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.

Emirates Vacations puts AI-powered chatbot directly into ads
News / Online
Emirates Vacations puts AI-powered chatbot directly into ads
By Mitra Sorrells | February 27, 2018
Travel brands have been using chatbots for some time, on their websites and through Facebook Messenger, to engage customers with a conversational interface.   Read More
in the big chair brian chesky
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Brian Chesky of Airbnb
By Jill Menze | February 27, 2018
The three co-founders started Airbnb with an air mattress in their apartment. Now, the 36-year-old CEO oversees a travel company worth $31 billion. Read More
Airbnb exec takes key role at Booking.com
News / Online
Airbnb exec takes key role at Booking.com
By Kevin May | February 26, 2018
Booking.com will take an apparent fight it now faces with Airbnb head-on after hiring one of the private accommodation sharing giant's high profile figures. Read More
Blockchain cross border payments
News / Technology
Decoding blockchain, part 4: Cross-border payments
By Mitra Sorrells | February 26, 2018
Most of the headlines about blockchain have been about the implications of this emerging technology on the financial sector – the potential for it to change banking, share trading, insurance, payments... Read More
Travel managers told to check data and hold fire on booking hotels
News / Technology
Travel managers told to check data and hold fire on booking hotels
By Kevin May | February 26, 2018
Travel managers are missing out on getting heavily reduced rates on hotels because they are not examining pricing trends in their marketplaces. Read More
Interview: Airbnb CEO says it's now "100%" battling online travel agencies
News / Online
Interview: Airbnb CEO says it's now "100%" battling online travel agencies
By Jill Menze | February 23, 2018
Airbnb views itself going all-in with a plan to compete with the giants of the accommodation world - online travel agencies. Read More
Airbnb targets one billion guests per year by 2028
News / Online
Airbnb targets one billion guests per year by 2028
By Jill Menze | February 22, 2018
As Airbnb ushers in its tenth year in business, the home-share titan has announced a new “Roadmap” designed to bring annual guest count to more than one billion by 2028. Read More
Hostaway vacation rental system funding
News / Startups
Hostaway secures €700K to expand distribution tool for thriving rental market
By Mitra Sorrells | February 22, 2018
Helsinki, Finland-based Hostaway has raised €700,000 in funding to grow its vacation rental channel management solution.   Read More
Traxo Marketplace launch
News / Online
Traxo launches marketplace to manage corporate travel data
By Mitra Sorrells | February 21, 2018
Corporate travel managers looking to uncover off-channel bookings now have an additional tool to streamline the process.    Read More
TUI Group blockchain development 2
News / Technology
Q&A: Trust, truth and transparency at the heart of TUI Group’s blockchain work
By Mitra Sorrells | February 21, 2018
TUI Group was one of the first travel brands to make headlines for its adoption of blockchain.   Read More
RVshare $50M funding
News / Startups
RVshare raises $50M from team that funded HomeAway
By Mitra Sorrells | February 20, 2018
RVshare, a peer-to-peer recreational vehicle rental platform, has secured a $50 investment from Tritium Partners to accelerate growth of its marketplace. Read More
Travelport looks to 2021 for major business goals
News / Distribution
Travelport looks to 2021 for major business goals
By Kevin May | February 20, 2018
Travelport is targeting a number of major milestones over the course of the next three years - outside of the core GDS segment of the business. Read More
airbnb-hotel-distribution-analysis
News / Distribution
Can Airbnb trigger a revolution in hotel distribution?
By Cesar Lopez - Mirai | February 20, 2018
Given the size of Airbnb, recent coverage of its potential to open up to hotel distribution has been well worth the fanfare. Read More
Webjet opens blockchain marketplace to external partners
News / Technology
Webjet opens blockchain marketplace to external partners
By Mitra Sorrells | February 20, 2018
Webjet is expanding its blockchain initiative, Rezchain, to four companies: Thomas Cook, DidaTravel, Mitra Global and Far East Hospitality.   Read More
OneFineStay eyes business travel expansion through MagicStay deal
News / Online
OneFineStay eyes business travel expansion through MagicStay deal
By Kevin May | February 19, 2018
AccorHotels-owned upmarket rental brand OneFineStay is targeting corporates as part of an ongoing expansion plan to reach beyond high-end leisure travelers. Read More
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