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.

How hotels can drive greater customer lifetime value
From Our Partners / Online
How hotels can drive greater customer lifetime value
By Carl Bleich - Bloomreach | July 12, 2023
Discover how hotels can implement effective strategies to increase customer lifetime value and drive revenue. Read More
Hotel Equities implements Grazzy digital tipping across properties
News / Startups
Hotel Equities implements Grazzy digital tipping across properties
By Linda Fox | July 11, 2023
The Grazzy platform enables guests to tip housekeeping, front desk and other hotel employees directly from mobile devices. Read More
Holden out at Google Travel
News / Online
Holden out at Google Travel
By Mitra Sorrells | July 11, 2023
Google Travel is now being led by Rose Yao and Julie Farago, two longtime Google employees with product and engineering experience. Read More
Sojern expands travel marketing platform with acquisition of VenueLytics
News / Online
Sojern expands travel marketing platform with acquisition of VenueLytics
By Mitra Sorrells | July 11, 2023
VenueLytics provides guest experience and data analytics tools to improve guest satisfaction and loyalty, increase direct bookings and drive ancillary revenue. Read More
Sabre expands retailing capabilities for hotels
News / Distribution
Sabre expands retailing capabilities for hotels
By Mitra Sorrells | July 10, 2023
Sabre's acquisition of Techsembly is intended to help its hotel partners provide a comprehensive trip planning and shopping experience for guests. Read More
NeoKe raises first round in push to create truly “connected” travel
News / Startups
NeoKe raises first round in push to create truly “connected” travel
By Mitra Sorrells | July 10, 2023
The startup, launched by two former Booking.com executives in 2022, aims to put travelers in control of their data and to create new opportunities for brands to drive loyalty. Read More
With acquisition, South Korea’s ONDA can manage all types of properties
News / Startups
With acquisition, South Korea’s ONDA can manage all types of properties
By Derek Catron | July 10, 2023
The company’s moves included forming a subsidiary, OATech, after acquiring the hotel property management system business unit of Oasis Story, a Korean-based B2B solutions provider.   Read More
HyperGuest raises $23M to enhance hospitality tech platform
News / Startups
HyperGuest raises $23M to enhance hospitality tech platform
By Derek Catron | July 7, 2023
HyperGuest's platform enables hotels and suppliers to directly connect with travel distributors, including online travel agencies, agents groups, tour operators, travel management companies, bedbanks... Read More
Stepping stones toward hotel sustainability
Opinion / Online
Stepping stones toward hotel sustainability
By Sophie Cartwright - Guestline | July 7, 2023
Reducing hospitality’s carbon footprint is an ongoing requirement, but there are steps to help operators get there, saving money in the long term while building loyalty with staff and guests.   Read More
Breeze - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
Interview / Startups
Breeze - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
By PhocusWire | July 6, 2023
Breeze is a single app that travelers can use to manage flights, accommodations, ground transportation, experiences, global roaming, loyalty cards, trip photos and more. Read More
Study reveals low take-up of AI among European hotels
News / Distribution
Study reveals low take-up of AI among European hotels
By Linda Fox | July 5, 2023
The Booking.com-Statista European Accommodation Barometer reveals that 23% plan to use the tools in the next six months, but two-thirds have no plans to use AI in their businesses. Read More
Online travel platforms escape digital gatekeeper list
News / Online
Online travel platforms escape digital gatekeeper list
By Linda Fox | July 4, 2023
The European Commission published the first list of companies that consider themselves potential gatekeepers today. Read More
Agoda unveils wholesale distribution platform for hotel partners
News / Distribution
Agoda unveils wholesale distribution platform for hotel partners
By Derek Catron | June 30, 2023
Booking Holdings brand Agoda now offers more transparency for hotels to track volume and rates and maximize revenues.    Read More
Accor updates on digital and distribution strategy
News / Distribution
Accor updates on digital and distribution strategy
By Linda Fox | June 30, 2023
Accor chief digital officer Alix Boulnois detailed some of the company’s strategies going forward during a Capital Market Day in late June. Read More
Why hyperlocal is the new global for the travel industry
Opinion / Online
Why hyperlocal is the new global for the travel industry
By Michael Becker - GeoSure | June 30, 2023
GeoSure CEO Michael Becker explains why hotels, rentals, ride shares and other tourism stakeholders should harness the power of ultra-refined, location-specific data. Read More
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