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.

Introducing The Phocuswright Conference 2022
News / Online
Introducing The Phocuswright Conference 2022
By PhocusWire | September 13, 2022
The Phocuswright Conference 2022, taking place in November in Phoenix, will include Center Stage sessions featuring industry leaders along with dedicated programs for innovation, diversity, Young... Read More
Q&A: Doug Lansky on the efficacy of carbon offsetting schemes
News / Online
Q&A: Doug Lansky on the efficacy of carbon offsetting schemes
By Jill Menze | September 13, 2022
The destination management and tourism specialist explains why offsetting schemes sound “too good to be true.” Read More
Hungarian OTA Szallas Group acquired by Wirtualna Polska Holding
News / Online
Hungarian OTA Szallas Group acquired by Wirtualna Polska Holding
By Jill Menze | September 13, 2022
Szallas Group operates the largest domestic travel portals in Central and Eastern Europe, enabling travelers to book accommodations in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, Poland and Croatia. Read More
Acquisition
News / Online
HotelOnline acquires HotelPlus to accelerate expansion across Africa
By Kathryn Walson | September 12, 2022
Prior to the deal, HotelOnline was valued at $24 million. Read More
3-hospitality-tech-predictions-aruba
Opinion / Technology
3 hospitality tech predictions for the new era of travel
By Elaine Shuck - Aruba | September 12, 2022
Improved connectivity, the use of cognitive computing with AI and even emerging digital worlds inside the metaverse are shaping the future of hospitality.    Read More
startup-stage-pinktada-main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Pinktada is an NFT-based hotel marketplace
By Mitra Sorrells | September 12, 2022
Pinktada is a blockchain-based marketplace for hotels that turns each combination of "hotel plus room plus night" into an NFT that the owner can use, sell or swap. Read More
Multi-day packaged tours specialist Exoticca snags €20M for growth in North America, Latin America
News / Online
Multi-day packaged tours specialist Exoticca snags €20M for growth in North America, Latin America
By Jill Menze | September 12, 2022
The financing brings the Barcelona-based company’s total funding to €66 million. Read More
Google partners with Women in Travel CIC to support disadvantaged women in travel
News / Online
Google partners with Women in Travel CIC to support disadvantaged women in travel
By Jill Menze | September 9, 2022
The program will give disadvantaged women in travel in the U.K. access to upskilling, mentoring and development tools. Read More
In The Big Chair - Aloke Bajpai of Ixigo
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Aloke Bajpai of Ixigo
By Linda Fox | September 8, 2022
Aloke Bajpai founded India-based Ixigo in 2007 alongside co-founder Rajnish Kumar to improve the travel booking process for consumers through technology.  Read More
wi-q-funding
News / Startups
U.K. startup wi-Q lands £3 million to digitalize payments in hospitality
By Jill Menze | September 8, 2022
Founded in 2014, wi-Q aims to help hospitality and leisure companies improve the guest experience via its mobile ordering and payments solutions. Read More
RatePunk main
Interview / Online
STARTUP STAGE: RatePunk is a browser extension that finds the cheapest hotel price
By Kathryn Walson | September 6, 2022
Launched in February, RatePunk scans major booking websites’ algorithms and compares hotel prices.  Read More
Looking ahead into the Middle East travel market
News / Online
Looking ahead into the Middle East travel market
By PhocusWire | September 6, 2022
According to Phocuswright’s Middle East Travel Market Report 2021-2025, the region is poised for a bright future. Read More
phocuswright-europe-2022-ssi
News / Technology
Why the travel industry should care about SSI and DID
By PhocusWire | September 2, 2022
Nick Price explains how technology to enable self-sovereign, digital identity will be commonplace in the next decade.    Read More
Vouch launches pre-arrival platform for hotels to earn revenue via upselling
News / Technology
Vouch launches pre-arrival platform for hotels to earn revenue via upselling
By Kathryn Walson | August 31, 2022
Hotels maintain full control of pricing and inventory on offerings, including room upgrades, spa packages and third-party ancillary services. Read More
hotelbeds-istanbul
News / Distribution
Hotelbeds claims travel-tech first with Istanbul airport partnership
By Jill Menze | August 31, 2022
The destination marketing campaign brings special rates to Hotelbeds customers as well as exposure to iGA Istanbul Airport services. Read More