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.

Nearly half of travel companies say they’ll increase ESG investment in ‘24
News / Technology
Nearly half of travel companies say they’ll increase ESG investment in ‘24
By Derek Catron | December 13, 2023
The survey commissioned by Amadeus included representatives from travel companies from nine markets and seven segments of the industry.   Read More
Capitalizing on surging demand for travel in Europe
From Our Partners / Online
Capitalizing on surging demand for travel in Europe
By Expedia Group | December 13, 2023
Travel providers in Europe have an opportunity to attract and engage travelers throughout their entire purchase journey, from inspiration to planning and booking. Read More
ChatGPT, travel data, OTAs: PhocusWire’s top opinion stories of 2023
News / Online
ChatGPT, travel data, OTAs: PhocusWire’s top opinion stories of 2023
By PhocusWire | December 13, 2023
This year's popular op-eds were heavy on AI and also covered TikTok and Instagram influencers and the loyalty strategies of Expedia, Booking, Hopper and Airbnb. Read More
4 global trends in tourism to be featured in upcoming webinar
From Our Partners / Online
4 global trends in tourism to be featured in upcoming webinar
By Chris Adams - Miles Partnership | December 12, 2023
Make plans to join this free webinar Thursday, December 14 at 1 p.m. EST hosted by PhocusWire, Phocuswright and Miles Partnership. Read More
Sojern lays off staff company-wide
News / Online
Sojern lays off staff company-wide
By Mitra Sorrells | December 12, 2023
The company is not saying how many people have been laid off but said the cuts affect 20% of its staff "across various departments and levels." Read More
Stayntouch lands $48M investment to expand PMS services
News / Technology
Stayntouch lands $48M investment to expand PMS services
By Linda Fox | December 12, 2023
United States-based Stayntouch said it will put the funds towards expanding its property management system software and payment services as well as customer acquisition. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Textomap creates interactive maps from location-based text
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Textomap creates interactive maps from location-based text
By Linda Fox | December 12, 2023
Textomap helps businesses and individuals visualize and display location-based content, which improves customer engagement by providing more context and data. Read More
Google’s Vowinkel on the power of generative AI for travel marketers
News / Technology
Google’s Vowinkel on the power of generative AI for travel marketers
By Mitra Sorrells | December 12, 2023
While artificial intelligence and machine learning have been integral to Google’s offerings for years, 2023 brought a new concept to the fore: generative AI. Read More
Short-term rental monitoring startup Minut raises additional $5M
News / Startups
Short-term rental monitoring startup Minut raises additional $5M
By Morgan Hines | December 8, 2023
Minut, which helps property managers and hosts to monitor their properties and automate workflows, plans to use the investment to fund product initiatives. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: ZentrumHub's AI-based hotel booking engine
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: ZentrumHub's AI-based hotel booking engine
By Morgan Hines | December 8, 2023
Zentrumhub is an AI-powered hotel booking platform that is B2B, B2C and meta-ready and provides an end-to-end experience for users.   Read More
Hotels.com co-founder Bob Diener talks exits and opportunities
News / Distribution
Hotels.com co-founder Bob Diener talks exits and opportunities
By Linda Fox | December 8, 2023
Bob Diener, Hotels.com co-founder and president, now co-founder and president of Travel Funders Network, visits the PhocusWire studio to discuss the changing online hotel landscape. Read More
TUI plans global booking platform rollout in 2024
News / Technology
TUI plans global booking platform rollout in 2024
By Linda Fox | December 6, 2023
TUI Group is developing a single global sourcing and booking platform that has been launched in Belgium and will be extended to more markets in 2024. Read More
Mews’ Valtr on a modern view of hospitality and driving guest loyalty
From Our Partners / Technology
Mews’ Valtr on a modern view of hospitality and driving guest loyalty
By PhocusWire | December 6, 2023
In a discussion in the PhocusWire studio at The Phocuswright Conference, Mews founder Richard Valtr shares his vision for hospitality and how it can become “the future of all real estate.” Read More
Travel predictions: Breaking down walls, AI and revenue optimization
Opinion / Technology
Travel predictions: Breaking down walls, AI and revenue optimization
By Klaus Kohlmayr – IDeaS | December 5, 2023
Looking ahead to 2024, Klaus Kohlmayr of IDeaS shares his predictions for “substantial and exciting changes” for the hospitality industry.   Read More
TripFusion by Vacayou - Launch People's Choice winner at The Phocuswright Conference 2023
Interview / Startups
TripFusion by Vacayou - Launch People's Choice winner at The Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | December 5, 2023
TripFusion is a new B2B solution from Vacayou, a booking platform for wellness experiences.   Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026