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.

Priceline’s new AI chatbot will mix ChatGPT and Google tech
News / Technology
Priceline’s new AI chatbot will mix ChatGPT and Google tech
By Mitra Sorrells | June 28, 2023
Priceline's new chatbot, Penny, is equipped with security features so users can complete an accommodation booking right within the chat. Read More
There's a real-time revolution happening in hotel operations
News / Technology
There's a real-time revolution happening in hotel operations
By Adam Glickman and Dmitry Koltunov - Phocuswright analysts | June 28, 2023
By examining how the hotel’s operations function in their current state, all the micro-decisions that contribute to optimizing overall performance can be improved.  Read More
How travel brands are finding a voice on TikTok
News / Online
How travel brands are finding a voice on TikTok
By Linda Fox | June 28, 2023
TikTok's Hannah Bennett shares some of the current trends for travel on the platform as well as how brands including BA and Hilton are finding their voice. Read More
Booking.com adds conversational trip planning with ChatGPT
News / Technology
Booking.com adds conversational trip planning with ChatGPT
By Mitra Sorrells | June 27, 2023
For now the chat platform is integrated only with Booking.com’s accommodation booking experience, but the company plans to add flights, ground transportation and other trip components in the future. Read More
Chargebacks in travel increasing as consumers find them easier than refunds
News / Technology
Chargebacks in travel increasing as consumers find them easier than refunds
By Linda Fox | June 27, 2023
Outpayce, the payments business of Amadeus, surveyed travel executives to uncover that 71% of companies have seen an increase with disputes growing 30% year over year. Read More
Seizing the digital payment opportunity in travel
News / Technology
Seizing the digital payment opportunity in travel
By Linda Fox | June 26, 2023
Stripe's global travel lead James Lemon discusses payments evolution and trends in travel in the PhocusWire Studio at Phocuswright Europe 2023. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Squake provides sustainability solutions for travel companies
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Squake provides sustainability solutions for travel companies
By Mitra Sorrells | June 26, 2023
Squake’s API calculates carbon emissions related to any type of travel, such as an air or rail trip or a hotel stay, and then automates carbon reduction or compensation in the booking flow. Read More
Personalization + ChatGPT = Holy grail in customer intent
Opinion / Technology
Personalization + ChatGPT = Holy grail in customer intent
By Terry Jones | June 23, 2023
ChatGPT is going to change travel search for the better, and adding personalization will make it wonderful. Read More
Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
News / Startups
Travel startups on choosing investors, funding experiences
By Linda Fox & Mitra Sorrells | June 22, 2023
Following our recent piece on top investors in travel tech, PhocusWire collected insights from startups on what they look for in investors. Read More
HiJiffy lands €3.8M investment, looks to expand chatbot service
News / Startups
HiJiffy lands €3.8M investment, looks to expand chatbot service
By Linda Fox | June 21, 2023
The investment in the company was led by Caixa Capital with Lince Capital and existing investor Portugal Ventures also participating. Read More
Amadeus' Maroto on hospitality, aviation pressure, leadership challenges
News / Technology
Amadeus' Maroto on hospitality, aviation pressure, leadership challenges
By Linda Fox | June 20, 2023
Luis Maroto, president and CEO of Amadeus, joined Phocuswright Europe 2023 to talk about the economy, distribution developments and potential growth opportunities for the company. Read More
Latin America super app Rappi has big ambitions in travel
News / Online
Latin America super app Rappi has big ambitions in travel
By Mitra Sorrells | June 20, 2023
With partnerships with Marriott and Amadeus, Rappi is finding ways to make its app the go-to place for travel bookings as well as many other daily essentials. Read More
The power of an “ecosystem approach” in hospitality
From Our Partners / Online
The power of an “ecosystem approach” in hospitality
By Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter - Amadeus Hospitality | June 20, 2023
Find out how today's traveler expectations are catalysts for change and how the hospitality industry can adapt in the coming years to deliver more seamless journeys.   Read More
Could generative AI make Google Maps a full travel app?
News / Technology
Could generative AI make Google Maps a full travel app?
By Linda Fox | June 16, 2023
A Lufthansa Innovation Hub study explores how generative AI could be the final piece of the map-based travel planning puzzle. Read More
Save now, buy later gains traction as CheapOair partners with Accrue
News / Online
Save now, buy later gains traction as CheapOair partners with Accrue
By Linda Fox | June 13, 2023
While buy now, pay later has caught on in the past couple of years through companies including FlyNowPayLater and Uplift, save now, buy later is in its infancy. Read More
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