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.

mindsay-chatbot-funding
News / Startups
Mindsay adds $10M in Series A funding to expand chatbot service
By Linda Fox | May 29, 2019
Paris-based chatbot startup also took on a brand name after starting out as Destygo. Read More
VIDEO: RateGain on getting Smart with distribution
From Our Partners / Technology
VIDEO: RateGain on getting Smart with distribution
By PhocusWire | May 29, 2019
When hospitality brands and intermediaries consider what is happening in other sectors and how the status quo is effectively the same as it was years ago, then the "zero innovation" argument might be a... Read More
Airbnb signs Shiji distribution deal to bolster China hotel strategy
News / Distribution
Airbnb signs Shiji distribution deal to bolster China hotel strategy
By Kevin May | May 28, 2019
Airbnb has another distribution partner to help bolster its hotel inventory. But this time it is aimed squarely at boosting its presence in China. Read More
VIDEO: Google on leveraging machine learning in travel search
News / Online
VIDEO: Google on leveraging machine learning in travel search
By Kevin May | May 28, 2019
Google is at the heart of the search experience and sits on enormous amounts of data that, it says, helps create a better search experience for travelers. Read More
Latin America, part 4: Challenges and opportunities in travel distribution
News / Distribution
Latin America, part 4: Challenges and opportunities in travel distribution
By Mitra Sorrells | May 28, 2019
For the final piece in our series on Latin America, we take a look at the current state and future outlook for distribution in hospitality and air. Read More
ctrip-high-income-travelers
News / Online
Ctrip sees huge potential in customized travel for growing affluent segment
By Linda Fox | May 24, 2019
Research from Ctrip and COTRI reveals the potential in the growing high-net income traveler segment. Read More
VIDEO: When OYO Rooms bought @Leisure - anatomy of a deal
News / Online
VIDEO: When OYO Rooms bought @Leisure - anatomy of a deal
By Kevin May | May 24, 2019
@Leisure's CEO Tobias Wann, who will become CEO for vacation homes at OYO Global, agreed to speak to PhocusWire during the recent Phocuswright Europe event in Amsterdam. Read More
Tencent leads $250M round into Mafengwo
News / Online
Tencent leads $250M round into Mafengwo
By Jill Menze | May 24, 2019
Chinese travel platform Mafengwo has raised a $250 million funding round led by Tencent Holdings Ltd, with General Atlantic, Qiming Venture Partners and Yuantai Evergreen Investment Partners also... Read More
Ctrip Q1 earnings
News / Distribution
Ctrip sales jump 21% in Q1 to more than $1B
By Mitra Sorrells | May 23, 2019
The online travel agency giant's results are fueled by strong performance in both accommodation and transportation ticketing and growing international business. Read More
Business travelers increasingly seek digital channels
News / Technology
Business travelers increasingly seek digital channels
By Linda Fox | May 22, 2019
Research from CWT shows how business travelers are increasingly look to self-service channels such as web and mobile bookings and other travel-related tasks. Read More
VIDEO: Expedia on being an empire and the future of platforms
News / Online
VIDEO: Expedia on being an empire and the future of platforms
By Kevin May | May 22, 2019
The Expedia Group is a sprawling empire of a business, with online travel agencies, corporate travel agencies and investments in metasearch. Read More
Skylark Travel raises $4M to build its high-touch platform for luxury travelers
News / Startups
Skylark Travel raises $4M to build its high-touch platform for luxury travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | May 22, 2019
Skylark Travel, a hybrid online-offline agency, has raised a $4 million seed round. Read More
VIDEO: Setoo - Battleground pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Setoo - Battleground pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 22, 2019
Empowering e-businesses to turn insurance into products consumers love and providing a new insurance experience.  Read More
brexit-panel-pcwe-19
News / Distribution
VIDEO: How the travel industry is preparing for Brexit
By Linda Fox | May 21, 2019
Travel and tourism executives discuss Brexit plans during Phocuswright Europe 2019 in Amsterdam. Read More
VIDEO: Tech heads on a digital world to decipher in travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Tech heads on a digital world to decipher in travel
By Kevin May | May 21, 2019
The strategies that they impose on a business have to meet with the demands of their customers - a process that needs careful consideration, investment and, sometimes, good fortune. Read More
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