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.

sabre-google-cloud
News / Technology
Sabre goes all-in with Google Cloud for infrastructure and analytics
By Linda Fox | January 24, 2020
The distribution and technology giant says new services and “operational agility” are part of the plan, with Google Cloud becoming its preferred cloud provider as well as a “broader strategic partner.” Read More
Tripadvisor begins brand transformation with new course for Viator, executive shakeup
News / Online
Tripadvisor begins brand transformation with new course for Viator, executive shakeup
By Mitra Sorrells | January 23, 2020
Tripadvisor is embarking on a dramatic realignment aimed at helping the company preserve profitability and spur new growth as it deals with competition from Google and others and with evolving... Read More
Sabre partners with Accor to develop property management and reservations platform
News / Technology
Sabre partners with Accor to develop property management and reservations platform
By Linda Fox | January 23, 2020
Sabre is working with Accor on the development of what the distribution company is calling a “full-service property management capability.” Read More
stasher luggage tag
News / Online
Luggage storage network Stasher bags $2.5M, eyes operations in 10,000 new cities
By Steven Lerner | January 23, 2020
The London-based startup provides a marketplace for travelers to find local shops and hotels that can store their luggage on a short- to medium-term basis.   Read More
expedia-partner-solutions-expectations
News / Online
Increased focus on offers and customer service are top asks from travelers
By Linda Fox | January 22, 2020
A global survey of travelers from Expedia Partner Solutions highlights the most important booking, payment and customer service factors. Read More
byhours mobile device
News / Online
By-the-hour hotel booking site ByHours adds €8M to launch U.S. operations
By Steven Lerner | January 22, 2020
Angel Ventures and DILA Capita led the Series B equity round, with participation by previous investor Howzat Partners. Read More
hopper-trees-carbon-offsets
News / Online
Hopper to pay for carbon offsets for all bookings, challenges top travel CEOs to follow suit
By Mitra Sorrells | January 21, 2020
Hopper Trees is a new initiative that covers the cost of carbon offsets for all flights and hotels booked in the Hopper app. Read More
ebixcash-amadeus-partnership
News / Distribution
EbixCash partners with Amadeus, looks to grow in APAC and UAE
By Linda Fox | January 21, 2020
As part of its expansion strategy in Asia Pacific and the United Arab Emirates, EbixCash has partnered with Amadeus for access to technology and travel content. Read More
tripactions-lufthansa-investment
News / Online
TripActions moves deeper into Europe with investment from Lufthansa Group
By Mitra Sorrells | January 21, 2020
TripActions will actively pursue clients in Europe with the help of Lufthansa Group. Read More
xie zhu technology funding
News / Technology
Smart hotel specialist Xie Zhu Technology overcomes "capital winter" to raise $37M
By Steven Lerner | January 17, 2020
Xie Zhu Technology says it will use the funding for technology research and development, expanding into new markets in Southeast Asia and to prepare for a potential IPO in 2020.   Read More
REPORT: NDC, AI and the building blocks of airline retail
From Our Partners / Distribution
REPORT: NDC, AI and the building blocks of airline retail
By Marisa Garcia | January 17, 2020
In this exclusive report from PhocusWire's Marisa Garcia, produced in association with PROS, we take a detailed look at the world of retail and how new technologies are creating new opportunities for... Read More
siteminder-funding
News / Distribution
Future IPO a "strong possibility" for SiteMinder as it lands fresh funding
By Linda Fox | January 16, 2020
SiteMinder lands significant fresh investment valuing the company at around $762 million and the prospect of a public listing in the future. Read More
qtrip-new-ota
News / Online
Industry veteran launches new boutique OTA
By Mitra Sorrells | January 16, 2020
Industry veteran Jeff Klee is launching a new online travel agency, Qtrip, that will eventually replace his original site, CheapAir. Read More
Hotels stuck in a market where online travel agency rate issues still burn
News / Distribution
Hotels stuck in a market where online travel agency rate issues still burn
By Kevin May | January 16, 2020
In a series of questions posed to participants on a recent webinar hosted by PhocusWire with wholesaler Hotelbeds, hotels indicated a range of issues that still exist around rate parity. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 20 - Bob Diener of Hotels.com
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 20 - Bob Diener of Hotels.com
By PhocusWire | January 16, 2020
Long before the online travel agency world took off, Bob Diener was perfecting the merchant model that would become omnipresent in later years. He talks to Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May from... Read More
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