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.

Minimizing hallucinations in generative AI and large language models
News / Technology
Minimizing hallucinations in generative AI and large language models
By Cathy Walsh and Mike Coletta - Phocuswright | May 21, 2024
This is a preview of Phocuswright's full report - From Buzzword to Bottom Line: Keeping Pace with Gen AI in Travel Read More
Marriott's revenue and tech chief on travel retail ambition
News / Technology
Marriott's revenue and tech chief on travel retail ambition
By Linda Fox | May 21, 2024
Marriott International chief revenue and technology officer Drew Pinto discusses the hotel giant's strategy to replace its CRS, PMS and loyalty platform and its approach to newer technologies. Read More
Korea-based credit card company creates travel booking portal
News / Technology
Korea-based credit card company creates travel booking portal
By D.J. Catron | May 20, 2024
The travel portal for Lotte Card customers will offer flights, accommodations and car rentals powered by HTS, Hopper's B2B solution. Read More
Despegar reports Q1 gains, AI enhancements
News / Technology
Despegar reports Q1 gains, AI enhancements
By Linda Fox | May 17, 2024
The company said its Sofia AI assistant now includes hotel recommendations and enables users to search by city and dates as well as budget and key amenities. Read More
Google unveils Gemini’s new trip planning capabilities
News / Technology
Google unveils Gemini’s new trip planning capabilities
By D.J. Catron | May 14, 2024
Google’s new version of Gemini uses spatial data and reasoning to prioritize and make decisions while building a personal itinerary. Read More
As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
News / Technology
As Gorin debuts as CEO, Expedia Group launches new AI assistant, content creator shops
By Morgan Hines | May 14, 2024
 At Expedia Group's Explore event, the company announced a new generative AI trip planning tool and content creator marketplaces.   Read More
Travel execs plan payment tech investment amid challenges
News / Technology
Travel execs plan payment tech investment amid challenges
By Linda Fox | May 14, 2024
A study from Outpayce, the payments company set up by Amadeus, revealed that travel companies are planning to increase investment in payment capabilities by 12% on average this year. Read More
Mews acquires HS3 Hotelsoftware to bolster German expansion
News / Technology
Mews acquires HS3 Hotelsoftware to bolster German expansion
By D.J. Catron | May 14, 2024
Germany-based HS3 Hotelsoftware has over 3,500 customers, which will boost Mews’ presence in the region where it now has over 700 customers. Read More
How Google’s "gatekeeper" changes in the EU are affecting hotel clicks and bookings
Opinion / Online
How Google’s "gatekeeper" changes in the EU are affecting hotel clicks and bookings
By Javier Delgado - Mirai | May 14, 2024
One day after the European Union added Booking.com to its list of "digital gatekeepers," Mirai's Javier Delgado analyzes the effect of Google's Hotel Ads changes on hotels. Read More
Airlines edge out hotels as largest segment in U.S.
News / Online
Airlines edge out hotels as largest segment in U.S.
By Phocuswright Research | May 13, 2024
Direct distribution channels dominate airline sales, as suppliers embrace technological developments aimed to streamline the booking process and travel experience. Read More
Innovating beyond insurance to holistic, peace-of-mind services for travelers
From Our Partners / Online
Innovating beyond insurance to holistic, peace-of-mind services for travelers
By PhocusWire | May 13, 2024
Allianz Partners' Joe Mason discusses the company's newest innovation, Allyz, and how it can serve as a "constant companion" to each tension for travelers. Read More
Wego creates new bedbank focused on Middle East hotels
News / Distribution
Wego creates new bedbank focused on Middle East hotels
By Mitra Sorrells | May 8, 2024
WegoBeds will distribute hotel inventory from throughout the Middle East to travel agencies around the world as well as providing supply for Wego's OTA and corporate travel business. Read More
Tripadvisor is not for sale - at least not for now
News / Online
Tripadvisor is not for sale - at least not for now
By Morgan Hines | May 8, 2024
Tripadvisor announced it is not selling amid first quarter earnings results that included revenue of $395 million, reflecting year-over-year growth of 6%. Read More
Expensify to launch travel platform
News / Online
Expensify to launch travel platform
By Morgan Hines | May 8, 2024
Expensify Travel will exist as part of a partnership between Expensify and Spotnana and has been built on Spotnana’s travel-as-a-service platform. Read More
Amadeus reports "solid start" to 2024
News / Distribution
Amadeus reports "solid start" to 2024
By Linda Fox | May 8, 2024
Group revenue for the Madrid-based business rose to €1.5 billion, a 14% increase versus the same quarter in 2023. Read More
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