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.

Preparing travel for the future of AI search
Opinion / Technology
Preparing travel for the future of AI search
By Mario Gavira | April 23, 2024
In the second of two articles, Mario Gavira looks at how travel marketers can prepare for the potential impact of AI on search marketing. Read More
AI dominates travel industry investment
News / Technology
AI dominates travel industry investment
By Linda Fox | April 22, 2024
Lufthansa Innovation Hub's research arm finds that AI and machine learning represented 65% of investment by the travel industry in recent years. Read More
Search marketing for travel in the age of AI
Opinion / Technology
Search marketing for travel in the age of AI
By Mario Gavira | April 22, 2024
In the first of two articles, Mario Gavira looks at trends in search marketing for travel and how artificial intelligence might impact the landscape. Read More
Consortium led by Certares will invest €125M as part of agreement with FTI Group
News / Online
Consortium led by Certares will invest €125M as part of agreement with FTI Group
By Morgan Hines | April 18, 2024
FTI Group will use the new funding to bolster growth and pay for a “digital transformation.” Read More
Travel companies navigate changes to Google’s search function
News / Technology
Travel companies navigate changes to Google’s search function
By Morgan Hines | April 18, 2024
Some travel companies have seen changes in search results following Google’s latest update, which addresses in part “low quality AI-generated content that’s designed to attract clicks.”  Read More
Profitroom sells majority stake, plots expansion
News / Technology
Profitroom sells majority stake, plots expansion
By Linda Fox | April 17, 2024
Funds from Profitroom's sale of a 65% stake will help it drive expansion. Read More
Is technology bringing the "perfect trip" nearer?
News / Technology
Is technology bringing the "perfect trip" nearer?
By Linda Fox | April 17, 2024
PhocusWire talks to Steve Singh, Concur co-founder and former CEO turned travel startup investor, on how technology is keeping the drive for the "perfect trip" alive. Read More
Travel startup funding and M&A activity in Q1 2024
News / Startups
Travel startup funding and M&A activity in Q1 2024
By Linda Fox | April 16, 2024
Phocuswright's Travel Startups Interactive Database shows that after a down year in 2023, funding for travel startups has increased in the first quarter of 2024.   Read More
Trip.com Group’s Trip.Biz launches business travel booking app
News / Technology
Trip.com Group’s Trip.Biz launches business travel booking app
By Morgan Hines | April 15, 2024
Trip.Biz, a digital travel management company, aims to revolutionize the organization of business travel. Read More
CharitableBookings.com raises £5M
News / Startups
CharitableBookings.com raises £5M
By D.J. Catron | April 12, 2024
After raising the funds from angel investors, the booking platform seeks to generate more donations for charities through travel bookings made by its members.   Read More
DerbySoft acquires travel trade marketplace PKFare
News / Distribution
DerbySoft acquires travel trade marketplace PKFare
By D.J. Catron | April 11, 2024
The companies will share selected corporate functions and technology resources while upholding independent business operations.   Read More
Waymap lands £7M to improve navigation everywhere for everyone
News / Technology
Waymap lands £7M to improve navigation everywhere for everyone
By Linda Fox | April 9, 2024
The investment will go toward expanding into geographies including Asia Pacific and the Middle East, building on Waymap's existing presence in North Africa and Europe.   Read More
Tripadvisor blocks record 2 million fake reviews in 2023
News / Online
Tripadvisor blocks record 2 million fake reviews in 2023
By D.J. Catron | April 9, 2024
Tripadvisor’s news highlights a growing movement that includes Expedia Group and Booking.com to ensure the integrity of customer reviews that appear on their websites.   Read More
IHG enlists Google for AI travel planning tool
News / Technology
IHG enlists Google for AI travel planning tool
By Linda Fox | April 9, 2024
As part of an expanded partnership with Google Cloud, IHG Hotels & Resorts is launching a generative AI-powered travel planning service to help guests book stays with the group's One Rewards app.   Read More
Who should own the travel customer?
News / Online
Who should own the travel customer?
By Norm Rose - Phocuswright Research | April 8, 2024
A full, inter-operational digital ID ecosystem will be required to truly reap the benefits of frictionless travel. Read More
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