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.

Travel + Leisure Co. launches online booking platform
News / Online
Travel + Leisure Co. launches online booking platform
By Jill Menze | February 17, 2021
Travel + Leisure Co., formerly known as Wyndham Destinations, has launched a vacation booking platform as part of the company's rebrand. Read More
Cendyn and NextGuest merge to extend reach and tap into data
News / Technology
Cendyn and NextGuest merge to extend reach and tap into data
By Linda Fox | February 17, 2021
The merger creates the largest CRM and digital marketing provider in hospitality, according to the newly formed entity. Read More
google-france-hotel-fine
News / Online
Google fined €1.1M for deceptive hotel ratings in France
By Mitra Sorrells | February 16, 2021
Google has also agreed to remove its ratings and use those provided by Atout France, the country's tourism agency. Read More
Sabre revenues fall by 66% during COVID-hit 2020
News / Distribution
Sabre revenues fall by 66% during COVID-hit 2020
By Kevin May | February 16, 2021
The company says its metrics were negatively impacted by the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic but a number of cost-cutting measures put in place during the year partially offset the impact. Read More
Is hospitality ready to service the digitally savvy travel consumer?
Opinion / Technology
Is hospitality ready to service the digitally savvy travel consumer?
By Max Starkov - hospitality consultant and strategist | February 16, 2021
There is a clear deficit of proper hospitality industry education in digital technology and the latest technology innovations, trends and best practices. Read More
Luxury Escapes acquires Porter & Sail mobile concierge technology
News / Technology
Luxury Escapes acquires Porter & Sail mobile concierge technology
By Linda Fox | February 12, 2021
Caitlin Zaino, co-founder and CEO of Porter & Sail, joins Luxury Escapes as part of the acquisition of the mobile concierge technology. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 51 - Josh Wyatt of Generator Hostels
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 51 - Josh Wyatt of Generator Hostels
By PhocusWire | February 11, 2021
Generator Hostels was a single-property hostel brand in London - but it was considered the perfect place to try out a new approach to the sector when Wyatt came onboard in 2007 with a pile of venture... Read More
Lastminute.com Group ends 2020 with 62% collapse in revenue
News / Online
Lastminute.com Group ends 2020 with 62% collapse in revenue
By Kevin May | February 10, 2021
The online travel agency business brought in €128.9 million in core revenues over the 12-month, pandemic-hit period. Read More
Trivago sees revenue slump 70% in 2020, bets on local travel to fuel recovery
News / Online
Trivago sees revenue slump 70% in 2020, bets on local travel to fuel recovery
By Jill Menze | February 9, 2021
Although revenue for Trivago dropped 70% for the full year and nearly 80% for the fourth quarter of 2020, the company believes it's at a turning point in the pandemic. Read More
Fastpayhotels acquires accommodation business assets of North America Destinations
News / Distribution
Fastpayhotels acquires accommodation business assets of North America Destinations
By Kevin May | February 9, 2021
Some 300 clients of North America Destinations in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Colombia will also get last-minute availability and access to thousands of vacation rental... Read More
getaway-42M-funding
News / Startups
Certares leads $42M Series C for cabin-rental platform Getaway
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2021
Getaway says it had 150% year-over-year growth in 2020 and plans to rapidly expand. Read More
Go2Joy raises $2.3M in Series A+ round
News / Startups
Go2Joy raises $2.3M in Series A+ round
By Linda Fox | February 8, 2021
Vietnam-based hotel booking specialist Go2Joy plans to use its Series A+ funding for sales and marketing. Read More
How payments technology will fuel travel rebound
From Our Partners / Technology
How payments technology will fuel travel rebound
By Yuval Ziv – Nuvei | February 8, 2021
Here are six best practices from a recent white paper that travel operators can - and are – implementing to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic. Read More
optii-solutions-opinion-cleaning
Opinion / Online
What COVID-induced changes in hospitality are here to stay?
By Soenke Weiss - Optii Solutions | February 8, 2021
The founder and chief strategy officer of Optii Solutions says hotels should expect enhanced operational and cleaning protocols to be the norm for years to come.   Read More
timeshifter-2-million
News / Startups
Jet-lag app Timeshifter raises $2M as it launches new product for shift workers
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2021
The company has partnerships with travel brands including Tripadvisor, Travelperk, SAP Concur, CWT and United Airlines. Read More
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