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.

mydigitaloffice-acquisition
News / Technology
MyDigitalOffice acquires business intelligence solution InTouch Data
By Derek Catron | January 20, 2023
Australia-based InTouch, founded in 2001, offers a user-friendly platform that captures a hotel's revenue streams in one place and helps owners and operators make profitable decisions. Read More
Akia funding round
News / Online
Hospitality communication tech provider Akia secures $6M
By Kathryn Walson | January 20, 2023
Akia says its two-way communication platform, powered by artificial intelligence, helps hotelsp enhance guest engagement, while its process automation system increases staff efficiency and drives... Read More
onda-funding
News / Startups
South Korean hospitality tech startup raises $10M
By Derek Catron | January 20, 2023
Onda provides an integrated sales platform and property management system for hotels and vacation rentals. Read More
Roomnet innovation lab
News / Technology
Roomnet launches innovation lab to develop hotel tech
By Kathryn Walson | January 20, 2023
Roomnet's new lab is dedicated to testing and integrating cutting-edge technology that it says will shape the hotels of the future. Read More
uber-studio-pc-22
News / Online
Uber on its future plans for travel products
By Mitra Sorrells | January 19, 2023
Uber’s head of growth and new products for travel and airports, Loren Kosloske, discusses the company’s future plans related to multi-modality, flights and hotels.   Read More
Save now buy later travel
News / Online
Could “save now buy later” take off in travel?
By Kathryn Walson | January 19, 2023
With SNBL, a traveler creates an account to save toward a goal - such as a trip - and their savings are boosted by financial incentives and discounts from supplier partners.  Read More
Accor unveils new platform for mixed-use property development
News / Online
Accor unveils new platform for mixed-use property development
By Linda Fox | January 18, 2023
Accor plans to develop and operate branded residences via the new platform, combined with other products and services such as co-working, private clubs and extended stay hotels. Read More
Travel’s resilience and sustainability in spotlight at Davos
News / Technology
Travel’s resilience and sustainability in spotlight at Davos
By Linda Fox | January 18, 2023
Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye, Journera CEO Jeff Katz, the Rwandan Development Board's Clare Akamanzi and Thailand's finance minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith discuss pressing industry issues at the... Read More
HotelRunner raises $6.5M for hospitality tech platform
News / Technology
HotelRunner raises $6.5M for hospitality tech platform
By Linda Fox | January 17, 2023
The funding for the London, U.K.-based business comes from both new and existing investors 212, Wix Capital, Founders Factory, Ascension Ventures and DHM as well as a number of technology veterans and... Read More
trave-euromonitor-consumer-trends-2023
News / Online
Top global consumer trends and what they mean for travel
By Linda Fox | January 17, 2023
Euromonitor's new report, Top 10 Global Consumer Trends for 2023, is out today and provides insights travel companies can use to tap into these behaviors. Read More
What will ChatGPT mean for the travel industry?
News / Technology
What will ChatGPT mean for the travel industry?
By Mitra Sorrells | January 12, 2023
Industry leaders from Booking.com, Expedia Group, Hopper and more weigh in on the topic of what ChatGPT might mean for their internal operations and for travelers. Read More
grounded flights U.S.
News / Online
Grounding of flights in U.S. produces aftershocks for travel and hospitality
By Kathryn Walson | January 11, 2023
Although temporary, Wednesday’s flight stoppage calls attention to the need for updated technology as well as stronger passenger rights, industry experts say. Read More
Tracking the loyalty strategies of online travel giants
Opinion / Online
Tracking the loyalty strategies of online travel giants
By Mario Gavira | January 11, 2023
While Expedia, Booking.com and Hopper are betting on financial rewards to boost loyalty, Airbnb is focused on driving retention through love. Read More
hotelmize-12-million
News / Startups
Profit optimization solution Hotelmize raises $12M
By Mitra Sorrells | January 11, 2023
Hotelmize uses its artificial intelligence and room mapping technology to monitor fluctuations in hotel rates, analyze its partners reservations and optimize their profits. Read More
Planet acquisitions hospitality
News / Online
Planet expands hospitality footprint with three acquisitions
By Kathryn Walson | January 11, 2023
Planet's president of hospitality is Lennert De Jong, who joined the company in September after 16 years at CitizenM. Read More