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.

Bob W plans up to 2,000 apartments through Osborne+Co joint venture
News / Online
Bob W plans up to 2,000 apartments through Osborne+Co joint venture
By Linda Fox | July 17, 2024
The funds will be used to acquire and repurpose hotel and office assets into short-term serviced apartments in countries including Ireland, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. Read More
Weeva, sustainability tool for hospitality, to close down
News / Startups
Weeva, sustainability tool for hospitality, to close down
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | July 16, 2024
Weeva managing director Julie Cheetham said the board's decision to shutter the startup came after an "exhaustive review." And on its website it says "an orderly wind-up ... has now commenced." Read More
Apollo Funds to acquire the Travel Corporation
News / Online
Apollo Funds to acquire the Travel Corporation
By Morgan Hines | July 16, 2024
The group that includes 18 brands such as Contiki, Insight Vacations and Trafalgar will be acquired after more than a century under the ownership and operation of the Tollman family. Read More
How verifiable credentials and digital wallets will transform travel
News / Technology
How verifiable credentials and digital wallets will transform travel
By Mitra Sorrells | July 16, 2024
Experts working in the world of verifiable credentials and digital wallets explain the fast pace of development and the inevitable changes that will be coming for the travel experience.   Read More
Snaptrip Group adds the Hotel Guru to portfolio
News / Online
Snaptrip Group adds the Hotel Guru to portfolio
By Linda Fox | July 15, 2024
The group, which already counts United Kingdom-based brands including LateRooms and Snaptrip, said the acquisition strengthens “its position in the hotel sector and significantly expands its reach... Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Serko, Jerne, Kyte, Flight Centre Travel Group and more
News / Online
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Serko, Jerne, Kyte, Flight Centre Travel Group and more
By PhocusWire | July 12, 2024
Keep up with all the latest people, product and partner news from around the global travel industry in PhocusWire's weekly roundup. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Nadia Omer of AirAsia MOVE
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Nadia Omer of AirAsia MOVE
By Mitra Sorrells | July 12, 2024
Previously known as AirAsia Superapp, AirAsia MOVE is the online travel agency brand of Capital A, which also operates AirAsia airline. AirAsia MOVE and fintech brand BigPay constitute MOVE Digital,... Read More
Major Japanese credit card issuer enters travel space
News / Technology
Major Japanese credit card issuer enters travel space
By Morgan Hines | July 11, 2024
SMBC Group's Sumitomo Mitsui Card, a credit card issuer in Japan, has partnered with Hopper’s B2B division Hopper Technology Solutions (HTS) to create a travel loyalty portal to benefit cardholders. Read More
U.S. Department of Homeland Security selects startups to develop digital identity credentials
News / Technology
U.S. Department of Homeland Security selects startups to develop digital identity credentials
By Mitra Sorrells | July 10, 2024
The selection of six startups is the next step in the DHS's work to create privacy-enhanced digital wallets for travel and immigration. Meanwhile, similar efforts are progressing in Europe. Read More
Marriott launches travel management system for SMBs powered by Spotnana
News / Online
Marriott launches travel management system for SMBs powered by Spotnana
By Mitra Sorrells | July 9, 2024
Users can book hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio at discounted rates, as well as book flights, rail and rental cars. The system also includes access to live traveler data, real-time reporting and... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: FreeGuides empowers hotels to accompany their guests beyond the lobby
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: FreeGuides empowers hotels to accompany their guests beyond the lobby
By Mileva Sapic | July 8, 2024
FreeGuides is committed to enriching the guest experience while also enhancing hotel operations by using QR code-driven solutions to make content creation efficient and straightforward. Read More
Top investors in travel tech 2024
News / Startups
Top investors in travel tech 2024
By Mitra Sorrells | July 2, 2024
For the second year in a row, we have compiled data on the top venture capital investors in travel technology and asked some of those investors to share details on their strategies and outlook. Read More
Loyalty platform Heymax.ai raises $2.6 million in seed funding
News / Online
Loyalty platform Heymax.ai raises $2.6 million in seed funding
By Mileva Sapic | July 2, 2024
Loyalty platform Heymax.ai plans to help customers earn one free vacation every year by allowing them to earn Max Miles from their everyday purchases. Read More
Presenting the top investors in travel tech 2024
News / Startups
Presenting the top investors in travel tech 2024
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | July 2, 2024
For the second year in a row, we have compiled data on the top venture capital investors in travel technology and asked some of those investors to share details on their strategies and outlook. Read More
The ultimate checklist: How destinations can offer accessible travel experiences
Opinion / Online
The ultimate checklist: How destinations can offer accessible travel experiences
By Richard Black - Sojern | July 1, 2024
While the travel and tourism industry is full of opportunity, it still lacks in providing accessibility to travelers with limitations. Read More
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