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.

International bookings rose in ’23 even as hotel rooms got costlier
News / Online
International bookings rose in ’23 even as hotel rooms got costlier
By Derek Catron | January 29, 2024
The SiteMinder trends report for 2023 was based on 115 million hotel bookings. Booking.com remained the most popular booking channel. Read More
Duve acquires Easyway, boosting AI-driven guest experiences
News / Technology
Duve acquires Easyway, boosting AI-driven guest experiences
By Derek Catron | January 29, 2024
The acquisition will allow Duve to boost AI-driven guest experience management for hotels and vacation rentals worldwide.   Read More
Japan-based hotel tech company Tripla targets SE Asia growth with latest acquisition
News / Technology
Japan-based hotel tech company Tripla targets SE Asia growth with latest acquisition
By Mitra Sorrells | January 24, 2024
Tripla has acquired Singapore-based Endurance Technology Solutions, which develops and sells the Pelican Hotel Solution - a reservation system that works with major overseas channel managers. Read More
5 truths for travel marketers: 2024 update
Opinion / Technology
5 truths for travel marketers: 2024 update
By Jared Alster - Dune7 | January 23, 2024
Generative AI is both friend and foe for travel marketers, and Google remains the dominant search player. Read on as Dune7's Jared Alster updates on the travel marketing truths he laid down in 2023. Read More
Travel investors on the funding dynamics in 2024
News / Startups
Travel investors on the funding dynamics in 2024
By Linda Fox | January 22, 2024
Travel investors Derive Ventures and Inovia share insight on the funding landscape for 2024 with additional perspective from travel startups. Read More
European regulators eye Booking.com under Digital Services Act
News / Online
European regulators eye Booking.com under Digital Services Act
By Linda Fox | January 18, 2024
The European Commission has asked Booking.com and others for information as it determines whether the companies are complying with rules of the Digital Services Act that went into effect in November. Read More
Travel executives react to Rabbit AI agent device
News / Technology
Travel executives react to Rabbit AI agent device
By Arvindh Yuvaraj - WebinTravel | January 18, 2024
In the week since its unveiling at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the Rabbit R1 has created a frenzy in the tech space. Read More
Runnr.ai secures €1M to scale hotel guest communications startup
News / Technology
Runnr.ai secures €1M to scale hotel guest communications startup
By Linda Fox | January 18, 2024
The investment will go towards helping hotels deliver personalized services, improve efficiency for front desks and find upsell opportunities. Read More
AccessibleGo unveils new booking options for travelers with disabilities
News / Online
AccessibleGo unveils new booking options for travelers with disabilities
By Morgan Hines | January 17, 2024
The platform, which has offered hotel booking, is giving users the option to book rental cars with hand controls, flights, wheelchair van rentals, mobility rentals and more. Read More
Transforming travel experiences: The ancillary revolution
From Our Partners / Online
Transforming travel experiences: The ancillary revolution
By Plusgrade | January 17, 2024
Travel companies are shifting their focus from purely financial gains to leveraging ancillary solutions to create lasting memories for passengers and guests. Read More
How travel and financial institutions are tapping into the experiences trend
News / Technology
How travel and financial institutions are tapping into the experiences trend
By Linda Fox | January 17, 2024
Senior executives from Capital One, Choice and Hilton share perspectives on providing consumers with the experiences they want and how technology is increasingly playing a role. Read More
IBS Software broadens offering with acquisition of Above Property Services
News / Technology
IBS Software broadens offering with acquisition of Above Property Services
By Linda Fox | January 16, 2024
IBS Software said the deal will help it expand in the hospitality sector by adding central reservation, property management and revenue management technology to its services. Read More
Growth of global short-term rental bookings slowing as volume shifts to hotels
News / Online
Growth of global short-term rental bookings slowing as volume shifts to hotels
By Phocuswright Research | January 16, 2024
Travelers have experienced the peaks and valleys of the STR segment and overall find themselves in a more discerning place. Read More
Younger travelers boost importance of sustainability, new research shows
News / Online
Younger travelers boost importance of sustainability, new research shows
By Derek Catron | January 16, 2024
Research from the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance finds a growing market opportunity for sustainable travel that’s likely to accelerate.   Read More
Travel's journey through the generative AI platform shift
Opinion / Technology
Travel's journey through the generative AI platform shift
By Mario Gavira | January 16, 2024
Mario Gavira discusses whether we're in the midst of a pivotal moment that will see the rise of a new platform allowing us to interact and harness artificial intelligence. Read More
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