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.

Jerne Startup Stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Jerne connects travel companies with social media creators
By Kathryn Walson | March 20, 2023
Jerne is an SaaS platform for creators and experience providers to manage their relationships, navigate commercial agreements and track affiliate sales and marketing ROI. Read More
pcw-social-influencers
News / Online
Influencers and social commerce in travel
By Robert Cole - Phocuswright | March 17, 2023
An in-depth Phocuswright report looks at how social marketing has evolved, how consumers interact with brands and nuanced differences for travel. Read More
despegar-q4-2022
News / Online
Despegar sees Latin America market recovery by year end
By Linda Fox | March 16, 2023
Despegar has launched packages functionality and redesigned its mobile app, which currently accounts for about half of bookings. Read More
Tripadvisor CMO talks travel marketing, membership, video
News / Online
Tripadvisor CMO talks travel marketing, membership, video
By Linda Fox | March 16, 2023
Tripadvisor's chief marketing officer John Boris, who joined the company in late 2022, shares more on the company's strategy as well as his thoughts on the state of travel marketing. Read More
David Bessis and Mireille Messine
News / Technology
Splio acquires Tinyclues to boost AI-marketing power
By Derek Catron | March 16, 2023
The Tinyclues’ platform increases the value proposition of Splio, making it the European leader in AI-powered customer relationship management, the company says.   Read More
CitizenM London Victoria Station property
News / Online
CitizenM secures €480M sustainability-linked loan
By Derek Catron | March 15, 2023
Sustainability-linked loans incentivize companies to achieve environmental benchmarks to secure lower interest rates.   Read More
Are travel companies more willing to work with startups?
News / Startups
Are travel companies more willing to work with startups?
By Linda Fox | March 14, 2023
Investors believe there has been positive change since before the pandemic with travel supply companies such as hotels and airlines now much more receptive to working with startups. Read More
Tryp.com seed funding
News / Online
Tryp.com secures seed round to enhance tech, expand reach
By Kathryn Walson | March 14, 2023
The Denmark-based startup says its search engine “accesses thousands of flights, trains, buses and hotels in real-time, comparing prices, locations and schedules.” Read More
itb-berlin-travel-talk
News / Online
Travel Talk: Takeaways from ITB Berlin
By PhocusWire | March 13, 2023
Returning to the marquee travel trade event for the first time in four years, Northstar’s thought leaders share first impressions.   Read More
Awai Startup Stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Awai seeks to simplify travel booking with one-stop shop
By Kathryn Walson | March 13, 2023
The Melbourne-based startup says it saves consumers time, money and headaches during trip planning, while removing the need for travel agents. Read More
hotel leader diversity
News / Online
Advocates push for bold steps to diversify hotel leadership
By Derek Catron | March 10, 2023
Wyndham, Marriott, Hyatt and others take steps, but advocates say more may be needed to improve diversity among hotel owners.   Read More
WheeltheWorld image
News / Startups
Wheel the World lands $6M to boost accessibility in travel
By Kathryn Walson | March 10, 2023
Founded in 2018, the San Francisco-based startup plans to expand its listings with the goal of having 12,000 travelers book through its platform by December 2024. Read More
WTTC introduces sustainability guidelines for hotels
News / Online
WTTC introduces sustainability guidelines for hotels
By Johanna Jainchill - Travel Weekly | March 9, 2023
Called Hotel Sustainability Basics, WTTC said it is an industry-backed initiative to enable accommodation providers worldwide, regardless of their size, “to begin their sustainability journey.”   Read More
TUI loyalty
News / Online
TUI to launch loyalty program built on guest “convenience”
By Linda Fox | March 8, 2023
Sebastian Ebel, speaking at ITB in Berlin, says he has been impressed with what hotel groups such as Hilton have done, describing its program as a "convenience product." Read More
trip-com-q4-2022
News / Online
Trip.com Group sees outbound travel demand surge
By Mitra Sorrells | March 7, 2023
The company says demand for outbound travel is continuing to accelerate in the first months of this year, with bookings up more than 300% compared with the same period last year.   Read More