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.

Wishbox cover
News / Technology
Wishbox secures $2.5M to help property managers win upsells
By Steven Lerner | February 4, 2020
The company says the funding will be used to accelerate global expansion and to develop more opportunities for property managers to offer value to their guests.   Read More
enterprise-ireland-complete-retailing
News / Distribution
Travel suppliers need to be thinking more about "second wallets"
By Linda Fox | February 3, 2020
With newer technologies enabling the creation of more personalized offers, it's time for travel to enter the age of complete retailing, according to a report. Read More
nordic-choice-loyalty-in-home
News / Online
How a hotel chain is reinventing loyalty with at-home perks
By Mitra Sorrells | February 3, 2020
Nordic Choice Hotels has created a new option for its loyalty members that allows them to have in-home cleaning services with hotel products such as sheets, towels and toiletries. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: OffWeGo streamlines safety features for traveling students
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: OffWeGo streamlines safety features for traveling students
By Steven Lerner | February 3, 2020
OffWeGo is a student-centric solution addressing the large information gap while students are traveling on university-sponsored programs. Read More
As web cookies fade, travel brands must create a robust identity strategy
Opinion / Online
As web cookies fade, travel brands must create a robust identity strategy
By Charles Mi - Adara | January 31, 2020
Recent announcements and others expected in the coming months could diminish cookie volume online - so travel brands need to evaluate new methodologies for personalization and consumer insights. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Travel trends 2020: Discover the latest in online and mobile travel
News / Online
WEBINAR REPLAY! Travel trends 2020: Discover the latest in online and mobile travel
By PhocusWire | January 30, 2020
Kick-start 2020 by uncovering the tech trends that customers want, travel brands are investing in and experts predict to be the next big thing. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Roost matches travelers with roommates to cut hotel costs in half
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Roost matches travelers with roommates to cut hotel costs in half
By Steven Lerner | January 30, 2020
Roost is a website that helps travelers find compatible roommates to share hotel rooms and split the cost.  Read More
The convergence of smart travel, smart stays and smart cities
Opinion / Technology
The convergence of smart travel, smart stays and smart cities
By Michael Driedger - Operto | January 30, 2020
The answers to smarter travel are also the answers to smarter cities and smarter systems. By making simple planning choices we can create a "smarter" outcome. Read More
Upgrade Pack completes $6.5M seed round, expands exclusive rewards marketplace
News / Distribution
Upgrade Pack completes $6.5M seed round, expands exclusive rewards marketplace
By Steven Lerner | January 29, 2020
Flight- and hotel-upgrade marketplace Upgrade Pack has secured $2.2 million in private investment to complete its $6.5 million seed round. Read More
easemytrip-whatsapp-flights
News / Distribution
EaseMyTrip brings flight bookings to WhatsApp
By Linda Fox | January 28, 2020
Communications platforms such as WhatsApp are mostly used for customer service in travel but EaseMyTrip is enabling flight booking. Read More
nannybag image
News / Online
Nannybag packs €2M in funding to launch new door-to-door service
By Steven Lerner | January 28, 2020
Nannybag is a collaborative luggage storage network that allows travelers to entrust their belongings to local hotels and stores.   Read More
despegar-acquires-best-day
News / Online
Despegar acquires Mexico’s Best Day Travel Group for $136M
By Mitra Sorrells | January 27, 2020
Argentina-based Despegar will acquire Mexico's Best Day Travel Group. Read More
edreams-acquires-waylo
News / Distribution
eDreams Odigeo acquires Waylo to strengthen hotel division
By Linda Fox | January 27, 2020
eDreams Odigeo says it is acquiring Waylo to boost its hotels and dynamic packages business. Read More
The rise and fall of the iPad: 10 years of tablet travel
Opinion / Technology
The rise and fall of the iPad: 10 years of tablet travel
By Glenville Morris - Travelport | January 27, 2020
A look at the rise and fall - and maybe rise again? - of the iPad and its use in travel on the 10th anniversary of the product announcement. Read More
life-house-30-million
News / Startups
Software-driven hotel brand Life House raises $30M, led by Thayer Ventures
By Mitra Sorrells | January 24, 2020
The Series B round will be used to grow Life House's boutique hotels business and management services. Read More
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