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.

Why travel’s experiences sector isn’t likely to operate like others
News / Online
Why travel’s experiences sector isn’t likely to operate like others
By Morgan Hines | December 4, 2023
As the experiences category continues to grow in the travel world, experts look at its future during a Center Stage discussion at The Phocuswright Conference 2023. Read More
Sabre on using technology to optimize B2B travel payments
From Our Partners / Technology
Sabre on using technology to optimize B2B travel payments
By PhocusWire | December 4, 2023
Nicolas Ortiz, product management and partnerships director for Sabre Virtual Payments, explains how the company has been developing its Virtual Payments solution and how it solves key issues for... Read More
Trip.com to use Amazon Web Services as strategic cloud partner
News / Online
Trip.com to use Amazon Web Services as strategic cloud partner
By Morgan Hines | December 1, 2023
Trip.com Group believes Amazon Web Services could help it to enhance the global travel experience. Read More
RoomRaccoon strengthens position with acquisition of iHotelligence
News / Technology
RoomRaccoon strengthens position with acquisition of iHotelligence
By Linda Fox | December 1, 2023
RoomRaccoon described the acquisition of the Ireland-based company as the “natural next step” on its journey to becoming a leader in hotel management software. Read More
Why payments orchestration in travel should be personalized
Opinion / Technology
Why payments orchestration in travel should be personalized
By Damian Alonso – Outpayce from Amadeus | December 1, 2023
A payments strategy won’t deliver maximum value until the decision-making is powered by an understanding of both the payment and the trip.   Read More
How new technology and innovation are accelerating adoption in hotels
News / Technology
How new technology and innovation are accelerating adoption in hotels
By PhocusWire | December 1, 2023
Klaus Kohlmayr of IDeaS and Sean Fitzpatrick of Lighthouse talk revenue management, AI and data for hospitality in the PhocusWire studio at The Phocuswright Conference. Read More
Layla launches, receives €3M in seed funding
News / Startups
Layla launches, receives €3M in seed funding
By Morgan Hines | November 30, 2023
The new app is an artificial intelligence-driven travel advisor that is meant to help users plan trips and book seamlessly. Read More
Top travel VCs on opportunities and challenges for innovation, funding
News / Startups
Top travel VCs on opportunities and challenges for innovation, funding
By Mitra Sorrells | November 30, 2023
Investors from F-Prime Capital, Par Capital Management and JetBlue Ventures shared their outlook for funding for travel startups at an event hosted by Plug and Play, Sabre and Flight Centre Travel... Read More
BeCause secures $1.9M investment for sustainability data play
News / Startups
BeCause secures $1.9M investment for sustainability data play
By Linda Fox | November 29, 2023
The funding, which comes on top of $450,000 in angel investment announced earlier this year, will enable the startup to address further travel verticals including corporate travel and destinations. Read More
Hopper’s Lalonde talks profits, Expedia split, Booking.com competition
News / Online
Hopper’s Lalonde talks profits, Expedia split, Booking.com competition
By Derek Catron | November 29, 2023
In a far-ranging interview at The Phocuswright Conference, Lalonde also spoke of Hopper’s layoffs and his “hacker” approach to business. Read More
Expedia has given $1.5M in grants to nonprofits as part of new fund
News / Online
Expedia has given $1.5M in grants to nonprofits as part of new fund
By Morgan Hines | November 28, 2023
Expedia is looking to bolster efforts to remove barriers to travel with its new funding initiative. Read More
NUMA swoops up YAYS to expand hospitality brand across Europe
News / Startups
NUMA swoops up YAYS to expand hospitality brand across Europe
By Linda Fox | November 28, 2023
A statement says the deal adds 489 units to NUMA's portfolio and claims it creates the leading player across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Benelux region of Belgium, the Netherlands... Read More
RePushti by Qtech - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2023
Interview / Technology
RePushti by Qtech - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | November 28, 2023
RePushti by Qtech Software is an SaaS-based solution that uses generative artificial intelligence and machine learning to re-verify hotel bookings. Read More
3 ways to elevate your hotel sales strategy for 2024
From Our Partners / Online
3 ways to elevate your hotel sales strategy for 2024
By Maria Taylor - Amadeus Hospitality | November 28, 2023
Technology and data are critical components to boosting hotel performance, and now is the time for hoteliers to solidify their strategies for the year ahead. Read More
Flyr and Roam Around announce partnership
News / Technology
Flyr and Roam Around announce partnership
By Morgan Hines | November 27, 2023
The companies are aiming to bring artificial intelligence-powered travel planning to airlines and hotels across the globe. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026