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.

From WiT Middle East 2019: Travel brands jostle to find their groove in a booming market
News / Online
From WiT Middle East 2019: Travel brands jostle to find their groove in a booming market
By Siew Hoon Yeoh - WiT | April 15, 2019
A look at the five key takeaways from WiT Middle East conference. Read More
Middle East, part 2: The travel startup scene
News / Startups
Middle East, part 2: The travel startup scene
By Mitra Sorrells | April 15, 2019
For part two in our series on the Middle East we explore the startup ecosystem with input from founders, investors and support programs. Read More
Expedia-AI-ML
News / Technology
How Expedia is using deep learning to improve the hotel booking process
By Linda Fox | April 12, 2019
Expedia Partner Solutions is using deep learning models to improve the hotel booking process for partners and - ultimately - the end consumer. Read More
Zingle chatbot research
News / Technology
Chatbot usage on rise in travel, but effectiveness is tied to saving guests’ time
By Mitra Sorrells | April 11, 2019
A recent survey found consumers prefer human customer service rather than a chatbot, but they would use a chatbot if they believe it would save time. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Gomingo wants to bring down commission rates for accommodation providers
Interview / Distribution
STARTUP STAGE: Gomingo wants to bring down commission rates for accommodation providers
By Linda Fox | April 11, 2019
Gomingo aims to bring down commission rates for hotels and other accommodation providers by offering 0% commission to hotels that sign up initially with a promise that they will only reach a maximum of... Read More
Sojern opinion visual storytelling tips
Opinion / Online
Why travel marketers are embracing visual storytelling
By Stephen Taylor - Sojern | April 11, 2019
Visual storytelling is evolving and serves as an important and effective strategy for digital marketers in travel. Read More
Berger Volara on Alexa mistakes
Opinion / Technology
Lessons learned from a failed Amazon Alexa deployment
By David Berger - Volara | April 10, 2019
The success of Amazon Alexa for hospitality depends largely on how it is deployed, argues Volara CEO David Berger. Read More
Expedia Group reviews price more important than brand
News / Online
Guest reviews, room price more valuable than brand name in hotel selection
By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2019
According to Expedia Group, room price and guest reviews and ratings are more important than brand when consumers shop hotels. Read More
Marriott new hotels MENA region2
News / Distribution
Marriott will add 19 new properties in MENA region in 2019
By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2019
The expansion is part of the hotel brand's goal of bringing 100 properties to the area by 2023. Read More
flight-centre-upside
News / Technology
Flight Centre Travel Group acquires 25% stake in corporate travel service Upside
By Linda Fox | April 8, 2019
The strategic investment makes Flight Centre the largest individual shareholder in Upside. Read More
hostelworld-2018-financials
News / Distribution
Hostelworld looks to growth in 2020 following business review
By Linda Fox | April 8, 2019
Hostelworld lays out its roadmap for growth as it reports results for 2018. Read More
Prep for parity: everything hotels and online travel agencies need to know
From Our Partners / Distribution
Prep for parity: everything hotels and online travel agencies need to know
By Clive Wood - OTA Insight | April 8, 2019
The parity problem is not going away, but actionable data can help hoteliers address the problem and recoup revenue and reputation. Read More
Lonely Planet acquires TRILL to make its visual content bookable
News / Online
Lonely Planet acquires TRILL to make its visual content bookable
By Jill Menze | April 3, 2019
Lonely Planet will use TRILL's technology, which turns Instagram posts into bookable experiences, to cultivate a community of influencers. Read More
Google is at a crossroads with its ambitions in travel
News / Online
Google is at a crossroads with its ambitions in travel
By PhocusWire | April 3, 2019
The decisions around Google's strategy in travel will perhaps be made mainly by the company itself, despite the concerns of those that help fund its operations in the industry. Read More
phocuswright europe 2019 hotelbeds
Interview / Distribution
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with... Javier Arévalo
By PhocusWire | April 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: Hotelbeds managing director of Beyond The Bed Javier... Read More
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