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.

Will travel's messy data hamper AI progress?
Opinion / Technology
Will travel's messy data hamper AI progress?
By Timothy O'Neil-Dunne | August 25, 2025
Are we layering AI agents on top of an already broken data foundation that was never fit for machine consumption? Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Agoda, Sabre, Travelport and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Agoda, Sabre, Travelport and more...
By PhocusWire | August 22, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Addressing rising customer acquisition costs in travel
News / Online
Addressing rising customer acquisition costs in travel
By Abby Crotty | August 21, 2025
According to a survey of approximately 270 respondents across the travel industry, customer acquisition costs were up approximately 35% from 2022 to 2025, while customer lifetime value was up just 4.5%.... Read More
NusaTrip closes IPO, nets $15 million
News / Online
NusaTrip closes IPO, nets $15 million
By Abby Crotty | August 19, 2025
The OTA plans to use the capital to expand into new markets and explore mergers and acquisitions. Read More
Kasa raises $40M to invest in technology, AI
News / Online
Kasa raises $40M to invest in technology, AI
By Morgan Hines | August 19, 2025
Kasa, formerly known as Kasa Living, raised $70 million in Series C funding in 2023. Read More
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
From Our Partners / Technology
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
By Chris Hemmeter - Thayer Investment Partners | August 19, 2025
Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his thoughts on the importance of balancing AI with the core tenets of authentic hospitality.   Read More
Decoding online shopping: Travel and hospitality consumer trends for 2025
From Our Partners / Online
Decoding online shopping: Travel and hospitality consumer trends for 2025
By AB Tasty | August 18, 2025
Find out where consumers get inspiration for new travel plans, what leads them to abandon their cart or booking, what types of AI tools can make the online experience easier and more.   Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Agoda, Navan, Qatar Airways and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Agoda, Navan, Qatar Airways and more...
By PhocusWire | August 15, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Travel trends and social media in Africa, the Middle East and China
News / Online
Travel trends and social media in Africa, the Middle East and China
By Abby Crotty | August 14, 2025
During an executive panel at Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona, panelists also touched on products they’re working on, B2B travel tech trends and fraud in Africa.   Read More
Freedom, flexibility and transparency: What Gen Z travelers really want and need
News / Online
Freedom, flexibility and transparency: What Gen Z travelers really want and need
By Abby Crotty | August 13, 2025
Gen Z is adventurous and spontaneous, and their travel booking preferences reflect these preferences. Read More
Keys to converting travel insights to impact
From Our Partners / Online
Keys to converting travel insights to impact
By PhocusWire | August 12, 2025
Zartico chief operating officer Nicole Brownell and co-founder and chief innovation officer Jay Kinghorn explore how destinations and resorts can use data science to close the loop between marketing... Read More
CEO Spotlight: Mike Putman of Custom Travel Solutions
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Mike Putman of Custom Travel Solutions
By Linda Fox | August 11, 2025
Mike Putman discusses how he built up CTS, having previously created an international travel club with 800,000 members and seeing an opportunity to replicate its success. Read More
United invests in Dfinitiv to unlock loyalty and media revenue
News / Technology
United invests in Dfinitiv to unlock loyalty and media revenue
By Linda Fox | August 8, 2025
The airline is exploring use cases for Dfinitiv’s technology across its loyalty program, MileagePlus, and its commerce media network, Kinective Media, which was unveiled a year ago. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: OYO, Hostaway, Duffel and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: OYO, Hostaway, Duffel and more...
By PhocusWire | August 8, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Expedia Group reports stronger results in Q2 amid ongoing U.S. headwinds
News / Online
Expedia Group reports stronger results in Q2 amid ongoing U.S. headwinds
By Abby Crotty | August 7, 2025
While numbers improved overall, second quarter results were still tempered by “soft demand” in the United States. Read More
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