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.

The seven deadly sins of hotel distribution
Opinion / Distribution
The seven deadly sins of hotel distribution
By Marta Romero - Mirai | May 2, 2023
While there’s no universal formula to achieve the perfect channel mix in hotel distribution, it’s also important to avoid temptation offered by the seven deadly sins of distribution.   Read More
Marriott to prominently display resort fees this month
News / Online
Marriott to prominently display resort fees this month
By Jeffrey Weinstein - Hotel Investment Today | May 1, 2023
Marriott is making this required moved based on a 2021 settlement in a Pennsylvania court regarding resort fees as a deceptive practice.  Read More
Expedia Group to power new SoFi Travel site
News / Online
Expedia Group to power new SoFi Travel site
By Mitra Sorrells | May 1, 2023
Expedia Group also provides travel content and services for financial institutions including Revolut, Scotiabank, American Express, Royal Bank of Canada and more. Read More
How more travel companies make “magic” with ChatGPT
News / Technology
How more travel companies make “magic” with ChatGPT
By Derek Catron | May 1, 2023
We've gathered information from more companies that are integrating ChatGPT, including Hospitable which is using it to respond to guest messages.   Read More
Claims fraud in travel - another form of chargeback
Opinion / Online
Claims fraud in travel - another form of chargeback
By Monica Eaton - Chargebacks911 | May 1, 2023
Using modern technology, travel merchants can significantly reduce the number of fraudulent claims they receive while maintaining the customer relationships that their businesses are built on. Read More
Optimize your pricing strategy to reach loyal travelers
From Our Partners / Online
Optimize your pricing strategy to reach loyal travelers
By Rachel Bird - Expedia Group | May 1, 2023
Travel partners gain more bookings from the most sought-after, high-quality travelers who book earlier, stay longer and cancel less frequently. Read More
Hyatt plans to acquire hotel booking platform for £53M
News / Distribution
Hyatt plans to acquire hotel booking platform for £53M
By Mitra Sorrells | April 28, 2023
London-based luxury hotel booking site Mr & Mrs Smith, launched in 2003, offers direct booking access to more than 1,500 boutique and luxury properties around the world.   Read More
Understanding ChatGPT for tourism and hospitality
News / Technology
Understanding ChatGPT for tourism and hospitality
By PhocusWire | April 28, 2023
Learn more about how to use ChatGPT, examples of applications, risks to consider and what to expect in the future in this webinar co-hosted by PhocusWire and Miles Partnership. Read More
Generative AI and ChatGPT: What it means for tourism and hospitality
Event / Technology
Generative AI and ChatGPT: What it means for tourism and hospitality
April 27, 2023
In this webinar, Phocuswright and Miles Partnership will provide valuable insights on the essential aspects of generative AI, the most compelling applications for destinations and hospitality businesses... On Demand
Ixigo technology chief on AI, ChatGPT and their potential
News / Technology
Ixigo technology chief on AI, ChatGPT and their potential
By Linda Fox | April 25, 2023
Mobile-driven Ixigo has made a string of acquisitions and investments in recent years, adding technology and inventory, and was an early mover when it came to experimenting with artificial intelligence. Read More
Travel startups: End of the boom or beginnings of a renaissance?
News / Startups
Travel startups: End of the boom or beginnings of a renaissance?
By Mike Coletta - Phocuswright | April 24, 2023
We have entered very difficult territory for fundraising in travel, and the days of easy money are over (at least for now). Read More
ChatGPT in the business travel world
News / Technology
ChatGPT in the business travel world
By Linda Fox | April 21, 2023
The corporate travel world is considering how it might boost productivity internally as well as the customer experience externally using ChatGPT and other generative AI solutions. Read More
Hotel and rail are segments to watch in Spain
News / Online
Hotel and rail are segments to watch in Spain
By Phocuswright Research | April 21, 2023
This Phocuswright report provides a comprehensive view of the Spain travel market, including detailed market sizing and projections, distribution trends, analysis of major travel segments, key... Read More
Constellation Software invests in hotel-travel marketplace
News / Distribution
Constellation Software invests in hotel-travel marketplace
By Derek Catron | April 21, 2023
Roibos' platform offers transparent and direct connectivity between hoteliers and travel operators. The undisclosed investment will enable Roibos to accelerate its growth and expand its global presence.... Read More
Worldline tests metaverse as new channel for hotel sales
News / Technology
Worldline tests metaverse as new channel for hotel sales
By Mitra Sorrells | April 18, 2023
Worldline has created a virtual “shopping mall” in Decentraland, and a luxury hotel in Switzerland is the first of its travel merchants to create a storefront. Read More