payment platform, connected trip and U.S. growth as 2020 revenue drops 55%
By Mitra Sorrells | February 24, 2021
Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel says the company is focusing on products and strategies that can help the company grow as travel resumes. Read More
Accor posts €2B loss, lays out 2021 strategy
News / Distribution
Accor posts €2B loss, lays out 2021 strategy
By Linda Fox | February 24, 2021
Accor plans to focus on its ALL loyalty program, further cost reduction and expansion in 2021. Read More
Travelport rebrands to align with company's “monumental culture shift”
News / Distribution
Travelport rebrands to align with company's “monumental culture shift”
By Mitra Sorrells | February 23, 2021
Travelport is launching a new visual identity ahead of the rollout of its next generation platform, which will replace the legacy three-core distribution system. Read More
IHG looks to mid-market brands and digital developments to help recovery
News / Distribution
IHG looks to mid-market brands and digital developments to help recovery
By Linda Fox | February 23, 2021
IHG is continuing with the phased rollout of its Guest Reservation System, developed in partnership with Amadeus. Read More
Marriott on marketing initiatives and the summer rebound
News / Distribution
Marriott on marketing initiatives and the summer rebound
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | February 22, 2021
Julius Robinson, chief sales and marketing officer at Marriott International, highlights the messages that are resonating with customers. Read More
The vital, the obvious and the hopeful: Tech trends to watch in travel
News / Technology
The vital, the obvious and the hopeful: Tech trends to watch in travel
By Kevin May | February 22, 2021
We list some of the trends noted by a recent CBInsights report and how they might strike a chord with the industry's strategies to move forward in 2021. Read More
Room for improvement - diversity in the hospitality boardroom
News / Distribution
Room for improvement - diversity in the hospitality boardroom
By Linda Fox | February 19, 2021
A new report says about a third of publicly listed hospitality companies have just one or no women in board of director positions. Read More
tripadvisor-q4-2020
News / Online
Tripadvisor revenue down 61% in 2020, subscription product a focus for 2021
By Mitra Sorrells | February 18, 2021
Tripadvisor says it is continuing to roll out the Tripadvisor Plus subscription service in the United States in the first half of 2021, with plans to grow to other English-speaking markets after that. Read More
Marriott posts $164M loss following “most challenging year in 93-year history”
News / Distribution
Marriott posts $164M loss following “most challenging year in 93-year history”
By Jill Menze | February 18, 2021
Marriott's fourth quarter 2020 results come days after the unexpected passing of CEO Arne Sorenson. Read More
As Bitcoin surges, will cryptocurrency become an accepted form of payment in travel?
News / Technology
As Bitcoin surges, will cryptocurrency become an accepted form of payment in travel?
By Mitra Sorrells | February 18, 2021
Industry experts agree digital currencies are an inevitable evolution and provide advantages for travel payments, but there are challenges to adoption. Read More
Hilton posts big losses for 2020 yet forging ahead with new properties
News / Distribution
Hilton posts big losses for 2020 yet forging ahead with new properties
By Linda Fox | February 17, 2021
Despite the pandemic, Hilton has a development pipeline of more than 2,500 properties. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026