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.

2018 review 2019 preview AI
News / Technology
A review of 2018, a preview for what's next: Artificial intelligence in travel
By Mitra Sorrells | December 27, 2018
To explore what lies ahead for AI in relation to travel, we solicited input from IBM’s global managing director for travel and transportation, Dee Waddell, and from Mark Holt, chief technology officer... Read More
VIDEO: Affirm - Launch pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: Affirm - Launch pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 27, 2018
Affirm allows your customers to pay for their trips over time via monthly installments offered at the point of sale. Read More
Nezasa lands $2.5M round to expand TripBuilder agent tech
News / Technology
Nezasa lands $2.5M round to expand TripBuilder agent tech
By Kevin May | December 24, 2018
Swiss startup Nezasa has secured a $2.5 million funding round in a package led by SVC For Risk Capital. Read More
VIDEO: uBingo Technology - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: uBingo Technology - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 24, 2018
This smart device and system activates hotel customers' in-house consumption ability and improves guest experiences. Read More
QOTW: Something about a battle of the platforms
News / Online
QOTW: Something about a battle of the platforms
By Kevin May | December 21, 2018
Quote from Sam Turner and Peter Mansour at Hotelbeds Group, in an article on PhocusWire this week. Read More
Digital actions for every travel company in 2019
Opinion / Online
Digital actions for every travel company in 2019
By Jon Reay - RewriteDigital | December 21, 2018
Digital will continue to transform travel in 2019. You may still be selling holidays, flights or accommodation but the way you do so has significantly shifted and will keep doing so. Read More
fareboom-launch-pitch
Interview / Online
VIDEO: Fareboom - Launch pitch at Phocuswright 2018
December 21, 2018
Thriving on data: What triggers purchase decision moments? Can you cut CAC by 33%? Can post purchase support run by itself? Read More
Believe the hype? 14 travel blockchain startups to watch in 2019
News / Technology
Believe the hype? 14 travel blockchain startups to watch in 2019
By Mitra Sorrells | December 20, 2018
Blockchain has been one of the most talked about concepts of 2018 - not least in travel, where its development is touted by some as the future of distribution and security. Read More
Travelers want more payment options and greater pricing transparency in online shopping
News / Online
Travelers want more payment options and greater pricing transparency in online shopping
By Linda Fox | December 19, 2018
Travelers are seeking a wider range of payment methods as well as greater transparency online according to a study. Read More
davincits-group-booking-hotels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Davinci TS wants to bring group hotel bookings into the 21st century
By Linda Fox | December 19, 2018
Davinci TS is a platform for the booking and management of group bookings in hotels. It aims to modernize the process for tour operators and hotels through automation. Read More
Analysts watch cautiously as Travelport heads back to private equity
News / Distribution
Analysts watch cautiously as Travelport heads back to private equity
By Kevin May | December 18, 2018
Travelport's decision to come off the public financial markets via a sale to private equity has drawn a lukewarm reaction to its long-term future. Read More
Marriott breach wider problem analysis
Notated News / Online
Marriott cyber breach shows industry's hospitality to hackers
By Patrick Clark - Bloomberg | December 18, 2018
For now, there are more questions than answers regarding Marriott's announcement of a far-reaching breach of the Starwood guest reservation database. Read More
Intermediary growth, consolidation and more hotel distribution trends for 2019
Opinion / Distribution
Intermediary growth, consolidation and more hotel distribution trends for 2019
By Sam Turner & Peter Mansour - Hotelbeds Group | December 18, 2018
Consolidation among hotel groups, a slowdown in the alternative accommodations space and airline websites selling hotel inventory were trends seen in 2018 that will continue into 2019. As the year comes... Read More
VIDEO: XTrader - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: XTrader - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 18, 2018
XTrader offers connected TV and digital video as customer acquisition channels in China. Read More
PhocusWire's newsmakers of the year 2018
News / Online
PhocusWire's newsmakers of the year 2018
By Kevin May | December 17, 2018
The profile of a brand in travel - and the perception of it from consumers and industry peers - is mostly generated over the course of certain events or a period of time. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026