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.

Does Reddit have a serious role to play in trip planning?
News / Online
Does Reddit have a serious role to play in trip planning?
By Matthew Parsons | January 23, 2025
Reddit's r/travel community boasts 12-million members and screen views grew nearly 33% in the past year, making the platform an increasingly important consideration for travel planners.    Read More
Hotels saw average booking value increase through direct channels in '24
News / Distribution
Hotels saw average booking value increase through direct channels in '24
By Linda Fox | January 22, 2025
Hotels continue to broaden their distribution mix with new B2B and B2C partners entering the rankings of top booking sources in SiteMinder's annual trends report. Read More
Is travel at a tipping point?
From Our Partners / Online
Is travel at a tipping point?
By Travelport | January 22, 2025
Travelport’s new study asked over 2,100 consumers worldwide how they feel about retailing innovations emerging in other industries and whether they would like to see similar things offered in travel. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Luis Maroto of Amadeus
Interview / Distribution
CEO Spotlight: Luis Maroto of Amadeus
By Linda Fox | January 22, 2025
Luis Maroto's career at Amadeus spans 25 years and two IPOs. He joined the company in 2000 as director of marketing finance, became CFO in 2003 and was appointed president and CEO in 2011. Read More
Amadeus Ventures invests in meetings tech startup Hivr.ai
News / Startups
Amadeus Ventures invests in meetings tech startup Hivr.ai
By Linda Fox | January 21, 2025
Germany-based hivr.ai, which was founded in 2020, uses artificial intelligence to help hotels automate more of the meetings and groups’ sales process and increase revenue. Read More
B2B hotel platform HBX Group to raise €725M through IPO
News / Distribution
B2B hotel platform HBX Group to raise €725M through IPO
By Linda Fox | January 17, 2025
HBX Group was founded in Spain in 2001 as B2B bedbank Hotelbeds. Read More
Marriott, AmexGBT, MakeMyTrip technologists on the potential for AI in travel
News / Technology
Marriott, AmexGBT, MakeMyTrip technologists on the potential for AI in travel
By Morgan Hines | January 17, 2025
Artificial intelligence has enjoyed a steady buzz of attention over the last few years and whether the hype has matched reality has been up for discussion. Read More
With U.S. TikTok ban looming, how could travel brands be impacted?
News / Online
With U.S. TikTok ban looming, how could travel brands be impacted?
By Morgan Hines | January 16, 2025
Travel brands including Expedia, Booking.com, Airbnb, United Airlines, Hilton, Kayak and more use TikTok as part of their marketing strategies. Read More
Hotels believe impact of AI will be seen this year
News / Technology
Hotels believe impact of AI will be seen this year
By Linda Fox | January 16, 2025
A study from Canary Technologies reveals that 73% of hoteliers believe AI will have a significant or transformative impact on the sector. Read More
Mondee plans future following Nasdaq delisting
News / Online
Mondee plans future following Nasdaq delisting
By Linda Fox | January 15, 2025
Mondee has initiated Chapter 11 proceedings and plans to sell its assets to a newly formed entity with founder Prasad Gundumogula taking up the CEO reins again. Read More
10 travel insights that should be on your radar in 2025
News / Online
10 travel insights that should be on your radar in 2025
By Phocuswright Research | January 14, 2025
Featuring highlights by segment, channel, consumer behavior metrics and more, this report equips travel industry stakeholders with the key data and trends needed to navigate the evolving travel... Read More
Engineering AI for personalization and operational efficiency in travel
From Our Partners / Technology
Engineering AI for personalization and operational efficiency in travel
By PhocusWire | January 14, 2025
Encora is a digital engineering services company with more than 9,000 employees in 45 countries around the world. Read More
Hotel experts on speed to market and the role of data
News / Technology
Hotel experts on speed to market and the role of data
By Linda Fox | January 13, 2025
Sonesta International's chief commercial officer Garine Ferejian-May and Sebastien Leitner, vice president of partnerships at Cloudbeds, discuss how joined-up data is helping hotels hone revenue... Read More
What's the point? Finding new opportunities to earn loyalty in travel
News / Online
What's the point? Finding new opportunities to earn loyalty in travel
By Marisa Garcia | January 13, 2025
A panel on loyalty in travel at The Phocuswright Conference featured executives from AirAsia Move, Capital One and Hilton who discussed what drives loyalty and the importance of understanding customer... Read More
How travel brands stay ahead on social media
News / Online
How travel brands stay ahead on social media
By Morgan Hines | January 10, 2025
Travel experts discuss the importance of travel brands staying agile in the social media arena as younger generations turn to these platforms for search purposes. Read More
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