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.

Sounding Off: Airbnb should accept that some things are done certain ways
Interview / Distribution
Sounding Off: Airbnb should accept that some things are done certain ways
By PhocusWire | February 1, 2019
The dull mechanics behind what is known as process shouldn't be allowed to prohibit a brand such as Airbnb from making a genuine challenge to OTAs. Read More
Zingle hospitality messaging 11M funding
News / Technology
Zingle charts deeper push into hospitality with $11M capital raise
By Mitra Sorrells | February 1, 2019
B2C messaging platform Zingle has landed $11 million in new funding to support its growth in hospitality. Read More
oyo-rooms-indonesia
News / Distribution
OYO sees rapid growth Indonesia, commits $50M to expansion in the Philippines
By Linda Fox | January 31, 2019
OYO continues its rapid expansion with a ramp up in Indonesia and launch in the Philippines. Read More
Triptease shifts to full-service platform to drive direct bookings
News / Distribution
Triptease shifts to full-service platform to drive direct bookings
By Kevin May | January 30, 2019
Famous for its price comparison widget, Triptease now includes tools to track user behavior to help hotels lure business away from online travel agencies. Read More
Bitter roots, sweet fruit - the current state of marketing automation in hospitality
Opinion / Technology
Bitter roots, sweet fruit - the current state of marketing automation in hospitality
By Simone Puorto - Simone Puorto Consulting | January 30, 2019
Hotels are skeptical about investing in marketing automation for economic and cultural reasons, but doing so is necessary to get closer to customers. Read More
Switchfly in new hands as private equity firms take over loyalty tech provider
News / Technology
Switchfly in new hands as private equity firms take over loyalty tech provider
By Kevin May | January 29, 2019
Golub Capital and L Capital take a controlling stake in the business, with a new CEO coming in as former boss steps down. Read More
With new strategic investment, Recharge extends by-the-minute booking platform to vacant homes
News / Distribution
With new strategic investment, Recharge extends by-the-minute booking platform to vacant homes
By Jill Menze | January 29, 2019
In addition to hotels, users of Recharge's pay-by-the-minute platform can now book homes, as well. Read More
Why Airbnb must avoid the tech trap OTAs fell into for years
Opinion / Distribution
Why Airbnb must avoid the tech trap OTAs fell into for years
By Craig Stewart - Freetobook | January 29, 2019
Airbnb's much-lauded move into hotel distribution has been a welcome addition to the hotel ecosystem - but it should beware of age-old pitfalls. Read More
A new era of personalization - for both travelers and suppliers
Opinion / Technology
A new era of personalization - for both travelers and suppliers
By Benoit Jolin - Expedia Group | January 29, 2019
The travel industry is entering an age of both traveler and supplier personalization - leveraging high-tech to deliver high-touch experiences. Read More
Intelity raises $44M to fuel global expansion of guest management platform
News / Technology
Intelity raises $44M to fuel global expansion of guest management platform
By Kevin May | January 28, 2019
The investment in the back-of-house software suite from private equity firm LLR Partners follows Intelity's merger with Keypr in 2018. Read More
trivago-webinar-january-2019-2
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! How well are independent hoteliers adapting to the digital age?
By Kevin May | January 25, 2019
Phocuswright and trivago present key findings from the Independent Lodging Study 2018.  In 2018 independent hotels are performing better in the online environment — but challenges remain. Read More
Consumers want companionship - but not from humans - while traveling
News / Technology
Consumers want companionship - but not from humans - while traveling
By Jill Menze | January 25, 2019
According to a new study from Sabre, a desire to avoid humans, virtual companions and new points-of-sale are among the consumer trends shaping the hospitality industry this year. Read More
MakeMyTrip posts gains in revenue and bookings as overall loss figure narrows
News / Online
MakeMyTrip posts gains in revenue and bookings as overall loss figure narrows
By Kevin May | January 24, 2019
Total gross booking volumes hit $1.41 billion, up by 32% on the same period in 2017 - pushing loss figure down to $22.9 million. Read More
Are hotels on the verge of a parity nightmare?
Opinion / Distribution
Are hotels on the verge of a parity nightmare?
By Lily McIlwain - Triptease | January 24, 2019
Booking.com has rolled out its Booking.Basic feature to European hotel listings, which could spell a serious parity problem for hoteliers. Read More
New model hotel op-ed Gulati
News / Startups
When it comes to guest personalization, price is only one piece of the puzzle
By Valerie Castillo - TrustYou | January 23, 2019
A new hotel brand, Life House, is currently testing an algorithmic pricing system based on customer profiles, history, spending habits and even social media followers.  Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026