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.

How investors are taking the long view on opportunities in short-term rentals
News / Online
How investors are taking the long view on opportunities in short-term rentals
By Linda Fox | July 15, 2020
Private accommodation has been hard hit by the pandemic, leading some in the investment community to ask whether the size of the opportunity will be as great when the travel industry recovers. Read More
Beekeeper adds $10M to its Series B to fuel growth and product development
News / Startups
Beekeeper adds $10M to its Series B to fuel growth and product development
By Linda Fox | July 15, 2020
The extra investment brings the total for the round to $60 million, following the original injection and a $5 million top-up in February. Read More
Visits to travel sites decline again after reports of more infections
News / Online
Visits to travel sites decline again after reports of more infections
By Linda Fox | July 14, 2020
While all segments had seen month-on-month improvement in website visits and bookings in April and May, travel trends dipped again in June and into July.  Read More
Looking to Las Vegas: Why hotels should think like tech companies to survive
Opinion / Distribution
Looking to Las Vegas: Why hotels should think like tech companies to survive
By Carlisle Connally - Koddi | July 14, 2020
Like many others in the hospitality industry, Las Vegas hotel properties will need to operate more like tech companies and less like real estate holding companies if they’re going to weather the storm... Read More
giata-hotel-hygiene-app
News / Technology
New app automates hotel hygiene assessment and marketing
By Mitra Sorrells | July 14, 2020
Hotel technology company GIATA is offering its clients an app-based hygiene assessment based on global standards. Read More
Butler Hospitality takes in $15M to expand "ghost kitchen" service
News / Online
Butler Hospitality takes in $15M to expand "ghost kitchen" service
By Kevin May | July 13, 2020
The "ghost kitchen" service, effectively taking over room service delivery for hotels, currently runs in New York City and plans to launch in Chicago, Miami and Washington D.C., by January 2021. Read More
culture of safety
Opinion / Online
"Hope everyone is safe": How 2020 is fostering a culture of safety
By Michael Becker - Geosure | July 13, 2020
Three key elements are necessary to bring every individual their inalienable right of safety, including while traveling. These can not only be described, but quantified. Read More
eDreams positioned to "thrive" post-coronavirus, continues growth in revenue diversification
News / Online
eDreams positioned to "thrive" post-coronavirus, continues growth in revenue diversification
By Linda Fox | July 9, 2020
eDreams Odigeo bookings are down 4% for the full-year 2020 reporting period, despite the onset of the coronavirus. Read More
Hospitality and travel companies sign workplace diversity pledge
News / Distribution
Hospitality and travel companies sign workplace diversity pledge
By Linda Fox | July 7, 2020
Fifteen travel and hospitality companies have signed up so far, including Bourne Leisure, Hilton and InterContinental Hotels Group. Read More
Expedia signals private accommodation could be the recovery leader
News / Online
Expedia signals private accommodation could be the recovery leader
By Kevin May | July 7, 2020
In an unscheduled financial filing yesterday, Expedia Group says its Vrbo brand is the largest contributor to gradually improving booking behavior. Read More
How to create a loyalty club in a hotel (without upsetting online travel agencies)
Opinion / Distribution
How to create a loyalty club in a hotel (without upsetting online travel agencies)
By Cesar Lopez - Mirai | July 6, 2020
You have probably seen it in all the big hotel chains: loyalty clubs mean a new standard in direct sales and customers are starting to get used to them. Read More
andrea-kates-futureproofing-next
News / Technology
VIDEO: New Reality With... Andrea Kates of Futureproofing:Next
By PhocusWire | July 6, 2020
The next guest on the New Reality With... series is Andrea Kates, managing director at Futureproofing: Next, a U.S.-based community for corporate innovation. Read More
InPhocus, episode 16 - Tales with some optimism
News / Technology
InPhocus, episode 16 - Tales with some optimism
By PhocusWire | July 3, 2020
In the latest episode of InPhocus, we speak to Klaus Kohlmeyer about a unique collection of interviews with hoteliers for his own podcast, Unconstrained Conversations. Read More
Tobias Wann leaves as CEO of OYO's vacation rental unit
News / Distribution
Tobias Wann leaves as CEO of OYO's vacation rental unit
By Linda Fox | July 2, 2020
After a year heading OYO Vacation Homes, Tobias Wann has handed the reins to chief operating officer Raj Kamal. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Everything you need to know about open and secure travel marketplaces
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! Everything you need to know about open and secure travel marketplaces
By PhocusWire | July 2, 2020
This free webinar is your chance to understand how the distribution model is changing and how players across the industries are seizing the opportunity to think in a new, deeper and more secure... Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026