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.

How travel clubs are driving revenue, loyalty and customer experience
From Our Partners / Online
How travel clubs are driving revenue, loyalty and customer experience
By PhocusWire | April 8, 2024
Custom Travel Solutions founder Mike Putman explains the benefits of a travel club and how brands are using this type of offering to drive revenue and loyalty. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Biliki AI is a travel planner for eco-friendly itineraries
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Biliki AI is a travel planner for eco-friendly itineraries
By Mitra Sorrells | April 5, 2024
Biliki AI is building a platform that consumers can use to book sustainability-focused trips, with detailed itineraries that include flights, accommodations and experiences. Read More
New tool uses generative AI to help travel brands understand online activity
News / Technology
New tool uses generative AI to help travel brands understand online activity
By Mitra Sorrells | April 4, 2024
Quantum Metric, which provides session replay solutions for travel brands including Virgin Atlantic, Rail Europe and Emirates, is launching a new generative AI-powered session summarization tool. Read More
How generative AI is impacting revenue management for hotels
News / Technology
How generative AI is impacting revenue management for hotels
By Morgan Hines | April 4, 2024
 Predictions vary, but generally experts agree generative artificial intelligence - and AI more broadly - will greatly improve the ability of hotels to drive revenue. Read More
Spotlight shines brighter on algorithmic price-fixing in hospitality
News / Online
Spotlight shines brighter on algorithmic price-fixing in hospitality
By Jeffrey Weinstein - Hotel Investment Today | April 3, 2024
After a series of lawsuits, newly expressed interest in a case by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission could signal more scrutiny over alleged hotel pricing collusion. ... Read More
Trip.com Group and AirAsia to collaborate across multiple lines of business
News / Online
Trip.com Group and AirAsia to collaborate across multiple lines of business
By Mitra Sorrells | April 2, 2024
Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said AirAsia's growth plans are focused on China and on getting Trip.com Group's customers into Southeast Asia. Read More
Dutch startup Stippl announces funding, plans to use generative AI
News / Startups
Dutch startup Stippl announces funding, plans to use generative AI
By Morgan Hines | April 2, 2024
“All-in-one” travel platform Stippl has received €575,000 in funding as it plans its expansion. Read More
Trip.com Group on growth strategies, experiences and generative AI
News / Distribution
Trip.com Group on growth strategies, experiences and generative AI
By Linda Fox | April 2, 2024
Trip.com COO Schubert Lou discusses the current focus for the China-based online travel agency and the outlook for travel in 2024. Read More
India’s EaseMyTrip acquires minority interest in ETrav Tech
News / Online
India’s EaseMyTrip acquires minority interest in ETrav Tech
By Mitra Sorrells | April 1, 2024
EaseMyTrip has made several investments in the last year to diversify its business beyond air travel into hotels and said this investment will help it grow its B2B efforts. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Obvlo helps travel brands provide personalized destination content
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Obvlo helps travel brands provide personalized destination content
By Mitra Sorrells | April 1, 2024
Founded in 2021, Obvlo currently works with hotels that are part of the Hilton, Marriott and IHG brands, and the company is planning to expand its work to destinations and airlines. Read More
Layoffs hit Travelport’s commercial organization across all regions
News / Distribution
Layoffs hit Travelport’s commercial organization across all regions
By Mitra Sorrells | March 29, 2024
A Travelport spokesperson said the reduction did not affect a "material number of employees" and was done to help the company operate with efficiency and agility. Read More
Putting a spotlight on sustainability in the STR space
News / Online
Putting a spotlight on sustainability in the STR space
By D.J. Catron | March 28, 2024
Criticism of Booking.com's “Travel Sustainable” program by regulators in the Netherlands, and the OTA's subsequent decision to prioritize third-party certifications, highlights the need for clear,... Read More
Google enhances generative AI trip planning – without ads for now
News / Technology
Google enhances generative AI trip planning – without ads for now
By Mitra Sorrells | March 27, 2024
The suggested itineraries will pull ideas from sites across the web and include things such as reviews, photos and other Google Business profile details for more than 200 million places around the... Read More
Booking.com drops "Travel Sustainable" program
News / Online
Booking.com drops "Travel Sustainable" program
By Linda Fox | March 26, 2024
Booking.com has removed its "Travel Sustainable" badge recognizing properties for sustainability efforts following discussions with the Netherlands Consumer and Markets Authority. Read More
How technology is evolving to help hotels monetize spaces
News / Technology
How technology is evolving to help hotels monetize spaces
By Linda Fox | March 26, 2024
Travel technology companies including DerbySoft, Journey and Mews are helping hotels and other accommodation providers explore different revenue streams. Read More
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