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.

Phocuswright Europe 2019 preview Dirk Tietz
Interview / Distribution
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with... Dirk Tietz
By PhocusWire | May 3, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Amsterdam in May, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick. Next up: Dirk Tietz of DER Touristik Group... Read More
Expedia Q1 earnings 2019
News / Online
Q1 growth slows for vacation rentals as Expedia Group realigns business for long-term
By Mitra Sorrells | May 2, 2019
Expedia Group bookings were up 8% in the first quarter of 2019, but only 5% in its vacation rental businesses, now consolidated under the Vrbo brand. Read More
Digital natives reveal what and who gets their attention with online travel reviews
News / Online
Digital natives reveal what and who gets their attention with online travel reviews
By Kevin May | May 2, 2019
TripAdvisor does not compare to Google for getting online reviews of travel products in the minds of travelers aged between 18 and 28. Read More
Investment bubble or the reality of the private accommodation sector?
News / Online
Investment bubble or the reality of the private accommodation sector?
By Linda Fox | May 2, 2019
Headlines position recently funded brands as the next hospitality "unicorns" with big rounds coming in and eye-watering valuations. Read More
trivago-q1-2019
News / Distribution
Trivago seeks new audiences through marketing after solid start to 2019
By Linda Fox | May 2, 2019
Trivago plans to diversify its advertising as it seeks to attract a younger generation to the hotel metasearch engine. Read More
OYO Rooms acquires European rental brand @Leisure Group for €360M
News / Online
OYO Rooms acquires European rental brand @Leisure Group for €360M
By Kevin May | May 1, 2019
The acquisition marks the first big international investment by India-based OYO and puts it feet first in the Europe marketplace for private accommodation. Read More
new Muslim OTA Rihaala launches
News / Distribution
New OTA targets Muslim travelers looking for halal-friendly destinations
By Mitra Sorrells | April 30, 2019
Rihaala is a new online travel agency focused on halal-friendly destinations and accommodations and user-generated content. Read More
Sabre sees quarterly revenue rise to $1.49B but other metrics hit by tech investments
News / Distribution
Sabre sees quarterly revenue rise to $1.49B but other metrics hit by tech investments
By Kevin May | April 30, 2019
Sabre has filed a revenue increase of 6% in the first quarter of 2019, giving it $1.49 billion, but against a backdrop of declines on other key metrics. Read More
hotel-loyalty-programs
News / Distribution
Hotel loyalty should be more than just rewards and favored partners
By Linda Fox | April 30, 2019
A discussion on loyalty in hotels sparked interesting comment around how program members should be treated. Read More
amadeus drivers of change in hospitality
News / Online
Welcome to next-generation hospitality: Attribute-based booking, tech-led services and achieving cult status
By Jill Menze | April 30, 2019
According to the new Drivers of Change in Hospitality report, produced by Amadeus in collaboration with InterContinental Hotels Group, Foresight Factory and Cornell University, there are three key... Read More
Airbnb RXR develop luxury NYC rentals
News / Online
Airbnb will convert commercial properties into luxury rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | April 30, 2019
Airbnb is partnering with New York-based RXR Realty to create 200 luxury rentals in a Midtown Manhattan commercial high-rise. Read More
Ctrip controls half of MakeMyTrip shares after swap deal with Naspers
News / Online
Ctrip controls half of MakeMyTrip shares after swap deal with Naspers
By Kevin May | April 29, 2019
Ctrip gives up 6% of its shares in order to gain a 49% stake in MakeMyTrip, the Indian online travel agency where it's had an interest for over three years. Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2019 preview Filip Filipov
Interview / Online
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with... Filip Filipov
By PhocusWire | April 29, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Amsterdam in May, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Next up: Skyscanner vice president of product management Filip... Read More
Travel recession opinion MMGY Clayton Reid part 2
Opinion / Online
It's time to call it - we are heading for a travel recession, part 2
By Clayton Reid - MMGY Global | April 26, 2019
In part two of his analysis of the economic outlook for travel, MMGY Global CEO Clayton Reid offers advice on how to prepare for a downturn. Read More
Grab adds hotel bookings other services
News / Technology
Grab expands beyond ride-hailing with new services to become "everyday super app"
By Marissa Trew - WiT | April 24, 2019
Grab is adding four new services for its users in Singapore including hotel bookings through Agoda and Booking.com. Read More
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