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.

oyo-fy19-financials
News / Distribution
International expansion swells losses for OYO to $335M
By Linda Fox | February 17, 2020
The company reported revenue of $951 million in its full-year earnings for 2019, a more than four-fold increase year-over-year. Read More
coronavirus-hotel-airline-revenue-management
News / Technology
Coronavirus upends revenue management strategies for hotels and airlines
By Mitra Sorrells | February 14, 2020
The growing coronavirus outbreak is creating challenges for revenue managers across all sectors of the travel industry. Read More
cwt-messaging-service
News / Technology
CWT adds messaging service for travelers, ponders adding voice tech
By Linda Fox | February 13, 2020
The technology enables travelers to contact a counselor at any time of the day via desktop, mobile or a third party messaging app approved by their employer. Read More
tui-group-q1-2020
News / Distribution
TUI alters forecast for 2020, 737 MAX grounding bites but digital investment continues
By Linda Fox | February 11, 2020
The tour operator estimated earnings before interest and income tax of between €850 million and €1,050 billion for the full year ending December 2020. Read More
What are the building blocks of direct sales for hotels?
Opinion / Distribution
What are the building blocks of direct sales for hotels?
By Pablo Delgado - Mirai | February 11, 2020
Every single hotel, without any exception, whether large or small, independent or part of a hotel chain, with a good or bad reputation, in the centre or in the suburbs, has significant potential to... Read More
hotel signage impala
News / Technology
Impala seizes $20M in funding to invest in hotel booking tools
By Steven Lerner | February 10, 2020
The all-equity round is backed by Lakestar, which previously invested in Airbnb and GetYourGuide, and Latitude Ventures, the Series B+ sister fund to LocalGuide.   Read More
Travel-tech-europe-2020-survey
News / Technology
Travel tech pros put sustainability behind economy as key challenges for 2020
By Linda Fox | February 10, 2020
A Travel Technology Europe survey highlights economic uncertainty as the greatest challenge facing the industry - but sustainability and climate change follow close behind. Read More
tourlane-carbon-offsetting
News / Technology
Tourlane offsets carbon emissions for itself and travelers in 2020
By Linda Fox | February 7, 2020
The Berlin-based company, which specializes in tailor-made trips, included estimated emissions from operations as well as those generated by customers from flights, accommodation, ground transport and... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Rootze compares transport options for travelers to stay in budget
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Rootze compares transport options for travelers to stay in budget
By Linda Fox | February 6, 2020
France-based Rootze, led by founder and CEO Sophie Pastol, helps travelers find and compare transport options that fit their budget. Read More
phocuswright-europe-2020-theme-promo-2
News / Online
Phocuswright Europe - the 2020 theme: Travel's Next Era
By PhocusWire | February 6, 2020
Phocuswright Europe is a place where online travel's smartest audience connects to share ideas, debate topics and showcase what's next. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 23 - Stephan Ekbergh of Travelstart
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 23 - Stephan Ekbergh of Travelstart
By PhocusWire | February 6, 2020
Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May from PhocusWire are joined by Stephan Ekbergh, founder and CEO of Travelstart, the South Africa-based online travel agency. Read More
ceo-interview-craig-brennan-switchfly
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Craig Brennan of Switchfly
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2020
The Switchfly boss talks with PhocusWire about how loyalty has changed over the past decade, what younger generations want and more. Read More
beekeeper platform
News / Technology
Communications platform Beekeeper augments Series B with $5M in funding
By Steven Lerner | February 5, 2020
Nearly five months after announcing its $45 million Series B funding, Beekeeper is adding an extra $5 million to the round.   Read More
Keep an eye out for these 5 business travel trends in 2020 and beyond
From Our Partners / Technology
Keep an eye out for these 5 business travel trends in 2020 and beyond
By Travelstop | February 4, 2020
Now is a good time to look ahead and see what’s in store for the business travel sector in 2020 and beyond, both as a way to optimise processes and improve cost efficiency.  Read More
Hotel revenue management: Is there a breakthrough on the horizon?
Opinion / Technology
Hotel revenue management: Is there a breakthrough on the horizon?
By Vivek Bhogaraju - Expedia Group | February 4, 2020
Expedia Group commissioned Phocuswright to conduct a global study on the state of hotel revenue management from the perspective of the revenue manager - and the results are telling. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026