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.

Limehome adds €10M to Series A funding
News / Startups
Limehome adds €10M to Series A funding
By Linda Fox | October 23, 2020
Limehome's top-up round, which will spearhead a plan to expand the service to Spain, brings the total raised so far to €31 million. Read More
Travel brands eager for a hit on Google might be disappointed
Opinion / Online
Travel brands eager for a hit on Google might be disappointed
By Robert Cole - RockCheetah and Phocuswright | October 22, 2020
Travel industry expert and analyst Robert Cole dives into the antitrust probe into Google and finds there is little there that will appease concerns in the travel industry. Read More
phocuswright-europe-2020-samih-sawiris2
News / Online
VIDEO: How crisis planning kept this tourism company strong through COVID
By Mitra Sorrells | October 22, 2020
Orascom Development Holding chairman Samih Sawiris shares his crisis planning strategy at Phocuswright Europe 2020. Read More
rvshare-100-million
News / Online
RVshare raises $100M to expand peer-to-peer marketplace
By Mitra Sorrells | October 22, 2020
RVshare, which has more than 100,000 recreational vehicles available for rent through its platform, says the funds will help it rapidly scale. Read More
Travel industry reacts to Google antitrust probe in the U.S.
News / Online
Travel industry reacts to Google antitrust probe in the U.S.
By PhocusWire | October 20, 2020
Google, it is claimed, has abused its dominant position in search and advertising to keep competition down. So, how is the industry reacting so far? And what about Google itself? Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Future-proof your hotel marketing strategy for 2020 and beyond
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! Future-proof your hotel marketing strategy for 2020 and beyond
By PhocusWire | October 20, 2020
In this webinar we look at how hotel marketers can navigate these changes and plan for the future with robust marketing strategies. Read More
British Airways sees data breach fine significantly reduced
News / Technology
British Airways sees data breach fine significantly reduced
By Linda Fox | October 20, 2020
The U.K.-based carrier had a penalty for a data breach in June 2018 reduced to £20 million by the Information Commissioner's Office. Read More
Big Tech is eyeing the travel industry again with autonomous vehicle push
Opinion / Technology
Big Tech is eyeing the travel industry again with autonomous vehicle push
By Alex Bainbridge - Autoura | October 20, 2020
If the OTAs don't get involved now, tourist ground transportation and vehicle-based sightseeing will be handed over to Big Tech and it won't ever come back to the OTA's collective sphere of influence on... Read More
VIDEO: Travel investors on startup survival
News / Startups
VIDEO: Travel investors on startup survival
By Linda Fox | October 19, 2020
Executives from Rockaway Capital, Credit Suisse, Lakestar and PROfounders Capital discuss the advice given to travel startups on their portfolios. Read More
covid-flaws-payment-systems-carlo
News / Technology
How COVID exposed flaws in antiquated hospitality payment systems
By Mitra Sorrells | October 19, 2020
Travel payments veteran and XanderPay CEO Mike Carlo says one solution for the hospitality industry is a centralized payment system for large brands. Read More
Empowering travel brands to optimize marketing during challenging times
From Our Partners / Online
Empowering travel brands to optimize marketing during challenging times
By Facebook | October 19, 2020
We take an in-depth look at lift studies and how travel brands in particular can use them to understand channel performance and inform budget decisions. Read More
casai-funding
News / Startups
Casai lands $48M for its smart rental apartment platform
By Linda Fox | October 15, 2020
Investment in the Mexico-based company includes a partnership with TriplePoint Capital for a debt facility of up to $25 million. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 46 - Fabio Cannavale of Lastminute.com Group
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 46 - Fabio Cannavale of Lastminute.com Group
By PhocusWire | October 15, 2020
Spearheading the BravoFly online travel agency business since 2004, culminating in the acquisition of Lastminute.com in 2015, Fabio Cannavale talks to Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May of PhocusWire. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! How top travel companies combine AI and humans to deliver excellent customer service
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! How top travel companies combine AI and humans to deliver excellent customer service
By PhocusWire | October 15, 2020
Learn how travel businesses are realizing the benefits of combining artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with the unique value only humans can deliver. Read More
Expedia claims OTAs in crucial position for travel industry recovery
News / Distribution
Expedia claims OTAs in crucial position for travel industry recovery
By Jill Menze | October 15, 2020
According to new research from Expedia Group, as consumers begin traveling again, online travel agencies will play a key role in driving economic recovery for the industry. Read More
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