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.

U.K. travel market sees mobile acceleration, shifting infrastructure landscape
News / Online
U.K. travel market sees mobile acceleration, shifting infrastructure landscape
By Phocuswright Research | June 2, 2025
Despite headwinds—the United Kingdom travel market is benefiting from a stable economy, rising consumer demand and strong digital adoption. Read More
Class action suit filed against Booking.com in Europe
News / Distribution
Class action suit filed against Booking.com in Europe
By Mark Frary | June 2, 2025
The action follows a September 2024 judgement by the European Court Justice in the long-running case between Booking.com and German hotels and groups. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amex GBT, Cloudbeds, IDeaS and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amex GBT, Cloudbeds, IDeaS and more...
By PhocusWire | May 30, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.   Read More
Why AI travel scenarios miss the $3T opportunity
Opinion / Technology
Why AI travel scenarios miss the $3T opportunity
By Robert Matsuoka | May 30, 2025
Former TripAdvisor exec Robert Matsuoka evaluates where AI misses the mark in travel—and where the actual disruption will come from. Read More
Rapid Fire with Shilpa Ranganathan of Expedia Group
News / Online
Rapid Fire with Shilpa Ranganathan of Expedia Group
By Morgan Hines | May 29, 2025
As we count down to Phocuswright Europe, PhocusWire is shining the spotlight on a selection of conference speakers in a series of Q&As. Read More
How will generative AI impact travel distribution?
News / Distribution
How will generative AI impact travel distribution?
By Abby Crotty | May 29, 2025
In the latest installment of Phocuswright’s The New Age(nts) Trend Series, industry leaders discussed the travel sector’s preparedness for distribution shifts in the face of the generative AI... Read More
Luxury short-term rental platform Wander raises $50M
News / Online
Luxury short-term rental platform Wander raises $50M
By Morgan Hines | May 28, 2025
 Wander will use the funding for expansion and to continue investing in its artificial intelligence-powered operating system, WanderOS. Read More
Writing a new industrial intelligence playbook for investors
From Our Partners / Technology
Writing a new industrial intelligence playbook for investors
By Chris Hemmeter, Thayer Investment Partners | May 28, 2025
With disruption and dislocation defining the current travel landscape, entrepreneurs and investors—strategic and corporate VCs—need to leverage their strengths and create a team that is stronger than... Read More
Moving beyond points: The state of hotel loyalty programs
News / Online
Moving beyond points: The state of hotel loyalty programs
By Marisa Garcia | May 28, 2025
Points-based hotel loyalty programs are not dead but they are evolving towards a hybrid offering of "instant, milestone and aspirational." Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Bolt, SITA, Google and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Bolt, SITA, Google and more...
May 23, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Hotel ID initiative launched to simplify industry communications
News / Distribution
Hotel ID initiative launched to simplify industry communications
By Linda Fox | May 22, 2025
The non-profit Hospitality ID initiative aims to tackle the challenges faced by hotels, travel and technology suppliers and booking platforms when communicating with each other. Read More
Swiss regulator orders Booking.com to cut commission rates 25%
News / Distribution
Swiss regulator orders Booking.com to cut commission rates 25%
By Abby Crotty | May 22, 2025
The regulator said the ruling was “necessary,” as the parties were unable to reach an agreement after “intensive negotiations.”  Read More
Rapid Fire with Nicolas Martiquet of Amadeus
News / Online
Rapid Fire with Nicolas Martiquet of Amadeus
By Morgan Hines | May 22, 2025
As we count down to Phocuswright Europe, PhocusWire is shining the spotlight on a selection of conference speakers in a series of Q&As. Read More
4 scenarios on the future of agentic AI in travel
Opinion / Technology
4 scenarios on the future of agentic AI in travel
By Mario Gavira | May 22, 2025
Mario Gavira outlines future scenarios amid the evolution of agentic AI in travel—and provides key recommendations for how OTAs can respond. Read More
WiT Queenstown to debut in 2026
News / Online
WiT Queenstown to debut in 2026
By PhocusWire | May 21, 2025
The one-day event, which aims to spark innovation in travel technology, will be held in partnership with not-for-profit organization Technology Queenstown. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026