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.

A new record? Two million room nights booked online in a single day... in one country
News / Online
A new record? Two million room nights booked online in a single day... in one country
By Kevin May | January 9, 2019
Meituan-Dianping is claiming a record of sorts this week. The company, which sells good and services Amazon-style in China alongside hotels and other travel products, says it offloaded more than two... Read More
SiteMinder partners with RoomIt to connect hotels directly to TMC clients
News / Distribution
SiteMinder partners with RoomIt to connect hotels directly to TMC clients
By Jill Menze | January 9, 2019
Through a new partnership with RoomIt, the hotel distribution arm of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, SiteMinder is giving its hotel customers direct access to a travel management company’s clients for the... Read More
Google Assistant hotel booking flight check-in
News / Technology
Google adds hotel booking, flight check-in to Google Assistant
By Mitra Sorrells | January 9, 2019
Travelers can now book a hotel room through a conversation with Google Assistant on Android and iOS devices Read More
Marriott and Expedia's battle over commissions could trigger industry-wide overhaul
News / Distribution
Marriott and Expedia's battle over commissions could trigger industry-wide overhaul
By Linda Fox | January 8, 2019
Expedia and Marriott are said to be near agreement on fee negotiations, other large hotel players are likely to follow suit. Read More
Marriott says 383 million, not original 500 million figure, guest records hit in hack
News / Technology
Marriott says 383 million, not original 500 million figure, guest records hit in hack
By Linda Fox | January 7, 2019
Marriott adjusts the numbers around those affected by the data attack. Read More
BTU Hotel blockchain booking platform
News / Startups
New hotel booking platform offers cryptocurrency rebates for travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | January 7, 2019
A new blockchain-based hotel booking platform launching today at CES promises to take no commission on bookings and give back about 5% of each transaction to travelers that use the site.   Read More
How are companies really facing personalization in the travel industry?
From Our Partners / Online
How are companies really facing personalization in the travel industry?
By Íñigo Valenzuela - Smartvel | January 6, 2019
The discussions revolving around the future of the travel industry are endless. Every article, podcast and webinar out there try to unravel the best strategies and trends companies must follow in order... Read More
11 uncomfortable truths about hotel revenue management
Opinion / Distribution
11 uncomfortable truths about hotel revenue management
By Vivek Bhogaraju - Expedia Group | January 3, 2019
Hotel revenue management (RM) is not new and has been around for 30+ years, yet only 3% of hotels globally use revenue management technology today. Read More
redawning-hotel-distribution
News / Distribution
RedAwning eyes boost for multi-unit properties through Google Hotel Ads
By Linda Fox | January 2, 2019
Vacation rental specialist RedAwning has launched Google Hotel Ads for the multi-unit properties on its expanding portfolio. Read More
VIDEO: Arise Travel - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Arise Travel - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 2, 2019
Arise is a blockchain-based distributed network for hotels and the ecosystem of products and services around them. Read More
A review of 2018, a preview for what's next: Retailing and ancillaries
News / Distribution
A review of 2018, a preview for what's next: Retailing and ancillaries
By Kevin May | December 31, 2018
To explore what lies ahead for retailing and ancillaries in relation to travel next year, we asked a company at the sharp end of it all to share some ideas. Read More
Bots, personalized offers will shape younger traveler habits in 2019
News / Online
Bots, personalized offers will shape younger traveler habits in 2019
By Jill Menze | December 31, 2018
Younger travelers are keen to engage with bots and are more likely to be swayed by personalized offers as they head into 2019. Read More
making-sense-travel-2018-2
Opinion / Distribution
Fallacies and travel: Making sense out of 2018
By Simone Puorto | December 28, 2018
A look at the four most important trends of the year worth saluting. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Jubel combines high-tech and high-touch trip-planning
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Jubel combines high-tech and high-touch trip-planning
By Mitra Sorrells | December 28, 2018
Jubel combines artificial intelligence and travel specialists to create customized proposals - including destinations, hotels and transportation – based on clients' personal preferences and styles.... Read More
VIDEO: Hotels and doing the simple things first with tech
News / Technology
VIDEO: Hotels and doing the simple things first with tech
By Kevin May | December 27, 2018
Hotels face battles on multiple fronts - but it's not just the obvious competitive elements that give them the biggest challenges. Read More
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