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.

Sharing economy spurs hotel investment in tech, loyalty programs
News / Technology
Sharing economy spurs hotel investment in tech, loyalty programs
By Mitra Sorrells | January 19, 2018
Competition from Airbnb, HomeAway and other sharing economy businesses that offer alternative accommodations is prompting hotels to beef up their marketing technology and loyalty programs.   Read More
Hotel tech in 2018: Tools and technologies to remove friction and deliver value
News / Technology
Hotel tech in 2018: Tools and technologies to remove friction and deliver value
By Arthur Chapin - Expedia | January 18, 2018
Simply keeping up with the expectations of tech-savvy consumers is no longer an option. Exceeding those expectations is imperative and an opportunity for hotels to focus on what truly matters to... Read More
Engagement Labs ranking travel sites
News / Online
Online vs. offline: Where travel brands drive the most positive sentiment
By Mitra Sorrells | January 18, 2018
Most online travel sites are generating better brand awareness via consumers’ face-to-face conversations than they are through social media, according to a report from Engagement Labs, which analyzes... Read More
Leisure travel report forecasts growth for hotels, tour operators
News / Online
Leisure travel report forecasts growth for hotels, tour operators
By Mitra Sorrells | January 18, 2018
 Investors will find a great deal to like across the travel and leisure segment in the coming year according to the latest research from Bank of America Merrill Lynch.    Read More
Video: Wildest dreams didn't predict success of Booking.com
News / Online
Video: Wildest dreams didn't predict success of Booking.com
By Kevin May | January 16, 2018
Depending on who you ask, Booking.com is either the finest example of an online travel success story or a giant of the industry that hotels love to hate. Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2018 - Amsterdam program is a go
News / Online
Phocuswright Europe 2018 - Amsterdam program is a go
By PhocusWire | January 15, 2018
Distribution, packaging, Asia Pacific, tours and attractions - just a few of the hot topics featured at this year’s Phocuswright Europe event. Read More
Research Spotlight: Airbnb looking back and forward
News / Online
Research Spotlight: Airbnb looking back and forward
By PhocusWire | January 12, 2018
Close to a decade since its foundation and $4.4 billion in funding later, Airbnb is one of the genuinely disruptive brands in the travel industry. Read More
QOTW: Something about blockchain and doomed travel giants
News / Distribution
QOTW: Something about blockchain and doomed travel giants
By PhocusWire | January 12, 2018
Quote from Maksim Izmaylov, CEO of Winding Tree. Read More
UK-based Snaptrip raises £2.1M, acquires Last Minute Cottages
News / Startups
UK-based Snaptrip raises £2.1M, acquires Last Minute Cottages
By Jill Menze | January 12, 2018
With a recent investment round tallying £2.1 million, Snaptrip has acquired Last Minute Cottages and is expanding its footprint in the United Kingdom’s holiday rental market. Read More
Marriott forced to close websites in China
News / Online
Marriott forced to close websites in China
By Kevin May | January 11, 2018
Marriott International has made a strong apology to the Chinese government and taken down its websites in the country following a series of "errors". Read More
IHG starts major Amadeus tech move with Kimpton
News / Technology
IHG starts major Amadeus tech move with Kimpton
By Kevin May | January 11, 2018
Kimpton is the first group of properties within the InterContinental Hotels Group to switch over to the long-awaited platform provided by Amadeus. Read More
asia-pacific-online-travel-tenth
News / Online
Research Spotlight: Online travel in Asia Pacific to continue soaring
By PhocusWire | January 11, 2018
The last 15 years have seen Asia Pacific go from being a relative backwater in online travel to the biggest regional market on the planet. Read More
Timescenery and Baarb push AI-driven results to fix travel search
News / Startups
Timescenery and Baarb push AI-driven results to fix travel search
By Mitra Sorrells | January 10, 2018
Timescenery, a travel planning site that combines data from suppliers with crowdsourced experiences from travelers, has launched a partnership with Baarb, an artificial intelligence company that... Read More
tripadvisor operational changes
News / Online
TripAdvisor business units overhauled, two execs depart
By Jill Menze | January 10, 2018
TripAdvisor is undergoing operational changes, a representative from the user review giant has confirmed. Read More
Powerful travel brands face uncertain future in a blockchain-led world
News / Distribution
Powerful travel brands face uncertain future in a blockchain-led world
By Mitra Sorrells | January 10, 2018
Will blockchain render powerful travel industry intermediaries extinct? That’s the prediction of Maksim Izmaylov, CEO of Winding Tree Read More
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