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.

Startup Stage: StayNow wants to simplify trip planning
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: StayNow wants to simplify trip planning
By Abby Crotty | September 8, 2025
StayNow uses AI to help simplify the trip planning process for travelers. Read More
Hospitality tech platforms DigitalGuest and Chicostay merge
News / Online
Hospitality tech platforms DigitalGuest and Chicostay merge
By Abby Crotty | September 5, 2025
The combined companies will now operate under the DigitalGuest identity. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: SITA, Oracle, Radisson and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: SITA, Oracle, Radisson and more...
By PhocusWire | September 5, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Startup Stage: Journey aims to offer a more flexible, personalized loyalty program
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Journey aims to offer a more flexible, personalized loyalty program
By Abby Crotty | September 5, 2025
Journey was founded in 2024, helping luxury travelers earn rewards when booking with boutique and independently owned properties. Read More
Airbnb seems set up for hotel expansion, competition with OTAs
News / Online
Airbnb seems set up for hotel expansion, competition with OTAs
By Morgan Hines | September 4, 2025
The short-term rental giant may be gearing up to take on OTAs, but its recent fee structure shift may negatively impact its hosts. Read More
Travel Tech Flashback: What made headlines in 2022?
News / Technology
Travel Tech Flashback: What made headlines in 2022?
By Linda Fox | September 2, 2025
The travel industry bounced back in 2022, but war in Ukraine caused further uncertainty early in the year. Read More
ZUZU raises fresh capital, bets on AI to scale soul of indie hospitality
News / Startups
ZUZU raises fresh capital, bets on AI to scale soul of indie hospitality
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | August 29, 2025
The Singapore-based startup, founded in 2017 by former Expedia executive Vikram Malhi, is positioning itself at the heart of hospitality’s AI revolution. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Accor, Skyscanner, Mews and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Accor, Skyscanner, Mews and more...
By PhocusWire | August 29, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Trip.com Group unveils AI trip planner
News / Online
Trip.com Group unveils AI trip planner
By Linda Fox | August 28, 2025
During the company's Q2 2025 earnings call, chairman James Liang said AI remains central to strategy, adding that OTAs are "uniquely positioned" to lead the development of travel-focused AI. Read More
Startup Stage: Maison wants to use AI to provide seamless asssitance for guests
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Maison wants to use AI to provide seamless asssitance for guests
By Abby Crotty | August 28, 2025
Maison offers an AI operating system for hotels and hospitality systems, giving guests access to 24/7 customer service via a chatbot. Read More
Have TikTok and Booking.com just ‘nuked’ the travel funnel?
News / Distribution
Have TikTok and Booking.com just ‘nuked’ the travel funnel?
By Morgan Hines | August 28, 2025
Select U.S. users can now book hotel rooms through Booking.com directly on TikTok—and the platform has also launched TikTokGO for creators to earn travel commissions. Read More
Booking.com and hotels increasingly go their separate ways
News / Distribution
Booking.com and hotels increasingly go their separate ways
By Matthew Parsons | August 27, 2025
The relationship with Booking.com has especially soured in Europe as the OTA faces a lawsuit from 10,000 hotels. Read More
How marketers are fusing data science with real traveler behavior
From Our Partners / Online
How marketers are fusing data science with real traveler behavior
By PhocusWire | August 26, 2025
Zartico executives explore how travel marketers can use data science to close the loop between marketing investment and real-world revenue. Read More
Travel Tech Flashback: What made headlines in 2020?
News / Online
Travel Tech Flashback: What made headlines in 2020?
By Abby Crotty | August 26, 2025
As part of our Travel Tech Flashback series, we took a look at 2020, otherwise known as the year that changed travel forever. Read More
Way expands Hyatt ancillary, loyalty partnership
News / Online
Way expands Hyatt ancillary, loyalty partnership
By Morgan Hines | August 25, 2025
Way’s platform and APIs will be integrated into Hyatt’s digital ecosystem, allowing for end-to-end merchandising and marketing. Read More
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