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.

Is the travel industry keeping up with emerging tech?
News / Technology
Is the travel industry keeping up with emerging tech?
By Markus Schreyer - Phocuswright | March 26, 2024
While the travel sector has invested significantly in startups, the scale and diversity of investment appear to be less extensive compared with other industries.   Read More
Trip.com Group makes additional investment in PMS company Smart Order
News / Startups
Trip.com Group makes additional investment in PMS company Smart Order
By Mitra Sorrells | March 25, 2024
Also investing in this round is Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, which began working with Smart Order in 2020 and will now expand its offerings for hospitality clients to use its platform... Read More
First Spain, now Italy investigates Booking.com for anti-competitive practices
News / Online
First Spain, now Italy investigates Booking.com for anti-competitive practices
By Mitra Sorrells | March 22, 2024
The Italian Competition Authority is investigating whether Booking.com's practices hinder competition and adversely affect other online travel agencies and consumers. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: NowBoarding is a commission-free distribution platform for travel brands
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: NowBoarding is a commission-free distribution platform for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | March 22, 2024
NowBoarding was founded by Christopher Moss, who previously founded Psngr1, a business travel management tool acquired by travel technology firm Snowfall in 2022. Read More
The evolution of marketplace tax requirements and the lodging industry
Event / Online
The evolution of marketplace tax requirements and the lodging industry
March 21, 2024
Join us for this free webinar produced in partnership with Avalara to gain valuable insights to help guide both existing online travel agencies and aspiring OTAs as they navigate their way through... On Demand
D-Edge builds out hospitality tech offering with acquisition of LoungeUp
News / Technology
D-Edge builds out hospitality tech offering with acquisition of LoungeUp
By Linda Fox | March 21, 2024
Accor-owned D-Edge said the acquisition “marks a significant step" toward integrated solutions covering the entire guest journey. Read More
The rise of AI: Redefining property management systems for a digital age
News / Technology
The rise of AI: Redefining property management systems for a digital age
By Morgan Hines | March 21, 2024
Some experts see generative AI leading to big changes in property management systems. Will this technology limit the human touch in hospitality? Or create more time for guest services?   Read More
How Stripe is powering a hospitality subscription service in Japan
News / Online
How Stripe is powering a hospitality subscription service in Japan
By Arvindh Yuvaraj - WebinTravel | March 20, 2024
Tokyu Corporation has partnered with Stripe to introduce TsugiTsugi, a flat-rate accommodation subscription service.   Read More
Exploring the travel payments landscape in Asia
News / Online
Exploring the travel payments landscape in Asia
By Linda Fox | March 20, 2024
PhocusWire discusses the complexities of travel payments in Asia with Agoda chief commercial officer Damien Pfirsch. Read More
How personalized videos at scale are connecting travel brands with customers
News / Technology
How personalized videos at scale are connecting travel brands with customers
By Morgan Hines | March 19, 2024
Personalized videos are driving high open rates and creating opportunities for travel brands to connect with customers before, during and after a trip. Read More
Despegar shares AI trip planner details, reports record quarter
News / Technology
Despegar shares AI trip planner details, reports record quarter
By Linda Fox | March 15, 2024
During its Q4 and full-year 2023 results, the company said it had achieved its highest gross bookings since its IPO in 2017 and shared further details of its AI trip assistant Sofia. Read More
Travel companies expect "moderate to aggressive" tech investment increase in 2024
News / Technology
Travel companies expect "moderate to aggressive" tech investment increase in 2024
By Linda Fox | March 14, 2024
New research identified machine learning, data analytics and digital payments as the tecnology priorities for travel companies this year. Read More
What a U.S.TikTok ban could mean for travel industry
News / Online
What a U.S.TikTok ban could mean for travel industry
By D.J. Catron | March 14, 2024
While the legislation faces an uncertain future in the U.S. Senate and likely legal challenges if it becomes law, a ban could have far-reaching ramifications for travel companies. Read More
Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23
News / Online
Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23
By Mitra Sorrells | March 13, 2024
Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Airbnb and Trip.com Group collectively spent $16.8 billion on sales and marketing in 2023 as they compete with one another and with suppliers enticing travelers to book... Read More
Experts: Why Tripadvisor Plus didn’t pan out
News / Online
Experts: Why Tripadvisor Plus didn’t pan out
By Jamie Biesiada – Travel Weekly | March 12, 2024
Analysts say the shutdown of the struggling service may be part of an attempt to streamline Tripadvisor after its parent company said last month that it was exploring a potential sale. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026