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.

Tripadvisor partners with Perplexity to improve trip planning
News / Technology
Tripadvisor partners with Perplexity to improve trip planning
By Linda Fox | January 9, 2025
The partnership sees the integration of Tripadvisor’s reviews, AI generated summaries and more than 300,000 experiences from Viator with Perplexity’s chatbot-style search capabilities. Read More
As travel digital ID concepts mature, experts discuss the challenges
News / Technology
As travel digital ID concepts mature, experts discuss the challenges
By Mark Frary | January 9, 2025
The importance of collaboration, standardization and combining AI with SSID was discussed during a panel at The Phocuswright Conference. Read More
Delta provides glimpse at future with digital assistant
News / Technology
Delta provides glimpse at future with digital assistant
By Morgan Hines | January 8, 2025
Delta Air Lines is rolling out capabilities of its new Delta Concierge, which will provide "contextual insights" for travelers and link with partners including Joby and Uber to enable a multimodal,... Read More
AWS on using technology to drive customer-centricity in travel
From Our Partners / Technology
AWS on using technology to drive customer-centricity in travel
By PhocusWire | January 8, 2025
 AWSprovides cloud computing technology to companies around the world, including many in travel and hospitality such as United Airlines, Air Canada, Trip.com, Booking.com, Choice Hotels and many... Read More
Ground transportation experts confront connected trip challenges
News / Online
Ground transportation experts confront connected trip challenges
By Morgan Hines | January 8, 2025
As travel companies seek interconnectedness that could make processes smoother for travelers, plenty of friction points remain, according to experts. Read More
Mews boosts presence in APAC and UK markets with acquisition of Clarity
News / Technology
Mews boosts presence in APAC and UK markets with acquisition of Clarity
By Linda Fox | January 7, 2025
The acquisition of Clarity Hospitality Software Solutions will expand Mews' footprint in the APAC and U.K. markets. Read More
A new era for travel startup investing
News / Startups
A new era for travel startup investing
By Phocuswright Research | January 7, 2025
According to a Phocuswright report, generative AI is expected to transform the travel industry and how companies operate, potentially reducing the need for funding in the long run. Read More
Travel veterans discuss mega deal potential, AI fatigue and technical deficit
News / Technology
Travel veterans discuss mega deal potential, AI fatigue and technical deficit
By Linda Fox | January 7, 2025
Predicting travel's future isn't easy with so many external factors impacting the industry, but executives including SilverRail Technologies' Aaron Gowell, Phocuswright's Lorraine Sileo and T2Impact's... Read More
Katanox - Launch pitch at The Phocuswright Conference 2024
Interview / Distribution
Katanox - Launch pitch at The Phocuswright Conference 2024
By PhocusWire | January 6, 2025
Katanox streamlines distribution and payment processes for hoteliers and enhances commercial capabilities for travel management companies, hotels and corporate customers. Read More
Traversing.ai - Launch pitch at The Phocuswright Conference 2024
Interview / Technology
Traversing.ai - Launch pitch at The Phocuswright Conference 2024
By PhocusWire | January 3, 2025
Traversing.ai is a startup offering a unified sales, distribution and marketing platform for hotels, all tied together with artificial intelligence. Read More
Private equity firm Creador acquires hospitality marketplace MG Group
News / Distribution
Private equity firm Creador acquires hospitality marketplace MG Group
By Linda Fox | January 2, 2025
MG Group, an Indonesia-based company that operates a B2B hospitality marketplace in Southeast Asia, will now look to accelerate its global growth post-acquisition. Read More
The importance of using data to empower travelers
News / Technology
The importance of using data to empower travelers
By Linda Fox | January 2, 2025
Filip Filipov, a former vice president of Skyscanner, left travel more than four years ago, and is now back as chief operations officer of airline data specialist OAG.  Read More
Phocuswright analysts share their travel predictions for 2025
News / Online
Phocuswright analysts share their travel predictions for 2025
By Morgan Hines | January 2, 2025
AI agents, luxury travel, developments in APAC, short-term rentals, digital ID and eVTOLS are some of the topics Phocuswright analysts are watching for 2025. Read More
Travel industry leaders' predictions for 2025
News / Technology
Travel industry leaders' predictions for 2025
By Morgan Hines | January 2, 2025
Executives from Travelport, Klook, Cloudbeds, Spotnana, Mews and more share their predictions for the year ahead, including their takes on artificial intelligence, search, funding and more.   Read More
Corporate travel executives discuss AI hype and efficiency gains
News / Technology
Corporate travel executives discuss AI hype and efficiency gains
By Linda Fox | December 30, 2024
Amex GBT's vice president of AI strategy and the founder of business travel AI startup Otto discuss the rapid pace of development with AI and where the real potential lies. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026