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.

Airbnb ends 2021 with 25% revenue growth over 2019
News / Online
Airbnb ends 2021 with 25% revenue growth over 2019
By Jill Menze | February 15, 2022
Despite the continued effects of the pandemic, Airbnb posted record Q4 numbers and said 2021 was the best year in its history. Read More
sabre-financial-2021
News / Distribution
Sabre plots recovery as profits lag
By Linda Fox | February 15, 2022
Sabre expects adjusted EBITDA to exceed pre-pandemic levels only by 2025, as travel continues its slow recovery from the impact of the coronavirus. Read More
Hoteliers hit by labor shortage have robots in their toolbox
News / Technology
Hoteliers hit by labor shortage have robots in their toolbox
By Tovin Lapan | February 15, 2022
Confronting a protracted labor shortage, hoteliers have struggled to maintain standard operations, much less meet new demands that the pandemic has produced. Read More
Top drivers of conversion for short-term renters
News / Distribution
Top drivers of conversion for short-term renters
By Phocuswright Research | February 14, 2022
Even regular short-term rental (STR) users are likely to have a hybrid consideration set, comparing rental options alongside hotels. Read More
startup-stage-lightly
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Lightly helps travel brands accommodate families
By Mitra Sorrells | February 14, 2022
Created by a mother who experienced frustration when traveling with her baby, Lightly provides essential products such as diapers, crib sheets and swaddle blankets for hotels and other travel companies. Read More
expedia-group-q4-fy-2021
News / Online
Expedia Group closes 2021 with record Q4 profitability
By Mitra Sorrells | February 11, 2022
Expedia Group CEO Peter Kern expresses optimism about 2022, calling it a year for innovation and delivery for the company. Read More
Hotelbeds lays out eco and social initiatives, joins Amazon Climate Pledge
News / Distribution
Hotelbeds lays out eco and social initiatives, joins Amazon Climate Pledge
By Linda Fox | February 11, 2022
The Spain-based bedbank says it has achieved carbon neutral status for the fourth consecutive year by reducing emissions as well as offsetting emissions through independent organization Cabon Footprint. Read More
Short-term rentals no longer "alternative" - but how will the sector push on?
Opinion / Online
Short-term rentals no longer "alternative" - but how will the sector push on?
By Vince Breslin - Uplisting | February 10, 2022
These are the factors driving the continued growth of the sector and how the industry can respond to better serve the needs of customers. Read More
wander-series-a
News / Online
Wander raises $20M to grow its luxury rental inventory
By Mitra Sorrells | February 10, 2022
Founded in early 2021, Wander purchases homes and outfits them with extensive work-from-home technology, wellness equipment and a Tesla. Read More
radisson-zingle-integration
News / Technology
Radisson deploys Zingle messaging across Americas portfolio
By Mitra Sorrells | February 10, 2022
The Zingle messaging platform will be integrated with every hotel’s property management system. Read More
Ten trends shaping contactless tech in travel
Opinion / Technology
Ten trends shaping contactless tech in travel
By Nadav Cornberg - Virdee | February 9, 2022
As we head into 2022, here are some critical areas of focus to consider as brands consider implementing contactless guest experiences.   Read More
Crypto-based travel rewards startup FlyCoin raises $33M
News / Startups
Crypto-based travel rewards startup FlyCoin raises $33M
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2022
FlyCoin provides companies in travel and hospitality with a blockchain-based loyalty solution that rewards consumers with FLY tokens. Read More
booking-russia-fine
News / Online
Booking.com to pay $17M fine to Russian competition regulator
By Linda Fox | February 8, 2022
Russian regulators warned the online accommodation giant in late 2019, saying it had violated competition law. Read More
NUMA secures $45M to expand tech-led hotel brand
News / Online
NUMA secures $45M to expand tech-led hotel brand
By Kevin May | February 8, 2022
The company was previously known as Cosi and had secured, until now, around $35 million in funding over two rounds. Read More
fetcherr-atpco-partnership-data
News / Startups
Travel pricing startup Fetcherr to leverage ATPCO fare data
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2022
Fetcherr uses AI and deep learning technologies to provide pricing and workflow optimization strategies to improve revenue performance. Read More