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.

Google says private accommodation is recovering faster than hotels on a global scale
News / Online
Google says private accommodation is recovering faster than hotels on a global scale
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2020
The search giant highlights uncertainty, domestic trips and hygiene as dominating travel searches in Asia Pacific but eagerness to travel is lukewarm in many global markets. Read More
Hotel guests want supplies over contactless tech, are willing to pay COVID surcharges
News / Online
Hotel guests want supplies over contactless tech, are willing to pay COVID surcharges
By Jill Menze | October 1, 2020
According to a recent survey from HotelsByDay, hotel guests prioritize hand sanitation stations and masks over contactless check-in and checkout – and they’re willing to help hotels cover the cost. Read More
Hotel revenue: the catalyst for agency recovery?
From Our Partners / Distribution
Hotel revenue: the catalyst for agency recovery?
By Ross Vinograd - Travelport | October 1, 2020
Travelport's new guide puts hotel in the spotlight as a critical driver of travel agency recovery. Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Kurt Ekert of CWT
News / Technology
VIDEO: New Reality With... Kurt Ekert of CWT
By PhocusWire | September 30, 2020
The next guest on the New Reality With... series is Kurt Ekert, CEO of CWT, one of the world's largest corporate travel management companies. Read More
Travel & Transport acquired by CTM for $200M
News / Online
Travel & Transport acquired by CTM for $200M
By Kevin May | September 29, 2020
The acquisition, which includes Radius Travel, is being touted as a move to create one of the world's leading global, mid-market corporate travel managers. Read More
Booking.com pursues domestic growth, downplays "connected trip" strategy
News / Online
Booking.com pursues domestic growth, downplays "connected trip" strategy
By Mitra Sorrells | September 29, 2020
The online travel agency is updating its products, payment methods and marketing strategies to better serve domestic travelers. Read More
Debut pitch decks from Uber and Airbnb - everyone started somewhere
News / Online
Debut pitch decks from Uber and Airbnb - everyone started somewhere
By Kevin May | September 28, 2020
Like all startups, Airbnb and Uber had to persuade partners and investors to support their ideas with finance and agreements. So how did they do it? Read More
swyft-cvs-ppe-hotel
News / Technology
Self-service PPE kiosks become the newest addition to hotel lobbies
By Mitra Sorrells | September 28, 2020
Retail pharmacy chain CVS will stock self-service kiosks with masks, sanitizer and other products for use in hotel lobbies. Read More
Trip.com Group eyeing full recovery in China
News / Online
Trip.com Group eyeing full recovery in China
By Linda Fox | September 25, 2020
Announcing Q2 2020 results, Trip.com Group is seeing recovery in the domestic China market across accommodation and air bookings. Read More
Sounding Off: As hoteliers eye recovery, they must be smart about technology
Interview / Technology
Sounding Off: As hoteliers eye recovery, they must be smart about technology
By PhocusWire | September 25, 2020
Intelligent technology will be fundamental to getting hotels back in business, as it will ultimately shape the guest experience. Read More
How travel marketers can reboot and find their audiences
Opinion / Online
How travel marketers can reboot and find their audiences
By Mike Skladony - Semcasting | September 25, 2020
In order to figure out who’s in the market to travel at this moment and where they’re likely to go, marketers will have to shift focus to the top of the funnel, where audience development capabilities... Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! The future of hotel retailing: through COVID and beyond
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! The future of hotel retailing: through COVID and beyond
By PhocusWire | September 24, 2020
With domestic travel showing strong signs of recovery, hotel bookings emerge as a crucial element to re-build agency strategies. Read More
Ian Schrager: Coronavirus pandemic will not be a “paradigm shift” in hospitality
News / Technology
Ian Schrager: Coronavirus pandemic will not be a “paradigm shift” in hospitality
By Jill Menze | September 24, 2020
The boutique hotel pioneer is confident travel and hospitality will return to normal, and technology will help lead the way. Read More
The risks and rewards of gamification in business travel
Opinion / Distribution
The risks and rewards of gamification in business travel
By Allison Ponchak - American Express GBT | September 23, 2020
For many travel managers, gamification has been a successful tool; however, in these uncertain times, they should reevaluate existing gamification programs for potential risk and to ensure they align... Read More
citizenm-corporate-subscription
News / Online
CitizenM targets remote workers with new corporate subscription plan
By Mitra Sorrells | September 23, 2020
Amsterdam-based CitizenM's monthly flat-rate plan provides three nights of stays, three hours of meeting room use and unlimited use of lobby co-working space. Read More
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