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.

OpenAI chairman shares vision on travel’s AI future
News / Technology
OpenAI chairman shares vision on travel’s AI future
By Morgan Hines | September 19, 2025
Bret Taylor, chairman of the board for OpenAI and co-founder of AI startup Sierra, discussed how he uses AI, how it might impact travel intermediaries and more. Read More
The New Age(nts) Trend Series Part 5: Convergence of GenAI with digital Identity
Event / Technology
The New Age(nts) Trend Series Part 5: Convergence of GenAI with digital Identity
September 17, 2025
Join Phocuswright for this series of online conversations exploring the impact of generative AI and autonomous agents on the travel industry. On Demand
Airbnb to launch hotel interface
News / Technology
Airbnb to launch hotel interface
By Morgan Hines | September 17, 2025
Brian Chesky’s discussion of a hotel feature on the Airbnb app follows a fee structure change that positioned the company to compete with online travel agencies. Read More
Hotels and innovation—keeping guests and staff center stage
From Our Partners / Technology
Hotels and innovation—keeping guests and staff center stage
By Chelsea Salamone - Thayer Investment Partners | September 17, 2025
Ultimately, hospitality tech must never lose sight of the human element inherent in a terrific guest experience. Read More
Alltheway raises €3.5M for baggage operating system
News / Startups
Alltheway raises €3.5M for baggage operating system
By Linda Fox | September 16, 2025
Alltheway’s technology aims to simplify baggage handling across airlines, rail operators, hotels and other travel partners. Read More
Better integration could generate billions in hotel revenue
News / Distribution
Better integration could generate billions in hotel revenue
By Abby Crotty | September 16, 2025
Hoteliers said that the importance of speed has increased significantly over the past 12 months, with 58% considering it "business critical." Read More
Achieving your ideal hotel channel mix: 5 Key steps for every hotel type
From Our Partners / Distribution
Achieving your ideal hotel channel mix: 5 Key steps for every hotel type
By Amadeus | September 16, 2025
Whether independent, branded, franchised or part of a management company, every hotel must actively manage and optimize all available booking channels.   Read More
Brian Chesky on his mission to transform Airbnb into an ‘everything’ platform
News / Online
Brian Chesky on his mission to transform Airbnb into an ‘everything’ platform
By Morgan Hines | September 12, 2025
Airbnb is looking at AI, community building and additional offerings, including creating a “host ecosystem” to monetize services for hosts. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2025 - speakers and program
News / Technology
The Phocuswright Conference 2025 - speakers and program
By PhocusWire | September 11, 2025
The Phocuswright Conference 2025 takes place in San Diego November 18-20 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Read More
Content database specialist Giata Group acquires AI decisioning platform Smartseer
News / Online
Content database specialist Giata Group acquires AI decisioning platform Smartseer
By Abby Crotty | September 11, 2025
Berlin-based Giata said the acquisition is an effort to improve its AI personalization offerings and leverage ROI for its partners. Read More
Fragmented data, siloed systems: How hotels can move forward
News / Online
Fragmented data, siloed systems: How hotels can move forward
By Abby Crotty | September 11, 2025
A recent study found 49% of hoteliers struggle to access data they need for revenue and operational decisions. Read More
Unlocking the future of automation: How APIs are powering autonomous distribution
Opinion / Distribution
Unlocking the future of automation: How APIs are powering autonomous distribution
By Chris Hodges - Expedia Group | September 10, 2025
Expedia Group's VP of global connectivity and partner solutions writes that API integration can help improve hoteliers' operational efficiency. Read More
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
From Our Partners / Online
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
By Zartico | September 9, 2025
 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical insights to help travel marketing executives protect market share, stay relevant and prepare for... Read More
Using travel marketing intelligence to multiply ROI
From Our Partners / Online
Using travel marketing intelligence to multiply ROI
By PhocusWire | September 9, 2025
In the final installment in Zartico’s video series, co-founder and chief innovation officer Jay Kinghorn outlines the core challenges of trying connect online ad activity with offline visitation. Read More
ANZ travel market outlook: Growth fueled by prices, not passengers
News / Online
ANZ travel market outlook: Growth fueled by prices, not passengers
By Phocuswright Research | September 9, 2025
Australia and New Zealand’s travel industry has surpassed pre-pandemic revenue levels, but the picture behind the numbers tells a more complicated story.  Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026