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.

VIDEO: PhocusWire Flash - Crisis In Ukraine
News / Online
VIDEO: PhocusWire Flash - Crisis In Ukraine
By PhocusWire | March 11, 2022
Executives from the World Travel & Tourism Council, Tripadvisor and Road.travel join PhocusWire for a discussion of the war in Ukraine and its implications from both a humanitarian and economic... Read More
Google pauses “vast majority” of commercial activity in Russia, adds tools for hotels
News / Online
Google pauses “vast majority” of commercial activity in Russia, adds tools for hotels
By Jill Menze | March 10, 2022
In addition to pausing commercial activity in Russia, Google will allow hotels in countries neighboring Ukraine to indicate if they’re offering free or discounted accommodations. Read More
OTA Insight buys Transparent in bid to cover full accommodation sector
News / Distribution
OTA Insight buys Transparent in bid to cover full accommodation sector
By Kevin May | March 10, 2022
The combination of the two brands is being positioned as a way of giving hotels and rental properties the opportunity to access data and business intel on their markets and competition. Read More
big-chair-eviivo-fitzpatrick
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Michele Fitzpatrick of Eviivo
By Mitra Sorrells | March 10, 2022
Since 2012, Michele Fitzpatrick has been CEO of U.K.-based Eviivo, which provides a cloud-based booking and property management platform. Read More
Black representation in hospitality leadership not making gains
News / Online
Black representation in hospitality leadership not making gains
By Jill Menze | March 9, 2022
According to a Castell Project report, Black representation in leadership for the public face of the hospitality is not making the gains necessary to show opportunity for Black employees. Read More
selfbook-raises-15-million
News / Startups
Hotel payment startup Selfbook valued at $300M following $15M injection
By Jill Menze | March 8, 2022
The $15 million extension of its Series A financing brings Selfbook’s total funding to $40 million. Read More
DEI-business-travel
News / Distribution
Action speaks louder than data in diversity and inclusion
By Linda Fox | March 8, 2022
Collecting data on diversity and inclusion should not be something that ends up in a drawer, says GBTA's diversity vice chair. Read More
Fleetcor acquires Levarti to bolster tech for air passenger services
News / Technology
Fleetcor acquires Levarti to bolster tech for air passenger services
By Kevin May | March 8, 2022
U.K.-based Levarti has a passenger notification system for delays and cancellations, flight re-booking tools, hotel accommodation, transfers and vouchers. Read More
OYO, Hopper bet on gamification to drive user retention
News / Online
OYO, Hopper bet on gamification to drive user retention
By Mitra Sorrells | March 7, 2022
OYO and Hopper are leading the way but expect to see more brands using both game theory and actual games in their mobile apps. Read More
VIDEO: Guest experience as the leading tactic in rentals
News / Technology
VIDEO: Guest experience as the leading tactic in rentals
By PhocusWire | March 7, 2022
If price is not the determining factor for a traveler to choose which product they're going to opt for on a trip, then overall experience could be the clincher. Read More
Climate expert Mike Berners-Lee sounds stark warning to travel
News / Technology
Climate expert Mike Berners-Lee sounds stark warning to travel
By Linda Fox | March 3, 2022
The industry is at a crunch point in time, whatever way it looks at the climate emergency and the current solutions - so action needs to be taken now. Read More
Mews continues tech spending spree with Bizzon acquisition
News / Technology
Mews continues tech spending spree with Bizzon acquisition
By Jill Menze | March 3, 2022
Point-of-sale software provider Bizzon is Mews’ second acquisition this month and fifth overall. Read More
Klook rebrands, eyes new verticals and merchant offerings
News / Online
Klook rebrands, eyes new verticals and merchant offerings
By Jill Menze | March 2, 2022
The Hong Kong-based tours and activities OTA more than quadrupled its number of products and services during the pandemic from 100,000 in 2019 to 490,000 in 2021. Read More
virdee-closes-seed-5m
News / Startups
Virdee closes seed financing with additional $5M
By Mitra Sorrells | March 1, 2022
Virdee provides digital check-in and virtual concierge solutions that integrate with door lock and property management systems. Read More
How open distribution helps hotels regain selling power
Opinion / Distribution
How open distribution helps hotels regain selling power
By Ben Stephenson - Impala | March 1, 2022
An open distribution model reimagines how hotel selling works from the ground up. Read More