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.

Beyond the hype: Are you still chasing AI or tapping into the real treasure?
From Our Partners / Technology
Beyond the hype: Are you still chasing AI or tapping into the real treasure?
By Ali Beklen - HotelRunner | October 31, 2023
Rather than treating artificial intelligence as an isolated entity, we must recognize it as a means to an end — the endgame being data. Read More
The critical technologies for travel brands in 2024
From Our Partners / Technology
The critical technologies for travel brands in 2024
By PhocusWire | October 30, 2023
DataArt's Greg Abbott explains why cloud solutions, data and analytics and generative artificial intelligence are some of the key technologies travel companies should be prioritizing for the year ahead. Read More
SEO Travel sets up accelerator for SME businesses
News / Startups
SEO Travel sets up accelerator for SME businesses
By Linda Fox | October 27, 2023
The eight-week Travel Growth Accelerator program is looking to recruit 10 small- to medium-sized businesses. Read More
Travel customer service resilience in the age of climate disruption
Opinion / Online
Travel customer service resilience in the age of climate disruption
By Jeffrey Katz – Journera | October 27, 2023
While the increasing frequency of climate-related disruptions is inevitable, severely disappointed customers are not. Travel providers have access to the data that enables a real-time, proactive... Read More
Tripadvisor launches new AI travel planning features
News / Online
Tripadvisor launches new AI travel planning features
By Morgan Hines | October 24, 2023
Tripadvisor is rolling out AI-generated hotel reviews for some oft-reviewed locations. Read More
Marriott-Rappi partnership goes live, signals new opportunities for customer acquisition
News / Distribution
Marriott-Rappi partnership goes live, signals new opportunities for customer acquisition
By Mitra Sorrells | October 24, 2023
The partnership is launching in Mexico with plans to expand to Colombia in November and early next year to the other Latin America countries where Rappi operates. Read More
Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 Startups for 2021
News / Startups
Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 Startups for 2021
By Morgan Hines | October 23, 2023
Troop, Anyplace, Buser, Pace, Tripkicks, Kyte and Zamna check in with PhocusWire three years after being named part of our Hot 25 for 2021. Read More
Expedia Group announces Air Miles, Afterpay partnerships
News / Online
Expedia Group announces Air Miles, Afterpay partnerships
By Morgan Hines | October 20, 2023
Expedia Group continues B2B growth measures with two new partnerships. Read More
Q&A: Mondee’s vice chairman talks AI strategy, acquisitions, going public
News / Online
Q&A: Mondee’s vice chairman talks AI strategy, acquisitions, going public
By Morgan Hines | October 19, 2023
Mondee is combining AI with human support to help anyone sell travel - and the newly-public company has big plans for growth.  Read More
Everything, everywhere, all at once – trends in hospitality tech
News / Technology
Everything, everywhere, all at once – trends in hospitality tech
By Klaus Kohlmayr — IDeaS | October 17, 2023
2023 has brought technology trends to travel that surprised, enlightened and perhaps even terrified us, but we know that with great upheaval comes great change. Read More
Hilton adds new digital solutions for business travel and events
News / Online
Hilton adds new digital solutions for business travel and events
By Mitra Sorrells | October 16, 2023
Hilton said SMEs account for about 85% of its business transient guests, and these new products are part of its commitment to “digitally transform the business travel experience.” Read More
Thynk acquires “Please ask m” to strengthen hospitality cloud platform
News / Technology
Thynk acquires “Please ask m” to strengthen hospitality cloud platform
By Derek Catron | October 13, 2023
The move brings together Thynk’s hospitality operational tools with “Please ask m’s” revenue generation modules.   Read More
New report shows short-term rentals gaining ground on hotels
News / Online
New report shows short-term rentals gaining ground on hotels
By Derek Catron | October 13, 2023
Hotels still account for 85% of the U.S. market, but short-term rentals' 15% share is nearly double the 8% it held in 2018, according to research from AirDNA and STR.   Read More
Paris bedbugs: Does tech offer the solution to save travel?
News / Technology
Paris bedbugs: Does tech offer the solution to save travel?
By Morgan Hines | October 13, 2023
Here’s how travel tech companies like Valpas and Spotta are working toward stopping bedbug mania in hotels. Read More
Sabre investigation finds no security concerns from alleged ransomware attack
News / Technology
Sabre investigation finds no security concerns from alleged ransomware attack
By Derek Catron | October 10, 2023
Despite allegations from a ransomware group that it stole sensitive personal information from Sabre, the company said it has found no evidence that customer data has been compromised.   Read More
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