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.

Way launches new tools to help hotels offer experiences
News / Technology
Way launches new tools to help hotels offer experiences
By D.J. Catron | March 12, 2024
The technology company’s new products allow hotels to manage and sell experiences without the need for third-party technologies that take customers off the hotel's website.   Read More
Amadeus acquires B2B payments specialist Voxel
News / Technology
Amadeus acquires B2B payments specialist Voxel
By Linda Fox | March 11, 2024
Amadeus said the acquisition supports its vision for a "smooth travel payment experience" and will complement its payments business, Outpayce. Read More
AI Insights: Generative AI to drive personalization in hotels
News / Technology
AI Insights: Generative AI to drive personalization in hotels
By PhocusWire | March 11, 2024
Juanjo Rodriguez of the Hotels Network answers our questions on how the company is working with generative artificial intelligence. Read More
How travel brands can leverage first-party data to activate customers
From Our Partners / Online
How travel brands can leverage first-party data to activate customers
By PhocusWire | March 11, 2024
Founded in 2010, performance marketing solution Wunderkind works with brands in a variety of verticals, including travel, to strengthen customer relationships and drive revenue. Read More
Accor’s Maud Bailly on how AI can enhance the luxury hotel experience
News / Online
Accor’s Maud Bailly on how AI can enhance the luxury hotel experience
By Mitra Sorrells | March 8, 2024
Especially in the luxury sector, Accor's Maud Bailly said, “digital is an enabler” for hotel staff to create an enhanced, more emotional connection with guests.   Read More
WTTC partners with Oliver Wyman to drive sustainability in travel
News / Technology
WTTC partners with Oliver Wyman to drive sustainability in travel
By Linda Fox | March 7, 2024
WTTC and Oliver Wyman are helping the industry navigate the regulatory landscape when it comes to sustainability, while startups BeCause and Weeva are helping hotels with data collection and insights. Read More
Why the Olympics, Taylor Swift mean more to STRs than just a revenue boost
News / Distribution
Why the Olympics, Taylor Swift mean more to STRs than just a revenue boost
By D.J. Catron | March 7, 2024
As short-term rentals grapple with new regulations, major events and tourist preferences may help solidify their place in the travel industry.   Read More
How AI can prepare travel and tourism’s workforce for the green transition
Opinion / Technology
How AI can prepare travel and tourism’s workforce for the green transition
By James Lever - Weeva | March 6, 2024
AI has the potential to catalyze a skills revolution that could help address one of the travel’s most pressing challenges — reaching net-zero targets.   Read More
Digital tipping solution Grazzy adds IHG to portfolio of brand partners
News / Startups
Digital tipping solution Grazzy adds IHG to portfolio of brand partners
By Mitra Sorrells | March 5, 2024
Grazzy, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Startup for 2024, enables hotel guests to tip without cash and without requiring an app download or account setup. Read More
Plusgrade gets investment from General Atlantic to fuel growth, M&A
News / Online
Plusgrade gets investment from General Atlantic to fuel growth, M&A
By Mitra Sorrells | March 5, 2024
Founded in 2009, Plusgrade provides ancillary revenue solutions and loyalty expertise for travel suppliers, with more than 200 customers across a variety of sectors. Read More
Life House reaches "amicable resolution" with departing founder and CEO Rami Zeidan
News / Startups
Life House reaches "amicable resolution" with departing founder and CEO Rami Zeidan
By Mitra Sorrells | March 4, 2024
Zeidan told PhocusWire he is “incredibly proud of what Life House has achieved ... and is looking forward to applying [his] learnings towards his next company.”  Read More
Mews raises $110M at $1.2B valuation
News / Online
Mews raises $110M at $1.2B valuation
By Mitra Sorrells | March 4, 2024
Mews said it crossed $100 million in annualized net revenue in the last year. It will use the funding to accelerate its global expansion, product growth and acquisition strategy. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Jacob Messina of Stayntouch
Interview / Technology
CEO Spotlight: Jacob Messina of Stayntouch
By Mitra Sorrells | March 4, 2024
Prior to becoming CEO in April 2023, Messina had been SVP of technology and innovation at MCR Hotels, the third-largest hotel operator in the United States and the parent company of Stayntouch. Read More
Tripadvisor Plus is shutting down after three years
News / Online
Tripadvisor Plus is shutting down after three years
By Morgan Hines | March 1, 2024
In remarks at the Phocuswright Conference in November, Tripadvisor CEO Matt Goldberg said the company would focus on the benefits of free membership versus trying to build the paid subscription program. Read More
Expedia, Booking, Amadeus join forces to address digital travel regulations
News / Technology
Expedia, Booking, Amadeus join forces to address digital travel regulations
By Yeoh Siew Hoon – Web in Travel | February 29, 2024
The Global Travel Tech also includes eDreams Odigeo, Travelport and Skyscanner. They seek to address global concerns around anticipated regulatory changes affecting digital travel platforms.   Read More
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