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.

Cendyn acquires PushTech to build out CRM capabilities
News / Technology
Cendyn acquires PushTech to build out CRM capabilities
By Linda Fox | October 10, 2023
Barcelona-based PushTech offers a cloud-based customer data and CRM platform helping hotels with marketing, guest communications and loyalty. Read More
From chatbot to top slot – effective use of AI in hospitality
Opinion / Technology
From chatbot to top slot – effective use of AI in hospitality
By Richard Valtr – Mews | October 10, 2023
Hospitality needs to look past cost cutting to discover the ultimate value in artificial intelligence, bringing together dependable but inspiring service with optimized operations. Read More
Video: TerraPay on building a virtual card solution for emerging markets
From Our Partners / Technology
Video: TerraPay on building a virtual card solution for emerging markets
By PhocusWire | October 10, 2023
In an interview in the PhocusWire studio at Phocuswright Europe, TerraPay vice president of payments Koert Grasveld discusses the company's work to build virtual card solutions. Read More
MDO acquires HelloGM
News / Online
MDO acquires HelloGM
By Morgan Hines | October 9, 2023
 The centralizing hotel data platform is boosting its back-office automation capabilities with its new acquisition. Read More
Mending the data disconnect between green certifications, hotels and consumers
Opinion / Technology
Mending the data disconnect between green certifications, hotels and consumers
By Frederik Steensgaard – BeCause | October 9, 2023
Hospitality can become a greener industry with a technology platform that more efficiently maps and communicates sustainability efforts to certification criteria, frameworks and standards.   Read More
Habyt lands $40M for co-living concept expansion
News / Startups
Habyt lands $40M for co-living concept expansion
By Linda Fox | October 5, 2023
Investment in the Germany-based business was led by Korelya Capital and Deutsche Invest with Exor Ventures, Endeavor Catalyst and existing investors also participating. Read More
Expedia Group expands B2B portfolio in Asia Pacific
News / Distribution
Expedia Group expands B2B portfolio in Asia Pacific
By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2023
Expedia Group calls Asia Pacific a "critical region" for continued growth of its B2B business as it adds several airlines and other new distribution partners. Read More
Mews looks to boost hotel guest experiences with acquisition
News / Technology
Mews looks to boost hotel guest experiences with acquisition
By Derek Catron | October 4, 2023
Nomi Travel, a startup that uses AI to provide users with recommendations on local activities based on their interests, is the seventh acquisition by Mews.   Read More
Legends wins Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Legends wins Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch
By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2023
A panel of industry leaders selected travel personalization solution Legends as the winner of the competition while SquadTrip won the People's Choice Award. Read More
Travel insurtech startup BeSafe Group closes €3M round
News / Startups
Travel insurtech startup BeSafe Group closes €3M round
By Mitra Sorrells | October 3, 2023
Founded in 2018, Rome-based BeSafe said it has insured more than 250,000 travelers and has a network of more than 1,600 customers, including hotels, tour operators and travel agencies. Read More
New tax laws, increased enforcement challenge online lodging marketplaces
From Our Partners / Online
New tax laws, increased enforcement challenge online lodging marketplaces
By Diane Merlino | October 3, 2023
Vacation rental owners, property management professionals and OTAs cannot afford to ignore the complicated mix of tax regulations and new demands on online marketplaces. Read More
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi optimistic about its travel future
News / Online
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi optimistic about its travel future
By Morgan Hines | October 3, 2023
Uber has seen a positive response to travel features it launched in the United Kingdom and is looking for ways to continue to expand the services. Read More
MeetingPackage announces $4.6M in Series A funding
News / Startups
MeetingPackage announces $4.6M in Series A funding
By Morgan Hines | October 2, 2023
The Finland-based company provides hotels software to digitize the sale and management of their meeting and event spaces, integrated with property management systems.   Read More
Airbnb turns attention to other cities but would reopen talks with NYC
News / Online
Airbnb turns attention to other cities but would reopen talks with NYC
By Morgan Hines | September 28, 2023
Airbnb's Brian Chesky said the new rules make New York more expensive for travelers, but the head of the city's DMO said he is not concerned about an impact on the city's economy. Read More
Despegar rolls out generative AI trip planner, starting in Argentina
News / Technology
Despegar rolls out generative AI trip planner, starting in Argentina
By Mitra Sorrells | September 27, 2023
Travelers can use the planner to receive customized itineraries, put together packages that combine flights, accommodations and car rentals and receive recommendations of what to do in their... Read More
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