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.

On the Beach hopes to boost market share through recent investments
News / Online
On the Beach hopes to boost market share through recent investments
By Linda Fox | February 5, 2021
On the Beach says consumer demand is very weak currently with traffic, bookings and online marketing spend for four months ended January 31, 2021, down more than 70%. Read More
yatra-q3-2021
News / Online
Yatra sees improving India domestic market, international remains slow
By Linda Fox | February 5, 2021
Yatra says new corporate travel signings are boosting its growth and that it also has a growing pipeline of potential customers. Read More
Accor begins digital key rollout, plans 500 hotels in 2021
News / Technology
Accor begins digital key rollout, plans 500 hotels in 2021
February 4, 2021
The hotel giant is planning for the digital key solution to be in 50% of its properties within five years. Read More
anand krishnan-ibs-software
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Anand Krishnan of IBS Software
By Jill Menze | February 4, 2021
In 2018, Anand Krishnan was brought on as CEO of IBS Software, a leading SaaS solutions provider managing mission-critical operations for airlines, airports, hotels and cruise companies. Read More
ixigo-buys-confirmtkt
News / Distribution
Ixigo buys train booking app Confirmtkt to serve India’s $8B rail market
By Mitra Sorrells | February 4, 2021
The deal aligns with the Indian online travel agency’s decision in 2019 to focus on flights, trains and buses. Read More
Expedia opens up discount rates to COVID-hit travel agency partners
News / Distribution
Expedia opens up discount rates to COVID-hit travel agency partners
By Kevin May | February 3, 2021
The company's affiliate program, which has around 10,000 agency partners, will be opened up so that exclusive rates for hotel and air ticket packages are available for all. Read More
uipath-opinion-automation
Opinion / Technology
How automation can facilitate hospitality’s recovery
By Brad Beumer - UiPath | February 3, 2021
Automation technologies can be used to benefit guests and staff, now and into the future. Read More
makemytrip earnings
News / Online
MakeMyTrip sees 2020 end with some financial improvement
By Linda Fox | February 2, 2021
MakeMyTrip has seen improvement in gross bookings and revenue across its business units for its third quarter 2021 financial earnings. Read More
business travel recovery 2025
News / Distribution
Business travel expected to make full recovery by 2025
By Kevin May | February 2, 2021
According to GBTA, global business travel spending slumped by over a half to $694 billion during a coronavirus-hit 2020. Read More
siteminder-channel-report
News / Distribution
Hotel direct channels gained share of bookings in 2020
By Mitra Sorrells | February 2, 2021
A new report from SiteMinder details the top booking revenue sources in markets around the world. Read More
New initiatives launch to promote diverse leadership in travel
News / Online
New initiatives launch to promote diverse leadership in travel
By Jill Menze | February 2, 2021
Two new programs, Tourism Diversity Matters and WiHTL's Ethnic Minority Future Leaders in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure, are designed to help build and retain diverse leadership teams in travel. Read More
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky: "It's going to be a year of focus"
News / Online
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky: "It's going to be a year of focus"
By Jill Menze | February 1, 2021
Speaking during Bloomberg's The Year Ahead event, Brian Chesky discussed Airbnb's priorities, market volatility and the future of travel. Read More
travalyst-coalition-report
News / Online
Prince Harry-backed Travalyst coalition urges industry collaboration to “rebuild more responsibly”
By Mitra Sorrells | January 29, 2021
Former Skyscanner CEO Bryan Dove is now chairing the coalition, working alongside Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, who launched it in 2019 with Booking.com, Skyscanner, Trip.com Group, Tripadvisor and... Read More
In the new world of business travel, traveler wellbeing must come first
Opinion / Technology
In the new world of business travel, traveler wellbeing must come first
By Scott Sunderman - Collinson | January 29, 2021
For essential travel in the COVID era, employees need robust pre‐travel screenings, 24/7 access to medical and travel advice and detailed contingency plans. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Connected trip - Is it still relevant in 2021?
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! Connected trip - Is it still relevant in 2021?
By PhocusWire | January 29, 2021
Before the pandemic the idea of the “connected trip” was widely discussed in the travel industry. But how will it evolve in a post-pandemic environment. Read More
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