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.

WEBINAR REPLAY! Transforming travel for the new normal
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! Transforming travel for the new normal
By PhocusWire | December 9, 2020
An agile, integrated and empathetic approach across journey touchpoints is critical to instill a sense of confidence within the stakeholder community, both internal and external.  Read More
Autonomous vehicles and natural language processing on travel's 2021 watchlist
News / Technology
Autonomous vehicles and natural language processing on travel's 2021 watchlist
By Linda Fox | December 9, 2020
A report from Lux Research tips 12 technologies to watch in 2021, with the travel industry already beginning to deploy a number of them. Read More
Tripadvisor gives consumer-to-travel agent service Reco a full launch
News / Online
Tripadvisor gives consumer-to-travel agent service Reco a full launch
By Kevin May | December 8, 2020
The move comes almost six months on from Tripadvisor disclosing the beta testing of Reco in the U.S., costing consumers $199 for each trip that they make. Read More
Airbnb launches non-profit organization for stays during emergencies
News / Online
Airbnb launches non-profit organization for stays during emergencies
By Linda Fox | December 8, 2020
Airbnb is partnering with aid organizations to provide stays for workers and those affected by crises under its non-profit Airbnb.org. Read More
phocuswright-conference-2020-investors
News / Online
VIDEO: Investors optimistic about growth opportunities across travel
By Mitra Sorrells | December 8, 2020
During a panel discussion at The Phocuswright Conference, investors mentioned accommodations, tours and activities, contactless solutions and sustainability as areas of interest. Read More
google-insights-tool-destinations-2
News / Online
Google launches hub to aid destinations, hotels and partners in recovery
By Jill Menze | December 7, 2020
Travel Insights with Google is built around three new tools to support destinations, hotels and Google’s commercial partners. Read More
VIDEO: Booking Holdings' Glenn Fogel on getting it right for a post-pandemic future
News / Online
VIDEO: Booking Holdings' Glenn Fogel on getting it right for a post-pandemic future
By Kevin May | December 7, 2020
When you're often at the center of the relationship between accommodation providers and consumers, or figuring out how best to connect all the elements together in a trip, being Booking Holdings during... Read More
The evolving traveler journey: 3 trends hoteliers must address today
From Our Partners / Distribution
The evolving traveler journey: 3 trends hoteliers must address today
By Paul Barron - Amadeus Hospitality | December 7, 2020
The shock of COVID-19 pushed what was once considered preferential traveler expectations into industry standards faster than anyone could have imagined. Read More
State of travel startups: 2020 has left its mark but there is positive news
News / Startups
State of travel startups: 2020 has left its mark but there is positive news
By Kevin May | December 4, 2020
The travel startup landscape has also not escaped the grim effects of layoffs and the huge drops in demand from travelers and demands for new technology and services from partners. Read More
dataart-online-conference
News / Technology
Opportunities and challenges for travel brands using AI
By Mitra Sorrells | December 4, 2020
In an online event hosted by DataArt, panelists from Sabre, BD4Travel, IDeaS, Mobi Systems, Norwegian Cruise Line, AirHelp and more discussed the outlook for AI in travel. Read More
LoungeUp acquires Dmbook Pro to boost guest relations service
News / Technology
LoungeUp acquires Dmbook Pro to boost guest relations service
By Linda Fox | December 3, 2020
    Dmbook Pro, acquired for an undisclosed fee, is a virtual hotel assistant which tracks operations within a property. Read More
Nezasa lands $6M to expand connected trip technology
News / Technology
Nezasa lands $6M to expand connected trip technology
By Kevin May | December 3, 2020
The latest injection brings the total raised by the Switzerland-based company to $13 million. Read More
Key questions facing Airbnb ahead of its IPO
Opinion / Online
Key questions facing Airbnb ahead of its IPO
By Pierre Becerril - Transparent | December 3, 2020
By redefining traveler expectations and establishing a new type of lodging, Airbnb built the second-most valuable travel company in the world in just a decade. Now, as public market investors consider... Read More
VIDEO: Tripadvisor slams Google strategy as operating at "expense of everyone else"
News / Online
VIDEO: Tripadvisor slams Google strategy as operating at "expense of everyone else"
By Linda Fox | December 2, 2020
CEO Steve Kaufer pulls no punches when he talks about Google's position in travel at The Phocuswright Conference in November. Read More
Revenue managers who play a pivotal role in demand generation will transform their careers
From Our Partners / Distribution
Revenue managers who play a pivotal role in demand generation will transform their careers
By PhocusWire | December 2, 2020
As properties and chains attempt to recover from the devastating impact of having far fewer numbers of guests, many are considering new strategies and models across their businesses. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026