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.

Accor boosts Middle East distribution with Al Tayyar partnership
News / Distribution
Accor boosts Middle East distribution with Al Tayyar partnership
By Mitra Sorrells | April 3, 2019
Accor will provide Saudi Arabia-based Al Tayyar Travel Group direct access to real-time rates and availability for its portfolio of 4,800 hotels and resorts in 100 countries worldwide.    Read More
Why travelers expect brands to deliver an omnichannel experience from start to end?
From Our Partners / Online
Why travelers expect brands to deliver an omnichannel experience from start to end?
By Íñigo Valenzuela - Smartvel | April 3, 2019
It has become the trend for customers to reach out to several touchpoints for inspiration, price comparisons and customer reviews before finally choosing between different services. Read More
How smaller travel brands can ride the personalization wave
Opinion / Technology
How smaller travel brands can ride the personalization wave
By Matt Langie - Adara | April 2, 2019
Personalization is great for a global airline, or even a regional cruise line. For most smaller travel brands, even regular personalization can seem out of reach.  Read More
Airbnb confirms investment in Indian hospitality brand OYO
News / Online
Airbnb confirms investment in Indian hospitality brand OYO
By Jill Menze | April 1, 2019
The rumors are confirmed, and the deal is estimated between $100 million and $200 million. Read More
The wake-up call in security that travel brands need to listen to
News / Technology
The wake-up call in security that travel brands need to listen to
By Linda Fox | April 1, 2019
Security breaches in travel are rising - IBM gives some indication as to the reasons why and how much it can cost. Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with... Nadim El Manawy
Interview / Technology
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with... Nadim El Manawy
By PhocusWire | April 1, 2019
Launched in early 2018, Arise uses distributed ledger technology to help hotels control the distribution of their rates and inventory and to improve the commission reconciliation process.  Read More
amadeus-cloud-migration
News / Technology
As Amadeus embarks on cloud journey, Expedia keeps it real
By Linda Fox | March 28, 2019
Amadeus has begun migrating services to the cloud beginning with its Master Pricer shopping technology. Read More
Airbnb counts half a billion guest arrivals, host earnings at $65B
News / Online
Airbnb counts half a billion guest arrivals, host earnings at $65B
By Jill Menze | March 27, 2019
More than 500,000 guests have stayed at Airbnb properties around the globe, the company reports, with three guests checking into listings every half-second. Read More
Why hoteliers should jump on the personalization bandwagon
From Our Partners / Technology
Why hoteliers should jump on the personalization bandwagon
By Diane Merlino | March 27, 2019
While technology plays a critical role on the facilitation side, the primary push for personalization in the travel industry is coming directly from consumers. Read More
Rate parity issues continue to challenge hotels in key markets
News / Distribution
Rate parity issues continue to challenge hotels in key markets
By Linda Fox | March 25, 2019
OTA Insight's Annual Hotel Parity Review shows independent hotels and local chains are more likely to suffer losses from rate parity issues. Read More
Welcome Pickups speeds off with €3.3M to grow "holistic" in-destination service
News / Online
Welcome Pickups speeds off with €3.3M to grow "holistic" in-destination service
By Jill Menze | March 22, 2019
The Athens, Greece-based company will use the funds to build a traveler app and grow its team and partnerships. Read More
hotels-cyber-attacks-fraud
News / Online
Highly connected hotel industry continues to be vulnerable to cyber attacks
By Linda Fox | March 20, 2019
Fraud in travel is on the up, according to a number of recently released reports from experts in the field. Read More
Zuzu Hospitality Solutions expands in Asia Pacific with $3.7M round
News / Technology
Zuzu Hospitality Solutions expands in Asia Pacific with $3.7M round
By Jill Menze | March 20, 2019
Revenue management service Zuzu Hospitality Solutions has notched $3.7 million in a Series A round. Read More
Accommodation providers want brand "hijacking" on Google to be made illegal
News / Online
Accommodation providers want brand "hijacking" on Google to be made illegal
By Linda Fox | March 19, 2019
The Bed and Breakfast Association is supporting a petition to make bidding by OTAs on a B&B or hotel’s name on search engines illegal. Read More
VIDEO: Personalization and its impact on hotels - past, present and future
News / Technology
VIDEO: Personalization and its impact on hotels - past, present and future
By Kevin May | March 19, 2019
The road to personalization in travel has been a slow one, and now, it seems, with technology and 24/7 connections with guests, the opportunity is even greater. Read More
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