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.

startup-stage-youtip
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Youtip provides digital tipping for hotels, tour operators and more
By Mitra Sorrells | January 29, 2021
Users scan QR codes or tap links in email or text messages to access the payment system. Read More
How travel app usage paints another picture of travel's fate in 2020
News / Online
How travel app usage paints another picture of travel's fate in 2020
By Linda Fox | January 28, 2021
Travel apps went quiet as the pandemic hit but there were some notable exceptions such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Read More
StayNTouch appoints industry veteran Tom Underwood as CEO
News / Technology
StayNTouch appoints industry veteran Tom Underwood as CEO
By Kevin May | January 28, 2021
StayNTouch had originally been sold to Chinese digital giant Shiji Information Technology in September 2018 for an undisclosed fee - but president Trump nixed the deal last year. Read More
Bbot adds $4M to seed round for hospitality ordering tech
News / Startups
Bbot adds $4M to seed round for hospitality ordering tech
By Linda Fox | January 27, 2021
Bbot will put the funds towards product development including the release of an API. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! How 100% virtual companies handle travel
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! How 100% virtual companies handle travel
By PhocusWire | January 26, 2021
We explain how 100% virtual companies are rebuilding their travel program, what suppliers are doing to support this emerging trend and the specific benefits human interaction is having on companies. Read More
alliance-reservations-network-group-tool
News / Technology
Alliance Reservations Network launches direct group booking technology
By Mitra Sorrells | January 26, 2021
The system, known as GPS Link, connects ARN’s Group Productivity Solution booking platform with a hotel chain’s central reservation systems. Read More
Klook raises $200M round in bid to widen platform to other services
News / Online
Klook raises $200M round in bid to widen platform to other services
By Kevin May | January 26, 2021
The new round brings the total raised by Hong Kong-based Klook to more than $720 million since the company's launch in 2014. Read More
My Method... How to build a technology product based on real-world hospitality experience
News / Technology
My Method... How to build a technology product based on real-world hospitality experience
By Scott Curran - Reneson Hotels/GuestEQ | January 26, 2021
Reneson Hotels COO Scott Curan explains how he developed hotel operations platform GuestEQ based on his longtime experience in the hospitality industry.   Read More
Airlines need April bookings increase to prevent financial woes
News / Distribution
Airlines need April bookings increase to prevent financial woes
By Linda Fox | January 25, 2021
Pent-up demand for summer 2021 bookings will provide a much needed boost to airlines. Read More
What to know about the new customer travel planning, shopping and booking journey
Opinion / Online
What to know about the new customer travel planning, shopping and booking journey
By Kurt Weinsheimer - Sojern | January 25, 2021
While the travel industry certainly can’t predict quarantine mandates, companies can capitalize on demand by meeting customer conditions. Read More
Sustainability 2.0: The conversation travel tech cannot ignore in the new normal
From Our Partners / Technology
Sustainability 2.0: The conversation travel tech cannot ignore in the new normal
By Harmeet Singh - RateGain | January 25, 2021
Governments and the industry at large need to rethink not only their sustainability goals but also their vision for sustainability. It’s now time to consider Sustainability 2.0 - and what it means for... Read More
Skyscanner appoints Travix boss John Mangelaars as CEO
News / Online
Skyscanner appoints Travix boss John Mangelaars as CEO
By Kevin May | January 22, 2021
He replaces Moshe Rafiah, who was brought in to oversee operations following the departure of CEO Bryan Dove. Read More
Maps.me lands $50M round, plans mobile wallet
News / Online
Maps.me lands $50M round, plans mobile wallet
By Linda Fox | January 21, 2021
Maps.me plans to bring decentralized finance for travel purchases to its users following the new funding round. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: The Hospitality Gig aims to provide a talent pool of flexible workers to the industry
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: The Hospitality Gig aims to provide a talent pool of flexible workers to the industry
By Linda Fox | January 20, 2021
The startup is looking to connect people looking for flexible work, job shares or fractional roles across all disciplines in hospitality with companies needing to fill those roles. Read More
Once upon a time, a cruise ship left the harbor... 366 days in the life of the travel industry
News / Online
Once upon a time, a cruise ship left the harbor... 366 days in the life of the travel industry
By Mitra Sorrells / Linda Fox | January 20, 2021
As we mark the one-year milestone of COVID's first impact on the travel industry, we review how key sectors have fared and what is one the horizon. Read More
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