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.

Marriott acquires citizenM for $355M
News / Distribution
Marriott acquires citizenM for $355M
By Morgan Hines & Linda Fox | April 28, 2025
Last year, it was reported that citizenM was exploring opportunities to sell the brand. Read More
Startup Stage: SuiteOp wants to help STRs and hotels automate operations
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: SuiteOp wants to help STRs and hotels automate operations
By Abby Crotty | April 28, 2025
Guest operations platform SuiteOp is "laser focused" on its goal of turning manual processes into "100% automation." Read More
Consumer awareness of travel's impact on destinations grows
News / Online
Consumer awareness of travel's impact on destinations grows
By Linda Fox | April 25, 2025
Travelers are showing a heightened awareness of their impact on destinations and factoring in the potential for overcrowding, according to Booking.com's latest report on travel and sustainability.  Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, Hopper, Amex and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, Hopper, Amex and more...
By PhocusWire | April 25, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Modern travel agency Fora Travel raises $60M
News / Startups
Modern travel agency Fora Travel raises $60M
By Morgan Hines | April 24, 2025
Fora CEO Evan Frank said the latest round of funding will be used "to modernize the travel industry for good." Read More
How content creators help travel brands recruit new hires
News / Online
How content creators help travel brands recruit new hires
By Matthew Parsons | April 24, 2025
Travel brands are using social media to recruit staff, but industry experts say that retaining talent is just as important as attracting it. Read More
Hotel payments management platform ROH raises $9.2M
News / Startups
Hotel payments management platform ROH raises $9.2M
By Abby Crotty | April 22, 2025
The company said the investment will be used to expand its platform and enhance processes. Read More
70% of global travelers want virtual reality to explore a destination
From Our Partners / Online
70% of global travelers want virtual reality to explore a destination
By Joerg Schuler, Amadeus Hospitality | April 22, 2025
New research from Amadeus uncovers preferences and dreams of travelers from around the world.   Read More
Revenue management software company IDeaS launches marketing solution
News / Distribution
Revenue management software company IDeaS launches marketing solution
By Abby Crotty | April 22, 2025
The tool is designed to help marketing teams determine how to best leverage campaigns to drive bookings. Read More
Bridging the "say-do" gap in sustainable travel
News / Online
Bridging the "say-do" gap in sustainable travel
By Marisa Garcia | April 22, 2025
People say sustainability is important to them, but their travel choices don't always reflect these views. Read More
Short-term rentals: A category at a crossroads
News / Online
Short-term rentals: A category at a crossroads
By Phocuswright Research | April 21, 2025
The short-term rental sector was once the pandemic-era darling—offering privacy, safety and space when travelers needed it most. Read More
Startup Stage: Hotel Data AI wants to improve hotels' efficiency, online visibility
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Hotel Data AI wants to improve hotels' efficiency, online visibility
By Abby Crotty | April 21, 2025
Founded in 2024, Hotel Data AI aims to assist hotels with their online presence by optimizing content. Read More
The trust protocol: Rethinking risk and reputation in global travel
Opinion / Technology
The trust protocol: Rethinking risk and reputation in global travel
By Tapan Sangal, Kalp Decentra Foundation | April 21, 2025
Tapan Sangal, director and founder of the Kalp Decentara Foundation, discusses the evolving travel ecosystem and using blockchain as a tool to build trust. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Expedia Group, FLYR, PayPal and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Expedia Group, FLYR, PayPal and more...
By PhocusWire | April 18, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Fliggy unveils "AskMe" AI assistant
News / Online
Fliggy unveils "AskMe" AI assistant
By Linda Fox | April 17, 2025
AskMe is integrated with Alibaba's Qwen AI models, using Fliggy's pricing engine and proprietary data—including flights, hotels, attractions and curated experiences—to create personalized, bookable... Read More
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