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.

Roomex names new Garry Moroney as new CEO, promises "hyper-growth" phase
News / Technology
Roomex names new Garry Moroney as new CEO, promises "hyper-growth" phase
By Kevin May | July 24, 2019
Roomex co-founder and CEO Jack Donaghy moved on from the company to "pursue other interests." Read More
Startup Stage Eddy Travels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Eddy Travels provides personalized trip planning in messaging apps
By Mitra Sorrells | July 23, 2019
Eddy Travels is an AI-powered travel assistant that functions inside messaging platforms such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Slack, Viber and Line.   Read More
shank-sam-hoteltonight-startups-2
News / Startups
Sam Shank's advice for startups after HotelTonight's "f*cking crazy" ride
By Jill Menze | July 23, 2019
Speaking during Phocuswright’s Battleground event, the CEO shared how HotelTonight fought through its toughest times as well as gave advice for startup founders currently navigating similar waters. Read More
Amadeus TravelClick alternative accommodation data
News / Technology
TravelClick claims first-of-its-kind alternative accommodations tool
By Mitra Sorrells | July 22, 2019
TravelClick, an Amadeus company, has created a data tool providing supply, demand and rate information for 27 million alternative accommodations worldwide. Read More
Booking.com relaxes keyword bidding clause with hotels
News / Online
Booking.com relaxes keyword bidding clause with hotels
By Kevin May | July 22, 2019
Previously, hotels were restricted via their General Delivery Terms with the online travel agency on bidding on certain keywords, such as "booking.com" and other copyright terms on Google AdWords. Read More
REPORT: Can AI help OTAs earn customer loyalty?
From Our Partners / Technology
REPORT: Can AI help OTAs earn customer loyalty?
By Marisa Garcia  | July 22, 2019
In this report, we’ll explore how using advanced technology and artificial intelligence can help OTAs and metasearch companies gain a competitive edge on bookings. Read More
fuel-leisure-vacation-planning
News / Online
Influential travel sites for booking not always the big players
By Linda Fox | July 19, 2019
Online travel agents might be spending billions on marketing yet very few make the cut when it comes to sites used to choose a hotel. Read More
airbnb-instant-book-2
News / Online
Airbnb reaches seven out of ten properties available for instant booking
By Kevin May | July 18, 2019
The figure is a sizeable jump from 2016, when just one in three of Airbnb's properties could be secured straight away. Read More
Travelstop raises $3M for business travel expense tools
News / Technology
Travelstop raises $3M for business travel expense tools
By Kevin May | July 16, 2019
The company's pre-Series A round is being led by Accel with Strive and previous investor SeedPlus also included in the group of investors. Read More
Q&A: Hospitality tech guru Dave Berkus on disruption, exec mistakes and Amazon
News / Technology
Q&A: Hospitality tech guru Dave Berkus on disruption, exec mistakes and Amazon
By Mitra Sorrells | July 16, 2019
Dave Berkus, creator of one of the earliest property management systems, discusses technology lifecycles, the risk of hacking, tech giants and travel, his advice for entrepreneurs and travel executive... Read More
TripAdvisor still inspires booking confidence, new study shows
News / Online
TripAdvisor still inspires booking confidence, new study shows
By Jill Menze | July 16, 2019
Despite cries of fake content infiltrating reviews sites, travelers are still turning to TripAdvisor ahead of booking trips, a new study shows. Read More
India, part 2: Investors express optimism as travel market grows
News / Startups
India, part 2: Investors express optimism as travel market grows
By Mitra Sorrells | July 15, 2019
For the second piece in our series on India, we talk to some of the country's travel industry investors and entrepreneurs to understand the opportunities and challenges of the market. Read More
Life House 100M real estate equity investment
News / Startups
Life House hotel chain and tech provider secures $100M investment
By Mitra Sorrells | July 12, 2019
Boston-based Blue Flag, an investment, real estate development and branding firm that has a collection of hotels in its portfolio, is behind the deal. Read More
Startup Stage Tryps Tech
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Tryps.Tech is digitizing tour and activity distribution for the Middle East
By Mitra Sorrells | July 12, 2019
Tryps.Tech is an online distributor of more than 14,000 tours, activities, attraction tickets, airport lounge access, events and transfers in 130 countries, focused on serving Middle East travelers. Its... Read More
Authorities bare teeth on travel data breaches for second time, announce large fine for Marriott
News / Online
Authorities bare teeth on travel data breaches for second time, announce large fine for Marriott
By Linda Fox | July 10, 2019
ICO, the information authority, plans to fine Marriott International more than £99 million for the data breach it reported last year. Read More
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