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.

Life House hotel funding $40M
News / Startups
Tech-driven boutique brand Life House launches with $40M and plans to bypass OTAs
By Mitra Sorrells | May 22, 2018
A new hotel brand has secured $40 million in funding to develop its boutique hotel product and proprietary technology platform.    Read More
VIDEO: Airbnb on moving forward as a company
News / Online
VIDEO: Airbnb on moving forward as a company
By PhocusWire | May 18, 2018
Airbnb has joined the ranks of brands in the industry that can generally fill a room whenever one of their executive comes along to speak. Read More
power paradox pcw
News / Technology
The Phocuswright Conference 2018: Introducing the Power Paradox
By PhocusWire | May 17, 2018
Travel’s biggest have never been bigger. So much market power for so few. This status quo is unprecedented. Dominance defines the state of things. Read More
the shared hotel room
Opinion / Technology
Why hotel rooms belong to guests - not hoteliers
By David Goldstone - DigiValet | May 17, 2018
Airbnb and other “shared economy” businesses have raised the bar for travel providers who wish to deliver personalized, truly local experiences for guests. For hotels, the new environment means a... Read More
VIDEO: The secrets behind Secret Escapes
News / Online
VIDEO: The secrets behind Secret Escapes
By Kevin May | May 17, 2018
Secret Escapes is the runaway success story from the plethora of travel brands that emerged at the turn of the decade with the idea of online discounted hotel sales. Read More
Only three in ten French hotel bookings will be direct by 2022
News / Distribution
Only three in ten French hotel bookings will be direct by 2022
By Kevin May | May 16, 2018
Hotel bookings in France are dominated by third party sites - and growth of the direct channel is tipped to slow over the next five years. Read More
ADARA CYI framework
News / Online
ADARA launches new personalization framework for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | May 16, 2018
Enterprise travel data solution provider ADARA has created a new framework to hep brands deliver personalized experiences to their customers. Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Maud Bailly on a revolution in habits
Interview / Distribution
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Maud Bailly on a revolution in habits
By PhocusWire | May 15, 2018
Ahead of Phocuswright Europe, she outlines the need for "responsible personalization," what the role of a CDO entails and AccorHotels' plans for the future. Read More
Travelport digital engagement
News / Technology
Technology is driving "tidal wave of change" for booming travel industry
By Mitra Sorrells | May 15, 2018
The combination of strong economies around the world and rapid developments in technology are causing significant, fundamental changes in the business of travel.   Read More
Online travel agencies and their use of "voodoo science"
Opinion / Distribution
Online travel agencies and their use of "voodoo science"
By Max Starkov - HEBS Digital | May 15, 2018
It was always going to be mildly controversial when the European Technology and Travel Services Association (ETTSA) released its report last week into direct hotel bookings. Read More
Security series part 2 GDPR
News / Technology
Unlocking travel security, part 2: The looming GDPR deadline
By Mitra Sorrells | May 14, 2018
The European Parliament approved GDPR in 2016 and gave companies two years to prepare their systems and policies for compliance.  Read More
trivago triphappy
News / Online
Trivago buys AI startup TripHappy to improve personalized search
By Jill Menze | May 10, 2018
In a bid to expand its personalized offerings for consumers, German hotel metasearch platform Trivago has acquired artificial intelligence startup TripHappy. Read More
Hotel direct distribution benefits "debunked"
News / Distribution
Hotel direct distribution benefits "debunked"
By Kevin May | May 10, 2018
"No measurable impact" is the headline-grabbing finding from a study looking at whether direct bookings have any impact on the cost of distribution for hotels. Read More
tripadvisor global travel economy
News / Online
TripAdvisor claims to influence 10 percent of $5 trillion global travel economy
By Jill Menze | May 10, 2018
TripAdvisor has issued another not-so-subtle reminder of its status and influence in the travel market - this time with the dollars to back it up. Read More
Booking Holdings hits record $25B booking mark for a quarter
By Jill Menze | May 9, 2018
In the first quarter of 2018, Booking Holdings, formerly the Priceline Group, has reported significant financial growth despite a slowing of growth in bookings and room nights. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026