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.

Hot 25 Startups 2020: Daycation
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Daycation
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
A plethora of luxury hotels, including Hyatt, Hilton and Marriot, have teamed up with Daycation to enhance the guest experience with on-demand amenities available on web and mobile apps. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Hotelmize
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Hotelmize
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Hotelmize’s AI-enabled platform automatically increases profit margins in an increasingly competitive market. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Journera
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Journera
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Journera enables travel companies to leverage their data to create a more seamless experience. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Life House
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Life House
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Life House has developed a unique niche as a company that develops, designs, brands and operates boutique hotels with technology that drives direct bookings Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Setoo
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Setoo
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Setoo’s platform allows travel businesses to preciously automate the entire insurance process and to develop personalized plans for each traveler. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: SnapTravel
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: SnapTravel
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
SnapTravel has developed an AI-powered chatbot that sources through thousands of hotels to find the best deals based on price, location, quality and overall value. Read More
Amadeus talks trends, Innovation and platform
From Our Partners / Technology
Amadeus talks trends, Innovation and platform
By Mark Bedard | November 18, 2019
If the current hospitality industry could be summed up in a single word it could be this: evolution. Nearly everything we know about the guest and the industry is evolving. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Whispr wants to help frontline staff with voice guidance
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Whispr wants to help frontline staff with voice guidance
By Linda Fox | November 15, 2019
The company was recently accepted into IAG's Hangar 51 accelerator and has begun work with maintenance staff at Spain flag carrier, Iberia. Read More
hopper-acquires-gdx-travel
News / Technology
Hopper acquires GDX Travel, advancing NDC capacity and geographic growth
By Mitra Sorrells | November 14, 2019
The deal gives Hopper direct access to more than 25 regional and low-cost carriers in Latin America via IATA’s NDC. Read More
skyscanner-booking-2
News / Online
Skyscanner pivots from original model, becomes marketplace with bookings
By Kevin May | November 14, 2019
The U.K.-based company is at pains to point out that it is not "becoming an online travel agency" - instead it is offering a three-pronged approach to connecting users with air tickets. Read More
expedia-explore-2019
News / Distribution
Removing friction from travel is Expedia's "Everest" goal
By Jill Menze | November 14, 2019
Expedia Group is seeking to connect customers partners more intelligently as part of a bid to make it locally relevant. Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Kenneth Purcell
Interview / Technology
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Kenneth Purcell
By PhocusWire | November 14, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Up next: Kenneth Purcell of iSeatz. Read More
hotelbeds-HQ-spain
News / Distribution
HotelBeds to axe 5% of workforce as part of "optimization" strategy
By Linda Fox | November 13, 2019
The Spain-based bedbank says it has now consolidated into one business following its acquisitions, in early 2017, of Tourico Holidays and GTA. Read More
Accor gets access to Alibaba customers via distribution and loyalty deal
News / Distribution
Accor gets access to Alibaba customers via distribution and loyalty deal
By Linda Fox | November 11, 2019
The agreement aims to develop “digital applications and loyalty programs” by integrating Accor’s products and services within the Alibaba ecosystem. Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Amiad Soto
Interview / Distribution
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Amiad Soto
By PhocusWire | November 11, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick. Welcome to Amiad Soto of Guesty. Read More
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