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.

Corporate policies limiting travel are hindering hospitality recovery
News / Online
Corporate policies limiting travel are hindering hospitality recovery
By Donna M. Airoldi - BTN | July 28, 2020
Corporate policies limiting travel are among the key challenges the U.S. hospitality industry faces in its attempt to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More
contactless-tech-hotels
News / Technology
Touchless tech: How hotels are preparing for a post-COVID guest experience
By Mitra Sorrells | July 28, 2020
Contactless technology solutions are now a top priority for hoteliers are around the world. Read More
Top travel CEOs call for Trump, congressional leaders to step up COVID-19 testing efforts
News / Online
Top travel CEOs call for Trump, congressional leaders to step up COVID-19 testing efforts
By Jill Menze | July 28, 2020
Fourteen travel CEOs from brands including Hilton, Marriott, IHG and Wyndham are calling for federal action on COVID-19 testing. Read More
APAC travelers prefer international chain hotels post-pandemic, look to agents for help
News / Distribution
APAC travelers prefer international chain hotels post-pandemic, look to agents for help
By Linda Fox | July 27, 2020
The study from Sabre reveals travelers are gravitating towards branded chain properties because of hygiene assurances and new cleaning technology. Read More
How can travel brands keep customers apprised of border regulations and leisure options?
From Our Partners / Online
How can travel brands keep customers apprised of border regulations and leisure options?
By Jennifer Phillips April - Smartvel | July 27, 2020
An increase in travelers is good news for airlines that have been hard hit during the pandemic. As the world reopens, many people are eager for a getaway as a mental reset from months of confinement. Read More
Two unexpected hotel trends to watch during COVID-19 recovery
From Our Partners / Distribution
Two unexpected hotel trends to watch during COVID-19 recovery
By Onyx | July 27, 2020
We’ve broken down two key global and U.S. trends that are shaping our outlook for hotel and travel agency recovery in the aftermath of COVID-19. Read More
Sounding Off: Time to push forward but not be afraid of digitalization
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Time to push forward but not be afraid of digitalization
July 24, 2020
Digitalization shouldn't scare the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, nor the customers that fly in its aircraft, sleep in its beds, ride in its vehicles and enjoy its activities. Read More
str-airdna-comparison-covid
News / Online
Short-term rentals showing more resilience than hotels, but recovery still “fragile” for lodging
By Mitra Sorrells | July 24, 2020
STR and AirDNA have conducted a global analysis of hotel and short-term rental data in 27 markets globally. Read More
travel-loyalty-program-phocuswright-study
News / Distribution
Member for the moment or loyal for life? Loyalty programs revisited
By PhocusWire | July 23, 2020
U.S. travel companies are spending millions of dollars developing and implementing loyalty programs. Driving bookings, retention and repeat business are among the main goals of travel loyalty programs. Read More
aeronology-carstensen-interview
News / Technology
No transactions, no problem: why this travel veteran is optimistic about a startup launched on eve of COVID-19
By Mitra Sorrells | July 21, 2020
Aeronology founder Russell Carstensen is banking on his deep understanding of the industry and the longevity of travel agents to lead his company to success. Read More
booking-com-travel-incentive
News / Distribution
Booking.com creates rebooking incentive with money back for travelers, waived commission for suppliers
By Mitra Sorrells | July 20, 2020
Booking.com’s new travel incentive gives customers a 15% reward if they rebook stays they had canceled.   Read More
Sounding Off: OTA version 2.0 is likely to come from outside the travel industry
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: OTA version 2.0 is likely to come from outside the travel industry
By PhocusWire | July 17, 2020
The brands that are able to position themselves in this as-yet undetermined role will most likely be all things to all people - selling more than just a form of accommodation and a flight. Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Peter Kern of Expedia Group
News / Online
VIDEO: New Reality With... Peter Kern of Expedia Group
By PhocusWire | July 17, 2020
The next guest on the New Reality With... series is Peter Kern, CEO and vice chairman at Expedia Group, one of the world's largest online travel companies. Read More
InPhocus, episode 18 - Innovators are primed and ready
News / Technology
InPhocus, episode 18 - Innovators are primed and ready
By PhocusWire | July 17, 2020
The reset that everyone is going through gives startups (already born or just ideas) and new technology an opportunity to make their case. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 33 - Caitlin Zaino von During of Porter & Sail
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 33 - Caitlin Zaino von During of Porter & Sail
By PhocusWire | July 16, 2020
The company launched in 2014 with a vision to provide hotels with a service that could act as a concierge for guests on their devices. But that had to change, she tells Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin... Read More
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