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.

Google's take on travel search and AI's influence
News / Technology
Google's take on travel search and AI's influence
By Abby Crotty | July 25, 2025
Google's director of travel, Sergio Torrijos Selma, discussed search trends, delving deeper into how AI will transform the trip planning process and impact travel marketers. Read More
Report: Creating lasting connections in travel and hospitality
From Our Partners / Online
Report: Creating lasting connections in travel and hospitality
By Acoustic | July 24, 2025
First-party behavioral data that includes intent signals can help travel brands identify which customers need more time or need immediate attention, so they can deliver timely and relevant messaging. Read More
Why payment friction is costing travel sellers more than they realize
From Our Partners / Technology
Why payment friction is costing travel sellers more than they realize
By PhocusWire | July 23, 2025
Modulr's Jaime Guzmán shared findings from the company's research on payment processes and inefficiencies caused by outdated tools. Read More
How AI is transforming travel safety for real people
Opinion / Technology
How AI is transforming travel safety for real people
By Suzanne Sangiovese - Riskline | July 23, 2025
Riskline CEO Suzanne Sangiovese discusses how AI can change the game and improve traveler safety. Read More
How travel marketers can navigate AI evolution of search
News / Technology
How travel marketers can navigate AI evolution of search
By Morgan Hines | July 21, 2025
During the latest installment of Phocuswright’s The New Age(nts) Trend Series, experts opened up about AI-driven marketing changes. Read More
How order management systems could create a new era of connected travel
Opinion / Distribution
How order management systems could create a new era of connected travel
By Cyril Tetaz - Amadeus | July 21, 2025
Cyril Tetaz, EVP of airline solutions at Amadeus, breaks down six ways order management systems will impact connected travel. Read More
Folio lands $14M to fuel growth
News / Startups
Folio lands $14M to fuel growth
By Linda Fox | July 18, 2025
Folio plans to put the funds towards fast implementation of its technology for hotels. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Fora, Amex GBT, Expedia Group and more...
News
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Fora, Amex GBT, Expedia Group and more...
By PhocusWire | July 18, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Headwinds and tailwinds impacting the European rentals landscape
News / Online
Headwinds and tailwinds impacting the European rentals landscape
By Linda Fox | July 18, 2025
Executives from Airbnb and HomeToGo discussed the professionalization of rentals as well as the potential to turn regulations into an opportunity at Phocuswright Europe 2025. Read More
European hotels rebuff Airbnb's overtourism claims
News / Online
European hotels rebuff Airbnb's overtourism claims
By Mark Frary | July 17, 2025
Airbnb alleges that hotels are to blame for overtourism in Europe, but hotels say that's not the case. Read More
Travel sellers look to flexibility and protection to boost conversion
From Our Partners / Online
Travel sellers look to flexibility and protection to boost conversion
By PhocusWire | July 16, 2025
Protect Group’s Stephen Joyce unpacks the new economics of refund protection, the growing demand for flexible booking options and why “cancel for any reason” models often fail to deliver value. Read More
Accor's tech chief on experiences, shifting mindset and system fragmentation
News / Technology
Accor's tech chief on experiences, shifting mindset and system fragmentation
By Linda Fox | July 16, 2025
Accor's chief commercial, digital and technology officer Alix Boulnois shared her thoughts on the group's digital transformation during an interview at Phocuswright Europe 2025. Read More
Turning visitor data into intelligence for travel marketing
From Our Partners / Online
Turning visitor data into intelligence for travel marketing
By PhocusWire | July 15, 2025
This new five-part video series from Zartico provides expert insights for travel marketers on how to effectively use visitor intelligence to drive growth. Read More
Instagram's Google integration: A game changer for travel marketing
Opinion / Online
Instagram's Google integration: A game changer for travel marketing
By Mario Gavira | July 15, 2025
Mario Gavira discusses Instagram's Google integration, calling the implications "profound" amid the visual storytelling era. Read More
Industry leaders on the future of digital identity and AI agents
News / Technology
Industry leaders on the future of digital identity and AI agents
By Abby Crotty | July 14, 2025
During a session at Phocuswright Europe 2025, industry leaders discussed the impact of digital identity wallets and how AI will come into play. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026