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.

PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: HTS, Kayak, Navan and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: HTS, Kayak, Navan and more...
By PhocusWire | January 30, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
6 AI trends that will matter to hotels in 2026
Opinion / Technology
6 AI trends that will matter to hotels in 2026
By Sebastien Leitner - Cloudbeds | January 30, 2026
While the AI hype has been exhausting, Cloudbeds' Sebastien Leitner argues that there are some transformative shifts in hospitality.  Read More
Accor launches app in ChatGPT
News / Technology
Accor launches app in ChatGPT
By Abby Crotty | January 29, 2026
Users can enable the app in ChatGPT to search for Accor hotels using specific dates and guest details. Read More
HeyMax secures $11M for AI push, geographical expansion
News / Startups
HeyMax secures $11M for AI push, geographical expansion
By Linda Fox | January 28, 2026
The funding will go toward product development, including simplifying earning and redemption for consumers through AI and expansion into Japan, Taiwan and Australia in 2026. Read More
Travalyst updates accommodation certifications to allow for EU regulations
News / Online
Travalyst updates accommodation certifications to allow for EU regulations
By Linda Fox | January 28, 2026
The latest iteration builds on Travalyst's initiative launched in early 2024, which marked an initial step towards standardization around accommodation sustainability schemes. Read More
84% of leisure travelers admit to gaming loyalty programs
News / Online
84% of leisure travelers admit to gaming loyalty programs
By Phocuswright Research | January 27, 2026
Going the extra mile to play the loyalty systems has become the norm, albeit exploited by some travelers more than others. Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: American Airlines, Booking.com, Amadeus and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: American Airlines, Booking.com, Amadeus and more...
By PhocusWire | January 23, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Enhancing luxury travel experiences with technology
News / Technology
Enhancing luxury travel experiences with technology
By Morgan Hines | January 23, 2026
Travel stakeholders from Loews and Skylark explore technology in luxury travel, from general friction removal to a new frontier of predictive services. Read More
UK-based Snaptrip Group completes 2 acqusitions
News / Online
UK-based Snaptrip Group completes 2 acqusitions
By Abby Crotty | January 22, 2026
The company added My Boutique Hotel and Staycato, which includes the Simply Sea Views and Dog Friendly Retreats brands, to its portfolio. Read More
Mews raises $300M to expand AI, fintech capabilities
News / Online
Mews raises $300M to expand AI, fintech capabilities
By Morgan Hines | January 22, 2026
The fresh capital brings the hospitality technology specialist’s valuation to $2.5 billion. Read More
Why seamless arrivals are critical to the connected trip
From Our Partners / Online
Why seamless arrivals are critical to the connected trip
By PhocusWire | January 22, 2026
Flights, accommodation and ground transportation still operate in silos, leaving travelers to navigate delays, missed connections and inconsistent service. Read More
MakeMyTrip reports profit growth, spike in ancillary sales in Q3
News / Online
MakeMyTrip reports profit growth, spike in ancillary sales in Q3
By Abby Crotty | January 21, 2026
The OTA saw significant growth in its "other" segment, which includes ancillaries, with the adjusted margin up 45.5% year over year. Read More
Making the case for hotels to enable AI 'crawlability'
News / Technology
Making the case for hotels to enable AI 'crawlability'
By Matthew Parsons | January 21, 2026
Opening up to AI crawlers can boost visibility and potentially direct bookings, but questions remain over security, compliance risks and longer-term benefits. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Hilton, Navan, Civitatis and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Hilton, Navan, Civitatis and more...
By PhocusWire | January 16, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Rethinking availability, risk and conversion in hotel distribution
From Our Partners / Distribution
Rethinking availability, risk and conversion in hotel distribution
By PhocusWire | January 15, 2026
Learn more about the concept of 'invisible loss' in travel and how availability gaps and limited rate flexibility can prevent demand and supply from connecting—even when both clearly exist. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026