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.

Booking.com to axe hotel tools on BookingSuite
News / Technology
Booking.com to axe hotel tools on BookingSuite
By Kevin May | October 14, 2020
The OTA is turning off its BookingSuite array of tools and services for accommodation providers. Read More
skyscanner-expedia-hopper-atpco-panel
News / Distribution
Skyscanner, Expedia, Hopper on need for transparency in travel retailing
By Mitra Sorrells | October 14, 2020
At an ATPCO virtual event, product managers from the three companies shared how they are adapting to the new needs of customers. Read More
Steven_Davis_CEO of Operto
News / Technology
Operto appoints Steven Davis as CEO, Michael Driedger goes back to eco roots
By Kevin May | October 13, 2020
Davis joins from Slalom Capital, a finance house that he ran and co-founded from October 2018, with outgoing boss Michael Driedger leaving to refocus on his original eco-friendly building company. Read More
phocuswright-covid-survey-us-europe
News / Online
VIDEO: Travelers fear catching virus, losing money amid COVID pandemic
By Mitra Sorrells | October 13, 2020
At least two-thirds of respondents say they worry they may contract COVID-19 during travel or while in a destination. Read More
Treebo Hotels raises $6M to boost its SaaS business
News / Technology
Treebo Hotels raises $6M to boost its SaaS business
By Linda Fox | October 12, 2020
    Existing investors Matrix Partners India, SAIF Partners, Bertelsmann India Investments and Ward Ferry Management made up the latest cash injection in the budget hotel platform. Read More
10 learnings from 10 months of seismic changes in the travel industry
News / Online
10 learnings from 10 months of seismic changes in the travel industry
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WebinTravel | October 12, 2020
Travel industry executives give their views on recovery in the travel industry at WebInTravel's TravelZero.0 event. Read More
phocuswright-europe-2020-hotels-vs-rentals
News / Online
VIDEO: How COVID-19 is shifting the dynamic between hotels and short-term rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | October 8, 2020
A panel of industry leaders debates the shifting hospitality landscape at Phocuswright Europe 2020. Read More
VIDEO: Expedia Group on its recovery agenda and traveler sentiment
News / Online
VIDEO: Expedia Group on its recovery agenda and traveler sentiment
By Kevin May | October 7, 2020
President of Expedia Business Services Ariane Gorin outlines the company's strategy and thought process around bringing travelers and partners back to some sense of normality. Read More
Travel companies have ground to make up when it comes to web user experience
News / Online
Travel companies have ground to make up when it comes to web user experience
By Linda Fox | October 6, 2020
The online experience could matter even more as the travel industry rebuilds after the pandemic - but it lags behind other industries and their digital-first strategies. Read More
raul-gonzalez-phocuswright-europe
News / Online
VIDEO: Barceló Hotel Group adapts COVID response to market and customer demands
By Mitra Sorrells | October 6, 2020
With hotels in 22 countries, the company has had to customize its response to the pandemic. Read More
selina-acquires-remote-year
News / Online
Selina acquires Remote Year in move to serve growing remote workforce
By Mitra Sorrells | October 6, 2020
Remote Year will continue as its own brand but the two companies will work together to create new offerings for remote workers. Read More
As livestream events gain traction in Asia, Western travel brands should take note
News / Distribution
As livestream events gain traction in Asia, Western travel brands should take note
By Linda Fox | October 5, 2020
Companies such as Trip.com Group and Alibaba are seeing positive results from livestream events, which travel marketers should consider as a new sales channel. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: BOUNTE helps hotels manage the lost-and-found process
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: BOUNTE helps hotels manage the lost-and-found process
By Jill Menze | October 5, 2020
BOUNTE is a cloud-based smartphone app that uses geolocation and AI image recognition to record, log and track lost items. Read More
business-travel-recovery
News / Distribution
Travel buyers estimate significant reduction in 2021 business travel volumes
By Linda Fox | October 2, 2020
Business travel is beginning to return, but more than a third of travel buyers say decreases of as much as 70% are possible. Read More
For hotels, COVID-19 has created an operational "perfect storm"
Opinion / Distribution
For hotels, COVID-19 has created an operational "perfect storm"
By Katherine Grass - Optii | October 2, 2020
On top of the basic need to have the right amount of staff in place for a highly unpredictable amount and type of guests, hotels also have to process systemic change in the way their operations run to... Read More
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