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.

Alibaba pumps $486 million into Shiji hotel tech service
News / Technology
Alibaba pumps $486 million into Shiji hotel tech service
By Kevin May | February 8, 2018
Hotel and retail system provider Shiji Information Technology has landed a massive $486 million investment deal from Alibaba. Read More
Expedia ticks modest growth in 2017, now charting "new direction"
News / Online
Expedia ticks modest growth in 2017, now charting "new direction"
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2018
Expedia Inc.’s revenue increased 11% in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to a year prior – up to $2.32 billion – but the diverse online travel company still missed analysts’ expectations by $40... Read More
MakeMyTrip narrows losses amid revenue boost
News / Online
MakeMyTrip narrows losses amid revenue boost
By Kevin May | February 8, 2018
Indian online travel agency giant MakeMyTrip reduced losses and saw a significant jump in revenue in last quarter of 2017. Read More
Booking.com leads the way as top hotel channel
News / Distribution
Booking.com leads the way as top hotel channel
By Kevin May | February 7, 2018
Some 72 million reservations have been analysed to discover what are claimed to be top revenue-generating booking channels for hotels. Read More
Trivago ends first year on public markets with 37% revenue jump
News / Online
Trivago ends first year on public markets with 37% revenue jump
By Mitra Sorrells | February 7, 2018
Hotel metasearch platform Trivago says increased awareness of the brand and strategic TV advertising have helped push annual revenue above €1 billion in 2017 – the first time the Germany-based company... Read More
Airbnb officially opens up platform to hotel distribution
News / Distribution
Airbnb officially opens up platform to hotel distribution
By Kevin May | February 7, 2018
Airbnb is to allow hotels and other accommodation providers to list on the site for the first time through an official third party distribution network. Read More
Nordic Choice blockchain test Winding Tree
News / Technology
Q&A: How - and why - Nordic Choice Hotels is testing blockchain
By Mitra Sorrells | February 7, 2018
Could an open-source blockchain-based distribution system stimulate innovative solutions from travel industry startups, provide more choices to travelers, and drive more revenue to suppliers?  Read More
Google new nav bar hotel search
News / Online
Google simplifies travel search, leads for partners with new all-in-one mobile upgrade
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2018
Google is adding new features to its travel search functions to add ease and speed for mobile users. Read More
Online travel agency fightback: Tactics to lure direct bookings
Opinion / Distribution
Online travel agency fightback: Tactics to lure direct bookings
By Max Starkov - HEBS Digital | February 6, 2018
As the travel planning journey continues to become increasingly more complex, hoteliers need to be looking for more impactful ways to engage and retain their best potential guests. Read More
Bing Phocuswright digital travel marketing study
News / Online
What travel marketers need to know for digital engagement
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2018
Travel marketers should fine-tune digital strategies to attract new customers and reinforce loyalty among existing ones as they strive to prevail in the competitive landscape of online travel agencies,... Read More
phocuswright research otas
News / Distribution
Research Spotlight: OTAs, the big getting even bigger
By PhocusWire | February 5, 2018
Competition to online travel agencies no longer comes from fellow OTAs and traditional suppliers. Read More
QOTW: Something about one-size-fits-all customers
News / Online
QOTW: Something about one-size-fits-all customers
By PhocusWire | February 2, 2018
Quote from Feargal Mooney, CEO of Hostelworld. Read More
An insider's tale on hotel website conversion rates
Opinion / Distribution
An insider's tale on hotel website conversion rates
By Jean-Louis Boss - Fastbooking | February 2, 2018
The conversion rate of a hotel website is determined by so many factors that one shouldn’t be fooled into trying to meet an industry average. Read More
Sabre Bedsonline TravelBound Expedia Affiliate Network
News / Distribution
Sabre preps new content service with lodging offerings
By Mitra Sorrells | February 2, 2018
When Sabre’s new Content Services for Lodging launches later this year it will give travel buyers access to more than 900,000 hotel properties. Read More
Airbnb CFO out new COO named
News / Technology
Airbnb IPO ruled out for 2018, CFO departs
By Jill Menze | February 1, 2018
Just days after Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky outlined the company’s plans toward moving into the next century, it was announced that Laurence Tosi is stepping down from his position as chief financial... Read More
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