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.

GBTA convention digital identity frictionless travel
News / Technology
Could digital ID be the key to achieving a frictionless travel experience?
By Mitra Sorrells | August 19, 2019
Amadeus traveler ID innovation manager Laurent Conjat says digital identity is coming and will add efficiency and remove friction at every step of the traveler's journey.  Read More
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
News / Distribution
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2019
TUI is not ruling out further acquisitions in the tours and activities space as it looks to grow its holiday experiences division further. Read More
Travelport BCD Hyatt blockchain hotel settlement
News / Technology
Travelport, BCD, Hyatt test blockchain for hotel commission settlement
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2019
Travelport, in partnership with BCD Travel and Hyatt, is developing a blockchain system for hotel commission settlement. Read More
Careful what you wish for: Attribute-based selling isn't all it's cracked up to be
Opinion / Distribution
Careful what you wish for: Attribute-based selling isn't all it's cracked up to be
By Tim Peter - Tim Peter & Associates | August 15, 2019
It doesn't seem that guests really need attribute-based selling, and it's unrealistic to assume that the model will both improve prices for guests and drive more revenue. Read More
OYO free travel insurance India
News / Online
OYO adds free insurance for direct bookings in India
By Mitra Sorrells | August 13, 2019
OYO is now offering free insurance to guests that make a direct booking at one of its properties in India. Read More
wit mark okerstrom interview
News / Online
Mark Okerstrom on competitor moves, Expedia's strengths and what he's had to "unlearn"
By Siew Hoon Yeoh - WebInTravel | August 12, 2019
In this wide-ranging interview, the Expedia Group boss opens up about where the travel company fits in an ever-evolving tech landscape. Read More
Startup Stage Saba Hospitality main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Saba Hospitality builds tools to maximize guest and hotel staff engagement
By Mitra Sorrells | August 12, 2019
 Saba Hospitality is building solutions for the hospitality industry using artificial intelligence and scalable chatbot technology.    Read More
Wyndham's RCI acquires Alliance Reservation Network for $92M
News / Online
Wyndham's RCI acquires Alliance Reservation Network for $92M
By Jill Menze | August 9, 2019
Vacation exchange network RCI has purchased travel technology platform Alliance Reservations Network to expand its reach beyond its core business. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Decoding the hotel guestprint
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! Decoding the hotel guestprint
By PhocusWire | August 8, 2019
In the webinar, produced by PhocusWire and Cendyn, we cover the six keys to designing acquisition and engagement programs that treat your guests as individuals, not a marketing segment. Read More
TripAdvisor focuses on good news in Experiences as overall revenue continues to fall
News / Online
TripAdvisor focuses on good news in Experiences as overall revenue continues to fall
By Kevin May | August 8, 2019
Revenue increased from $376 million to $422 million over the course of the first and second quarters of 2019 but year-over-year the business is down 3% in the comparable three-month periods. Read More
Four online travel agency myths to stop believing now
Opinion / Online
Four online travel agency myths to stop believing now
By Peter O’Connor - Essec Business School | August 8, 2019
OTAs suffer from some image problems amongst many hoteliers, often due to misconceptions or misinformation about how they work. So, let's bust some myths. Read More
Booking Holdings q2 2019 earnings
News / Online
Booking Holdings integrates brands, develops payment capabilities in quest for “connected trip”
By Mitra Sorrells | August 7, 2019
Booking Holdings reports positive financial results as it works toward what CEO Glenn Fogel called the "connected trip." Read More
culture-trip-ota-final
News / Distribution
Culture Trip finally unveils its online travel agency, promises to cover the full funnel
By Linda Fox | August 6, 2019
The company claims it has spent a lot of time understanding customer needs and is not just “replicating a bog standard OTA.” Read More
TripActions new consultant-led services
News / Online
TripActions takes on legacy TMCs with new consultancy services
By Mitra Sorrells | August 4, 2019
TripActions is expanding its suite of enterprise solutions with the launch of TripActions Consulting. Read More
Sounding Off: Damaging trust can take years to rebuild
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Damaging trust can take years to rebuild
By PhocusWire | August 2, 2019
CEOs walk a communications tightrope, where a loose word or two can trigger doubts in the minds of consumers that can last an age in business years. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026