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.

Regulator accuses Expedia, Booking.com and IHG in hotel competition infringement probe
News / Online
Regulator accuses Expedia, Booking.com and IHG in hotel competition infringement probe
By Kevin May | July 31, 2012
Two years in the making, UK regulator The Office of Fair Trading has cited Expedia, Booking.com and InterContinental Hotels in its investigation into fixing hotel rates. Read More
Hotel revolution needed: Start with guarantee policies and pull GDSs out of the Old School
News / Online
Hotel revolution needed: Start with guarantee policies and pull GDSs out of the Old School
By Viewpoints | July 30, 2012
Following the success of partnerships with Google’s Hotel Finder and Room Key, hotel central reservation system vendor Trust International sees a proliferation of online booking channels a boon to... Read More
How to use great customer service to trigger social media attention [15 TIPS]
News / Online
How to use great customer service to trigger social media attention [15 TIPS]
By Josiah Mackenzie | July 25, 2012
Remarkable customer service pays dividends in the travel industry by increasing loyalty and word of mouth buzz. Read More
Revinate grabs $14.5M funding round, travel reputation management becomes a big deal
News / Online
Revinate grabs $14.5M funding round, travel reputation management becomes a big deal
By Kevin May | July 24, 2012
Further validation of a growing sector in the industry with Revinate capturing a healthy funding round in the form of $14.5 million from Benchmark Capital and Formation 8. Read More
What happens if the hotel industry finally says RIP to rate parity?
News / Distribution
What happens if the hotel industry finally says RIP to rate parity?
By Viewpoints | July 24, 2012
It looks like the hotel industry's trusty steed, rate parity, is lumbering towards the knackers yard, trash heap, call it what you like... Read More
Finally, something BIG to get excited about in hotel technology
News / Online
Finally, something BIG to get excited about in hotel technology
By Glenn Gruber | July 24, 2012
There’s little new in hotel distribution, but that’s not to say that there’s little interesting going on elsewhere in the industry when it comes to technology. Read More
Busting five myths about mobile applications for hotels
News / Online
Busting five myths about mobile applications for hotels
By Viewpoints | July 24, 2012
Over the last few months I have been very disappointed by hearing several hotel Internet marketing companies dismissing mobile applications as part of a hotel’s mobile marketing strategy. Read More
Error 404 pages on travel websites - the good, the cute and the ugly
News / Online
Error 404 pages on travel websites - the good, the cute and the ugly
By Kevin May | July 20, 2012
Hear less about the dreaded "blue screen of death" these days as, presumably, computers are getting better - but unfortunately website errors are still commonplace. Read More
TripAdvisor stakes major influence: Reviews associated with £1.7BN of tourism spending
News / Online
TripAdvisor stakes major influence: Reviews associated with £1.7BN of tourism spending
By Kevin May | July 19, 2012
In a claim almost guaranteed to irk its noisiest critics, TripAdvisor reckons that page views of its content (ie. reviews) had some influence on £1.7 billion worth of business in 2011. Read More
Yapta ends search for new CEO, appoints EZYield boss James Filsinger
News / Online
Yapta ends search for new CEO, appoints EZYield boss James Filsinger
By Kevin May | July 18, 2012
Over seven months after co-founder and CEO Tom Romary quit the company, Yapta has installed a new boss to take care of the airfare price tracking service. Read More
Qantas launches Hooroo accommodation and social media spin-off website
News / Online
Qantas launches Hooroo accommodation and social media spin-off website
By Kevin May | July 18, 2012
In what is being billed as an attempt to boost domestic tourism, Qantas has unveiled a service called Hooroo combining hotel search and booking with a big emphasis on social media. Read More
Three ways hotels can drive revenue keeping a close eye on social media data
News / Online
Three ways hotels can drive revenue keeping a close eye on social media data
By Josiah Mackenzie | July 17, 2012
One of the most revolutionary trends happening in hotel technology right now is the use of social media data and customer review analytics in optimizing distribution and maximizing revenue growth. Read More
Vast majority of travellers now expect free wifi in hotels
News / Online
Vast majority of travellers now expect free wifi in hotels
By Kevin May | July 16, 2012
It is possibly one of the most fiercely debated topics in (consumer) travel technology - should consumers be entitled to free wifi and web access in hotels? Read More
Hey! Wise up, Feeding The Beast in travel is not such a bad thing
News / Online
Hey! Wise up, Feeding The Beast in travel is not such a bad thing
By Viewpoints | July 16, 2012
Anyone reading Andrey Spektor’s article on hotel affiliate programs could be forgiven for wondering why any established travel brand would ever work with an online travel agency. Read More
Apple iTravel comes closer as design patents are approved by officials
News / Online
Apple iTravel comes closer as design patents are approved by officials
By Kevin May | July 10, 2012
It's been over 18 months since there was any official action on the Apple iTravel front - but perhaps things will stir once again after the regulators approved a number of important patents. Read More
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