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.

TripAdvisor full year earnings 2018
News / Online
TripAdvisor credits “reinvigorated” hotel segment, sees growth in experiences and restaurants during 2018
By Mitra Sorrells | February 13, 2019
TripAdvisor reports improved hotel segment profitability and growing experiences and restaurants for 2018 financial results. Read More
Sabre bullish for the year ahead, rounds out 2018 with revenue close to $4BN
News / Distribution
Sabre bullish for the year ahead, rounds out 2018 with revenue close to $4BN
By Linda Fox | February 12, 2019
Sabre says it's confident of growth in revenue for 2019 as it announces 2018 full-year figures. Read More
Travel websites losing billions as shoppers abandon purchases
News / Online
Travel websites losing billions as shoppers abandon purchases
By Linda Fox | February 11, 2019
An eye-watering estimate of $2.4 billion was lost in online revenue on websites during the fourth quarter of 2018. Read More
China, part 2: A conversation with Ctrip founder James Liang
News / Online
China, part 2: A conversation with Ctrip founder James Liang
By Mitra Sorrells | February 11, 2019
For part two of our China theme month, we talk to Ctrip co-founder and chairman James Liang about the company's growth and future plans. Read More
How airlines can sweat existing assets to capture in-flight eyeballs
Opinion / Technology
How airlines can sweat existing assets to capture in-flight eyeballs
By Dan Hurwitz - Penthera | February 11, 2019
In-flight entertainment has evolved at a rapid pace in recent years, yet seat-back screens are already on the decline - so airlines need to think differently as their passengers are now paying more... Read More
Expedia earnings full year 2018
News / Online
Expedia reports double-digit growth in key metrics in 2018, continues international push
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2019
Expedia Group turned in strong figures for 2018 as it looks to continuing strengthening its product in new international markets. Read More
airbnb-transportation-fred-reid
News / Online
Airbnb hires airline veteran Fred Reid to oversee "transportation", but rules out obvious options
By Kevin May | February 7, 2019
The seasoned airline exec - Virgin America, Lufthansa, American Airlines and Delta - becomes the company's global head of transportation. Read More
In The Big Chair - Kevin King of Shiji
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Kevin King of Shiji
By Mitra Sorrells | February 7, 2019
Founded in 1998, Shiji Information Technology Company provides software solutions and services for the hospitality, food service, retail and entertainment industries, ranging from hotel management... Read More
Can OYO capture the unbranded hotel market in the U.S. and Europe?
News / Distribution
Can OYO capture the unbranded hotel market in the U.S. and Europe?
By Mitra Sorrells | February 7, 2019
OYO Hotels & Homes is expanding again, debuting in the United States and ramping up operations in Europe. Read More
hotel-regulator-online-travel-agency-2
News / Online
Online travel agencies under spotlight from regulators and academics over hotel strategies
By Kevin May | February 6, 2019
Booking.com and Expedia agree to cooperate with a set of guidelines regarding the portrayal of discounts, availability and influence of commissions on rankings. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Personalizing the group experience for hotels
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! Personalizing the group experience for hotels
By PhocusWire | February 6, 2019
Amadeus will explain how you can improve customer relationship management across your entire hotel portfolio by leveraging data to better connect with guests, filling guest rooms and function space and... Read More
As competition diversifies, Booking.com remains top hotel channel
News / Distribution
As competition diversifies, Booking.com remains top hotel channel
By Jill Menze | February 6, 2019
When it comes to bringing in booking revenue to hotels, Booking.com remains the channel on top - though new players are entering the space. Read More
Pegasus and Travel Tripper agree to merge in hotel tech wrap-up
News / Technology
Pegasus and Travel Tripper agree to merge in hotel tech wrap-up
By Kevin May | February 6, 2019
Accel-KKR is putting a "substantial" investment into the merger - bringing together the 11-year-old Travel Tripper with one of the pioneers of the hotel CRS. Read More
Google tells hotels to think of smart devices as extra organs of a guest's body
News / Technology
Google tells hotels to think of smart devices as extra organs of a guest's body
By Hollis Thomases - Phocuswright | February 4, 2019
The search giant says the proliferation of devices has created rapid, cultural shifts and changed the way people expect things from their brands... making people more curious, demanding and... Read More
China series part 1 overview
News / Online
China, part 1: The big (and getting bigger) picture
By Mitra Sorrells | February 4, 2019
Travel brands and suppliers need to be aware that the Chinese travel market is not only growing - it is also changing. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026