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.

autonomous-vehicles-go-car
News / Technology
Autonomous vehicles break into tours and attractions
By Kathryn Walson | February 6, 2023
GoCar is preparing to roll out self-driving electric vehicles, with a Las Vegas demonstration tentatively scheduled for March 10.   Read More
mirai-hotel-direct-op-ed
Opinion / Distribution
How much are hotels losing by not controlling prices?
By Pablo Sánchez - Mirai | February 3, 2023
Analysis by Mirai finds that hotels that reduce disparities and improve pricing compared to OTAs almost automatically get more impressions, clicks and direct bookings.   Read More
untours-foundation-reset-tourism
News / Startups
UnTours Foundation plans $10M investment for better tourism future
By Linda Fox | February 2, 2023
The foundation's partners include Expedia Group, TUI Care Foundation, Adventure Travel Trade Association, Flywire and B Tourism. Read More
mondee-acquires-orinter
News / Online
Mondee gains foothold in Brazil with Orinter acquisition
By Linda Fox | February 1, 2023
Mondee, which went public via special purpose acquisition company in July 2022, sees Brazil as a "natural expansion opportunity." Read More
traveler-wellbeing-technology
News / Technology
Traveler well-being and the shift to purposeful business travel
By Linda Fox | February 1, 2023
Three years from the start of the pandemic, there is talk beyond safety to more of a focus on traveler well-being in terms of mental, physical and emotional health. Read More
Plusgrade UpStay acquisition
News / Online
Plusgrade acquires UpStay to expand ancillary revenue solutions
By Kathryn Walson | January 31, 2023
Founded in 2009, Montreal-based Plusgrade says it has more than 200 airline, hospitality, cruise, rail and financial services partners globally.  Read More
EaseMyTrip acquires majority stake in hotel booking business cheQin
News / Online
EaseMyTrip acquires majority stake in hotel booking business cheQin
By Linda Fox | January 27, 2023
The deal strengthens EaseMyTrip’s hotel channels and puts it in a “great position to give its customers a wide range of innovative hotel booking options.”  Read More
WhereToStay.com acquisition
News / Online
Viadi Group acquires majority interest in WhereToStay.com
By Kathryn Walson | January 27, 2023
The WhereToStay.com team will continue to operate from its Texas headquarters, with support from Switzerland-based Viadi in scaling up the business. Read More
amexgbt-restructure-multinational-sme
News / Distribution
Amex GBT restructures to focus on multinationals and smaller businesses
By Michael B. Baker - BTN | January 27, 2023
The company says the move will "accelerate growth" and "drive consistency" with the Amex GBT eyeing a "significant opportunity to grow our business." Read More
tw-alis-tech-challenge
News / Startups
Hotel tech innovators present solutions for cleaning rooms, digital tipping
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | January 26, 2023
During the ALIS Tech Challenge at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit, several companies pitched new hotel technology solutions to address the industry's labor challenges. Read More
in room voice assistant technology
News / Technology
The evolution of in-room voice tech in hospitality
By Kathryn Walson | January 25, 2023
Voice assistants help short-staffed hotels by answering routine questions that the front desk would otherwise have to answer. They can also boost revenue by upselling spa services or future bookings,... Read More
Grazzy lands $4.25M for hospitality payment and tipping platform
News / Startups
Grazzy lands $4.25M for hospitality payment and tipping platform
By Linda Fox | January 24, 2023
The investment from Next Coast Ventures and Tuesday Capital brings the company’s total seed round to $6.8 million. Read More
davos-world-economic-forum-23
Opinion / Online
Davos and the travel industry: 5 takeaways
By Jeffrey Katz - Journera | January 24, 2023
Journera CEO Jeffrey Katz shares the travel-related topics and trends from the World Economic Forum's Davos event. Read More
How travel brands can activate first-party data
Opinion / Online
How travel brands can activate first-party data
By Dave Goulden - Sojern | January 23, 2023
Travel companies need to prepare for cookies going away and learn to use first-party data in sophisticated ways to create a personalized customer experience. Read More
coras-fida-token-launch
News / Technology
Coras aims to reinvent travel loyalty with launch of new DeFi token
By Mitra Sorrells | January 23, 2023
Unlike traditional loyalty points, the Fida tokens are transferable, interoperable, provide instant liquidity and never expire. Read More