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.

Consumers want more from loyalty programs than racking up points
From Our Partners / Online
Consumers want more from loyalty programs than racking up points
By Michelle Bruno | February 28, 2022
Consumers have big appetites. They're eager for reward opportunities to keep pace with their lifestyles and preferences. Read More
Book on Google for hotels to shut after low take-up
News / Distribution
Book on Google for hotels to shut after low take-up
By Mitra Sorrells | February 25, 2022
Google says it has seen relatively low usage of the Book on Google option for hotels, in terms of both consumer engagement and partner interest.  Read More
Hotel guest platform Canary Technologies signs in with $15M investment
News / Technology
Hotel guest platform Canary Technologies signs in with $15M investment
By Kevin May | February 25, 2022
The total raised by the provider of a mobile guest management system for hotels now stands at $17 million. Read More
tripmoney-launches-credit-card
News / Online
MakeMyTrip’s TripMoney launches credit card for Indian travelers
By Jill Menze | February 24, 2022
MakeMyTrip’s fintech arm TripMoney and SBM Bank India are launching a rupee-denominated credit card for Indian outbound travelers. Read More
IHG says creating digital advantage is a priority
News / Distribution
IHG says creating digital advantage is a priority
By Linda Fox | February 23, 2022
The hotel giant says guests now expect sustainable practices and seamless tech, as it reports its full-year 2021 earnings. Read More
Hosco cooks up a €3.4M round for hospitality network
News / Online
Hosco cooks up a €3.4M round for hospitality network
By Linda Fox | February 22, 2022
The hospitality recruitment platform is planning further expansion following the latest injection of capital. Read More
The importance of empathy - how to understand your guests
Opinion / Technology
The importance of empathy - how to understand your guests
By Danielle Delozier - HomeToGo | February 22, 2022
It’s also important to remember the human touch as companies work to provide peace of mind and a positive experience for their guests. Read More
PhocusWire Pulse: A New Traveler Experience
News / Technology
PhocusWire Pulse: A New Traveler Experience
By PhocusWire | February 21, 2022
For our tenth event and the first of 2022, we focus on some of the cutting edge changes to the traveler experience that will be impacting on many sectors in the industry. Read More
LIVE BLOG: Coronavirus and the travel industry - impact and recovery
News / Online
LIVE BLOG: Coronavirus and the travel industry - impact and recovery
By PhocusWire | February 21, 2022
PhocusWire%252527s live blog is charting the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry and the sector%252527s efforts to recover. Read More
Sounding Off: Tripadvisor has lots to consider, much out of its control
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Tripadvisor has lots to consider, much out of its control
By PhocusWire | February 18, 2022
The new CEO will need to consider whether the current strategy is one to continue with or if the wider seismic changes that many are predicting (Web 3, for example) coming down the pipe are worth facing... Read More
Myth-busting the new digital nomad
News / Online
Myth-busting the new digital nomad
By Phocuswright Research | February 18, 2022
The demographics of the New Nomad population illustrate that many of the previously held assumptions about digital nomads are outdated. Read More
transaparent-amadeus-hotel-str-report
News / Online
Hotels, rentals differ in pricing strategy during pandemic
By Mitra Sorrells | February 18, 2022
Data from Transparent and Amadeus shows hotels have tried tried to boost occupancy with lower rates in 2020 and the majority of 2021 compared with 2019. Read More
In The Big Chair - Jeff Bzdawka of Knowland
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Jeff Bzdawka of Knowland
By Jill Menze | February 17, 2022
Jeff Bzdawka joined hotel and meetings market intelligence data platform Knowland as CEO in June 2021, following a combined 20 years at Hyatt. Read More
tripadvisor-q4-fy-2021
News / Online
Tripadvisor makes moves to spin off Viator
By Mitra Sorrells | February 16, 2022
In its Q4 and full-year 2021 financial report, Tripadvisor says it has filed a confidential S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission related to a possible initial public offering of... Read More
marriott-direct-bookings
News / Distribution
Marriott direct booking share up vs. OTA channels
By Linda Fox | February 16, 2022
GDS share of bookings have taken the "biggest dip" while OTAs benefited from the increase in leisure business Read More