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.

Key barometers of Chinese travel and its emerging behavioral and spending patterns
News / Online
Key barometers of Chinese travel and its emerging behavioral and spending patterns
By Phocuswright Research | September 8, 2023
While China's gross bookings are not anticipated to surpass 2019 totals until 2024, recovery and rebuilding are underway, thanks to nimble suppliers and intermediaries and consumers’ passion for... Read More
Booking will fight any decision to veto Etraveli acquisition in court
News / Online
Booking will fight any decision to veto Etraveli acquisition in court
By Linda Fox | September 8, 2023
Booking Holdings has responded to rumors that European regulators will veto its Etraveli acquisition, saying that decision would be "flawed on both factual and legal grounds." Read More
Report reveals cybersecurity vulnerabilities in hospitality
News / Online
Report reveals cybersecurity vulnerabilities in hospitality
By Morgan Hines | September 7, 2023
Trustwave SpiderLabs reveals that the transition to mobile and contactless services is making the hospitality industry more vulnerable to cyber threats.   Read More
5 tried and true strategies for effective hotel guest personalization
From Our Partners
5 tried and true strategies for effective hotel guest personalization
By Joe Youssef - Amadeus Hospitality | September 7, 2023
Amadeus' Joe Youssef shares strategies for hotels to elevate the guest experience and grow revenue through personalization. Read More
Smartvel extends travel content with acquisition of ArrivalGuides
News / Technology
Smartvel extends travel content with acquisition of ArrivalGuides
By Linda Fox | September 5, 2023
ArrivalGuides provides destination guides in multiple languages from tourism boards and travel experts for travel brands to integrate into their websites, mobile applications and marketing campaigns. Read More
Trip.com says platforms like TikTok will have difficulty challenging OTAs
News / Online
Trip.com says platforms like TikTok will have difficulty challenging OTAs
By Linda Fox | September 5, 2023
Trip.com Group's Q2 2023 report revealed net revenue of $1.6 billion, up 180% year over year and 22% quarter over quarter. Read More
Luxury Escapes’ Schwab on growing fast, being one of a kind and new superstore in Melbourne
News / Online
Luxury Escapes’ Schwab on growing fast, being one of a kind and new superstore in Melbourne
By Ian Jarrett - WiT | September 5, 2023
Australia-based Luxury Escapes has seven million members globally and has just opened a store in Melbourne where customers can develop travel plans while sipping champagne. Read More
Travelshift looks to accelerate growth with $10M investment
News / Online
Travelshift looks to accelerate growth with $10M investment
By Linda Fox | August 31, 2023
Iceland-based Travelshift operates marketplaces including Guide to Europe for European leisure travel. Read More
Cendyn acquires hotel digital marketing provider WIHP
News / Online
Cendyn acquires hotel digital marketing provider WIHP
By Mitra Sorrells | August 30, 2023
WIHP is based in Paris, extending Cendyn's reach in the EMEA region. Read More
Travel websites failing basic accessibility tests
News / Online
Travel websites failing basic accessibility tests
By Linda Fox | August 30, 2023
Consistent accessibility issues such as missing alternative text and unlabeled form fields are barriers to bookings from disabled travelers. Read More
Critical tax changes impacting the lodging industry
From Our Partners / Online
Critical tax changes impacting the lodging industry
By Avalara | August 29, 2023
Accommodation platforms, online travel agencies and short-term rental operators are facing greater scrutiny, increased regulation and new tax obligations. Read More
Will New York’s STR rules set stricter standard for travel?
News / Online
Will New York’s STR rules set stricter standard for travel?
By Derek Catron | August 28, 2023
Airbnb calls new rules a de facto ban against short-term rentals, but others see a sign of what may be coming for the sector.   Read More
IHG launches program to promote growth for diverse hotel owners in U.S., Canada
News / Online
IHG launches program to promote growth for diverse hotel owners in U.S., Canada
By Morgan Hines | August 28, 2023
IHG Hotels & Resorts is kicking off IHG LIFT, its new program to prioritize growth for diverse hotel owners in the United States and Canada.   Read More
How the digital guest journey is unlocking the next era of hospitality
News / Technology
How the digital guest journey is unlocking the next era of hospitality
By Harman Singh Narula – Canary Technologies | August 28, 2023
Leading hotels, hospitality brands and management groups are turning to technology solutions to help create more personalized guest-staff interactions, automate rote administrative processes, improve... Read More
TikTok, Instagram, X: How travel startups use social media
News / Online
TikTok, Instagram, X: How travel startups use social media
By Morgan Hines | August 24, 2023
Travel startups have been using social media as a marketing tool for some time now. But with an ever-evolving social media spectrum, what remains useful? Read More
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