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.

alice hotel digital divide
News / Technology
Hotel guests want curated recommendations, amenities - not robot concierges
By Jill Menze | April 24, 2019
According to a new study from ALICE and YouGov, travelers increasingly want recommendations and in-room amenities curated to their liking. Read More
Travel recession opinion MMGY Clayton Reid
Opinion / Online
It's time to call it - we are heading for a travel recession, part 1
By Clayton Reid - MMGY Global | April 24, 2019
MMGY Global CEO Clayton Reid sees a looming slowdown that will impact travel. The first part of his analysis explains why this has come about. Read More
startup-investment
News / Startups
Travel investors talk areas of focus, the right fit and U.S. funding
By Linda Fox | April 23, 2019
Thoughts from travel tech investors at an event in Ireland on what's hot and what they're looking for from startups. Read More
Hotel cancelation rate at 40% as online travel agencies push free change policy
News / Distribution
Hotel cancelation rate at 40% as online travel agencies push free change policy
By Kevin May | April 23, 2019
Key findings from a major study carried out by D-Edge, the Accor-owned hotel technology group that includes the AvailPro and FastBooking platforms. Read More
OYO Near You experiences launch
News / Distribution
OYO enters experiences space with “OYO Near You”
By Mitra Sorrells | April 23, 2019
OYO will offer activities such as comedy shows, wine tastings and live music at some of its OYO Townhouse properties in India. Read More
Middle East series part 3 distribution
News / Distribution
Middle East, part 3: How homegrown travel brands are diversifying distribution
By Mitra Sorrells | April 22, 2019
For the third part in our series on the Middle East, we analyze the distribution landscape and the role of homegrown online travel agencies. Read More
PwC opinion IoT for hospitality
Opinion / Technology
Why IoT is the “smart” solution for the hospitality industry
By Rob Mesirow and Jennie Blumenthal – PwC | April 18, 2019
IoT solutions can provide many benefits for the hospitality industry, including more efficient asset tracking and utilization, lowered energy costs and a better experience for guests.   Read More
lyric investment
News / Online
Airbnb leads $160M investment in hospitality platform Lyric
By Jill Menze | April 17, 2019
The Series B round will allow the San Francisco-based company to expand its relationships with local real estate developers. Read More
locale raises funds
News / Online
Apart-hotel brand Locale nabs $2.5M to expand operations
By Jill Menze | April 17, 2019
It's the first funding round for the Austin, Texas-based company since launching in 2016. Read More
Retailing for hoteliers: What it is and what you need to do
From Our Partners / Technology
Retailing for hoteliers: What it is and what you need to do
By Diane Merlino | April 17, 2019
From selling guest rooms and hotel services differently to monetizing under-utilized spaces and partnering with local businesses on experiences, a new model of retailing is slowly taking hold in the... Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! The real parity problem that no one is talking about
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! The real parity problem that no one is talking about
By PhocusWire | April 17, 2019
Through this webinar you’ll leave with the tactics you need to step up your parity game and stop leaving money on the table. Read More
Task management automation takes hold in hospitality
From Our Partners / Technology
Task management automation takes hold in hospitality
By PhocusWire | April 17, 2019
After many years of focusing IT spend on guest-facing technologies, hoteliers are increasingly adopting task management automation solutions designed to support staff and streamline operations. Read More
meetingpackage fund raise
News / Technology
MeetingPackage promotes online venue booking through €1.5M raise
By Jill Menze | April 17, 2019
The round for the Finnish meeting venue tech provider closed in late 2018 and was led by existing investors and well as new ones including Falkensteiner Ventures. Read More
lastminute-forward-marketing
News / Online
Lastminute.com Group now also a media company, offers out marketing services
By Linda Fox | April 15, 2019
Lastminute.com Group launches Forward as an independent media business. Read More
OYO strikes first bedbank deal, Hotelbeds gives it 60,000 buying outlets
News / Distribution
OYO strikes first bedbank deal, Hotelbeds gives it 60,000 buying outlets
By Kevin May | April 15, 2019
Hotelbeds has become the first third-party bedbank to sign a distribution deal with India-based OYO Rooms. Read More
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