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.

Black U.S. leisure travelers spent $109.4B on travel in 2019
News / Online
Black U.S. leisure travelers spent $109.4B on travel in 2019
By Jill Menze | November 23, 2020
According to a report from MMGY, there were 458.2 million Black U.S. traveler stays in 2019, which represent 13.1% of the U.S. leisure travel market. Read More
Booking Holdings boss talks pressure on hotels and the private accommodation trend
News / Distribution
Booking Holdings boss talks pressure on hotels and the private accommodation trend
By Linda Fox | November 20, 2020
Glenn Fogel discusses how changes in the lodging market could be beneficial to large distributors - meaning hotels could face an uphill battle ahead. Read More
eDreams Odigeo sees signs of improvement during European summer
News / Online
eDreams Odigeo sees signs of improvement during European summer
By Kevin May | November 19, 2020
The Spain-based online travel agency group brought in €34.4 million in the quarter ending September 30 (its fiscal year's second quarter) - a 75% slump on the same period in 2020 Read More
Oracle buys hotel product upsell specialist Nor1
News / Technology
Oracle buys hotel product upsell specialist Nor1
By Kevin May | November 19, 2020
The company gives hotels the ability to analyze guest behavior patterns and upsell offers in a property at various points in their purchase journey and once they have booked in Read More
VIDEO: Halalbooking - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
Interview / Online
VIDEO: Halalbooking - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
By PhocusWire | November 19, 2020
HalalBooking is the world’s leading search and booking website for halal-friendly travel, allowing you to book hotels and villas online. Read More
COVID-19 and its impact on the customer journey for online travel agencies
From Our Partners / Distribution
COVID-19 and its impact on the customer journey for online travel agencies
By Robert Brown - Travelport | November 18, 2020
To help OTAs overcome challenges from the pandemic, Travelport has launched a new report detailing tactics OTAs can use to improve conversions in the era of COVID-19 and to futureproof their businesses. Read More
Tripadvisor says travel remains top of mind for consumers
News / Distribution
Tripadvisor says travel remains top of mind for consumers
By Linda Fox | November 18, 2020
The Tripadvisor "A Year in Travel" research, carried out in partnership with Phocuswright, reveals that between May and September, outdoor activities, nature and parks accounted for 34% of all... Read More
Airbnb's IPO registration shows it's ready to join the big leagues
News / Online
Airbnb's IPO registration shows it's ready to join the big leagues
By Kevin May | November 17, 2020
On the eve of its debut on the public markets, documents filed this week indicate that it is ready move in comfortably alongside the likes of Expedia Group and Booking Holdings. Read More
VIDEO: Cloudbeds - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2020
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: Cloudbeds - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2020
By PhocusWire | November 17, 2020
Cloudbeds is building the next-generation hospitality tech platform delivering feature flexibility without feature bloat.  Read More
maidbot-series-b
News / Technology
Maidbot closes Series B led by makers of Lysol
By Mitra Sorrells | November 17, 2020
Maidbot and Lysol-maker RB will also collaborate to develop new commercial cleaning solutions.   Read More
flywire-recovery-tips
News / Online
What travel companies can do now to prepare for recovery
By Mitra Sorrells | November 16, 2020
Payments provider Flywire has created a guidebook for travel companies with tips across six categories. Read More
Unboxing revenue management, from revenue systems to revenue strategy
Opinion / Distribution
Unboxing revenue management, from revenue systems to revenue strategy
By Sharad Kapur | November 13, 2020
It's time for hotel companies to build revenue management infrastructures around their operations that also reflect their strategy. Read More
thanksgiving-travel-trends-2020
News / Online
U.S. Thanksgiving travel trends show clear shift in destination preferences
By Mitra Sorrells | November 13, 2020
Data from Sojern shows a dramatic shift in interest from large cities such as New York and San Francisco to smaller, vacation destination such as Orlando and Denver for both flights and hotels. Read More
Despegar gets gentle uptick in fortunes from Brazil and Mexico domestic travel
News / Online
Despegar gets gentle uptick in fortunes from Brazil and Mexico domestic travel
By Kevin May | November 12, 2020
Despegar is operating on revenues down 91% year-over-year despite seeing high demand for travel in two of its major markets during the third quarter of 2020. Read More
VIDEO: Google hiring exec reminds travel industry that diverse talent is out there
News / Online
VIDEO: Google hiring exec reminds travel industry that diverse talent is out there
By Linda Fox | November 12, 2020
Ginny Clarke, director of executive recruitment for Google, says it's not true that talent is lacking and that it has never been the case - and, in her experience, talent is untapped. Read More
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