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.

airline-ancillary-revenue-report
News / Distribution
Loyalty programs still the biggest ancillary earner for most airlines
By Linda Fox | September 19, 2019
The latest study of airline ancillary revenue reveals those earning the most for extras such as legroom, meals and bags. Read More
avantstay-short-term-rentals
News / Startups
AvantStay locks in $20M in funding, looks to expand short-term rental portfolio
By Linda Fox | September 18, 2019
AvantStay is looking to bring in more properties for its short-term rentals for groups concept following $20 million in funding. Read More
What’s good for millennial travelers is good for all generations
Opinion / Online
What’s good for millennial travelers is good for all generations
By Matt Walker - LikeWhere | September 18, 2019
The soft boundary lines have come in this not-so-exact science of generation naming and these parameters no longer circumscribe the soundest foundation on which to base travel's marketing efforts.  Read More
marriott expedia wholesale rate distribution
News / Distribution
Marriott tightens reins on wholesale rates by tapping Expedia to manage distribution
By Mitra Sorrells | September 17, 2019
Expedia Group and Marriott International have signed an agreement that makes Expedia Group the single gateway and redistributor for Marriott wholesale inventory.   Read More
travelport-digital-traveler-2019
News / Technology
Trust and finding the right option are top traveler frustrations online
By Linda Fox | September 17, 2019
Trust issues and lengthy search processes are the top frustrations for travelers in Travelport's Global Digital Traveler study. Read More
tripadvisor new transparency report
News / Online
TripAdvisor shares fake review data in new “Transparency Report”
By Mitra Sorrells | September 16, 2019
TripAdvisor has created its first "Review Transparency Report" detailing its processes and rate of fraud detection. Read More
Beekeeper grabs $45M to add buzz to hotel staff communications
News / Technology
Beekeeper grabs $45M to add buzz to hotel staff communications
By Kevin May | September 16, 2019
The Switzerland-based company works with a string of hotels around the world, as well as providing tools for companies in the manufacturing and retail industries. Read More
Trip Planning 3.0 – this time it’s more than personal
Opinion / Online
Trip Planning 3.0 – this time it’s more than personal
By Manuel Hilty - Nezasa | September 13, 2019
Some survivors are learning from the past, making the most of today’s tech landscape to create fit-for-purpose planning and booking tools for today’s travelers. Read More
davincits-startup-funding
News / Startups
Davinci Travel System looks to expansion following €2.1M in funding
By Linda Fox | September 13, 2019
The Prague-based startup specializing in group bookings tech for hotels has announced funding of €2.1 million. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Battle of the brand: How guest reviews steal the show
News / Online
WEBINAR REPLAY! Battle of the brand: How guest reviews steal the show
By PhocusWire | September 12, 2019
The webinar will showcase the results of multiple research efforts and emphasize the fact that investments in online reputation result in the highest return on investment. Read More
VIDEO: How Booking.com will weave every element of a trip together
News / Online
VIDEO: How Booking.com will weave every element of a trip together
By Kevin May | September 12, 2019
Details of exactly how the giant will achieve its ambition to connect hotel guests with activities and transportation, plus a myriad of other travel-related services, are becoming clearer now. Read More
webinar-amadeus-september-2019-replay-2
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! Budgeting for the future of hospitality
By PhocusWire | September 11, 2019
In this webinar produced by Amadeus and PhocusWire, you’ll hear exclusive data to help prepare you for 2020. Read More
SiteMinder HotelSwaps partnership
News / Distribution
SiteMinder partners with HotelSwaps to enable trade of unsold inventory
By Mitra Sorrells | September 11, 2019
SiteMinder's hotel clients can now use HotelSwaps, a hotel room exchange platform. Read More
Ctrip scores £1.3B in revenue for second quarter in a row, will change name to Trip.com Group
News / Online
Ctrip scores £1.3B in revenue for second quarter in a row, will change name to Trip.com Group
By Kevin May | September 10, 2019
Executive chairman James Liang says the move is to position the brand further as a global player, ending almost 20 years as Ctrip. Read More
google price match hotels
Opinion / Distribution
Google price-matching: Are hotel bookings next?
By Gino Engels - OTA Insight | September 6, 2019
With Google testing a "lowest fare" price guarantee  on flights, what happens if the guarantee extends to hotels? Read More
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