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.

Rapid Fire with Adam Harris of Cloudbeds
News / Online
Rapid Fire with Adam Harris of Cloudbeds
By Morgan Hines | October 28, 2025
As we approach The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, PhocusWire is highlighting a number of conference speakers in a series of Q&As. Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024
By Mileva Sapic | October 27, 2025
Our Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024 have grown and undergone major transformations, including attracting funding rounds and securing major global partnerships. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: SAP Concur, Amadeus, American Airlines and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: SAP Concur, Amadeus, American Airlines and more...
By PhocusWire | October 24, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.   Read More
Rapid Fire with Caroline Strachan of Festive Road
News / Online
Rapid Fire with Caroline Strachan of Festive Road
By Morgan Hines | October 23, 2025
As we approach The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, PhocusWire is highlighting a number of conference speakers in a series of Q&As. Read More
The hidden revenue hack hotels are using to end the year strong
From Our Partners / Online
The hidden revenue hack hotels are using to end the year strong
By Hospitality Solutions | October 23, 2025
Gift cards and experience vouchers are turning recipients into loyal guests and driving high-margin revenue through the holiday season and beyond.   Read More
Hotels push live ChatGPT integrations as AI search goes bookable
News / Technology
Hotels push live ChatGPT integrations as AI search goes bookable
By Matthew Parsons | October 23, 2025
Following OpenAI’s launch of “ChatGPT apps,” experts predict that AI search platforms will soon be able to display hotels' real-time availability and rates. Read More
The Middle East travel startup atmosphere is buzzing
News / Startups
The Middle East travel startup atmosphere is buzzing
By Morgan Hines | October 22, 2025
As the Middle East sees rapid travel growth, its startup environment is characterized by ambition and innovation with government support, according to travel stakeholders. Read More
Hostelworld boosts social strategy with acquisition of OccasionGenius
News / Online
Hostelworld boosts social strategy with acquisition of OccasionGenius
By Linda Fox | October 21, 2025
Hostelworld described the acquisition as "a natural progression" of the growth strategy announced earlier this year. Read More
Rapid Fire with Jeff Kim of Yanolja
News / Online
Rapid Fire with Jeff Kim of Yanolja
By Abby Crotty | October 21, 2025
As we approach The Phocuswright Conference in San Diego, PhocusWire is highlighting a number of conference speakers in a series of Q&As.   Read More
AI’s new gatekeepers: How Booking.com and Expedia are hijacking the future of travel
Opinion / Technology
AI’s new gatekeepers: How Booking.com and Expedia are hijacking the future of travel
By Brad Brewer - Agentic Hospitality | October 21, 2025
The EU’s Digital Markets Act forces the biggest online “gatekeepers” to play fair, but it doesn’t yet cover standalone AI assistants—like ChatGPT, Gemini or Perplexity. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amex GBT, PriceLabs, Expedia, Trust My Group and more
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amex GBT, PriceLabs, Expedia, Trust My Group and more
By PhocusWire | October 17, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.   Read More
HotelPORT adds $1.5M in funding for strategic initiatives
News / Technology
HotelPORT adds $1.5M in funding for strategic initiatives
By Linda Fox | October 16, 2025
The finance will be put towards initiatives including AI-powered content and technology to boost guest engagement. Read More
How gen AI is reinventing voice technology in travel
News / Technology
How gen AI is reinventing voice technology in travel
By Matthew Parsons | October 15, 2025
Several travel companies are exploring the future of voice technology, covering customer service and business operations through to real-time translation and conversational booking. Read More
Accelerating revenue through AI-driven content creation in travel
From Our Partners
Accelerating revenue through AI-driven content creation in travel
By Resabee Travel Tech | October 14, 2025
In travel e-commerce, the ability to launch new offers and adapt to market changes quickly is crucial. Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
By Mileva Sapic | October 13, 2025
As we build up to unveiling the PhocusWire Hot Travel Startups for 2026, we are checking in with some of the class of 2022, including Road.Travel, Onfly and Wheel the World. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026