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.

ritesh-agarwal-oyorooms-big chair
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Ritesh Agarwal of OYO Rooms
By Linda Fox | July 2, 2019
What began as a budget hotel platform by the 21-year old has grown to encompass holiday homes and corporate accommodation. OYO has made no secret of its ambition to become the largest hotel chain in the... Read More
VIDEO: What Asia Pacific is teaching the travel industry
News / Online
VIDEO: What Asia Pacific is teaching the travel industry
By Kevin May | July 1, 2019
The recently appointed EVP for online travel agencies and managing director for Asia Pacific at Amadeus is operating in a region that, some argue, is driving much of how the industry is evolving. Read More
Sabre broadens hospitality offerings with retail push, new lodging APIs
News / Technology
Sabre broadens hospitality offerings with retail push, new lodging APIs
By Jill Menze | June 27, 2019
At the Sabre Technology Exchange, the company detailed how hotels can benefit from its Intelligent Retailing platform and announced the launch of Content Services for Lodging. Read More
TripActions 250M series D
News / Startups
TripActions raises again, $250M round going to aggressive growth plan
By Mitra Sorrells | June 27, 2019
This latest investment comes less than eight months after TripActions' Series C round last November which brought in $154 million. Read More
Hotel C-suite buzz: Disruptive Google, data security and emerging tech
News / Technology
Hotel C-suite buzz: Disruptive Google, data security and emerging tech
By Mitra Sorrells | June 27, 2019
Cybersecurity, emerging technology and Google were some of the topics discussed by a trio of hospitality chiefs at the HITEC conference in Minneapolis. Read More
Booking.com CEO Gillian Tans moves aside, Glenn Fogel steps in
News / Online
Booking.com CEO Gillian Tans moves aside, Glenn Fogel steps in
By Kevin May | June 26, 2019
The sudden change at the top of Booking.com, announced today, is effective immediately and ends a three-year stint for Tans as CEO. Read More
VIDEO: Understanding the differences in the blockchain
News / Technology
VIDEO: Understanding the differences in the blockchain
By Kevin May | June 25, 2019
By now most folk should know that there is a distinct difference between the open model of blockchain and distributed ledger technology. Read More
Travel payments, part 4: Hopes and hurdles for startups
News / Technology
Travel payments, part 4: Hopes and hurdles for startups
By Mitra Sorrells | June 24, 2019
In part four of our payments month them we talk to investors and entrepreneurs about the challenges and opportunities for startups in this space. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! How hoteliers can succeed with the Google Ads Migration
News / Online
WEBINAR REPLAY! How hoteliers can succeed with the Google Ads Migration
By PhocusWire | June 20, 2019
To help advertisers use Hotel Ads in a more robust and scaled manner, Google is introducing a new Google Ads campaign type called Hotel Campaigns. Read More
Hopper ramps up hotel booking with global private rates and price tracking
News / Online
Hopper ramps up hotel booking with global private rates and price tracking
By Kevin May | June 20, 2019
Eighteen months on from its initial launch, Hopper is applying some of the secret sauce learned from flights to its hotel search and booking service. Read More
Accor’s renewed focus – aspirational and experiential aspects of a guest
From Our Partners / Technology
Accor’s renewed focus – aspirational and experiential aspects of a guest
By Ritesh Gupta - China Travel News | June 20, 2019
The hospitality group asserts that it has moved on from being owner of properties to owning the relationships, dwelling on aspirational and experiential aspects of travelers.  Read More
Cendyn Accel-KKR investment
News / Technology
Cendyn eyes growth and acquisitions, transitions leadership with Accel-KKR investment
By Mitra Sorrells | June 20, 2019
The hospitality tech supplier is making plans to grow on the heels of an equity investment from Accel-KKR and under the leadership of new president Tim Sullivan. Read More
The evolution of the user experience in online business travel
Opinion / Online
The evolution of the user experience in online business travel
By Simon Carmouche - PredictX | June 19, 2019
It feels like the industry is finally getting around to giving some long-overdue attention to the relative quality of the user experience of booking and trip itinerary management. Maybe not? Read More
VIDEO: Awaze on a vacation rental sector that is growing up
News / Online
VIDEO: Awaze on a vacation rental sector that is growing up
By Kevin May | June 19, 2019
Henrik Kjellberg explains how the wider vacation rental market is adapting to consumer trends, what Awaze is doing to protect itself from the competition and where the sector needs to evolve Read More
Hotels need to embark on a new chapter - the digital one already written by Amazon
News / Online
Hotels need to embark on a new chapter - the digital one already written by Amazon
By Mitra Sorrells | June 19, 2019
Hotels can fend off threats from outside by adopting a retailing mindset and using tech that supports their model, rather than relying on outdated property management systems. Read More
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