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.

tripcom-q3-2021
News / Online
Trip.com Group revenue drops in Q3 but international flight bookings up
By Mitra Sorrells | December 15, 2021
Trip.com Group's revenue in Q3 2021 was $831 million, down 9% compared to the second quarter of this year.   Read More
VIDEO: Guesty on the rise of rentals and maintaining momentum
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Guesty on the rise of rentals and maintaining momentum
By PhocusWire | December 15, 2021
Guesty's Vered Raviv Schwarz joined us in the PhocusWire Studio at The Phocuswright Conference 2021 to discuss trends in alternative accommodation and where some of the opportunities and hurdles... Read More
Tracking travel startup investment trends in 2021
News / Startups
Tracking travel startup investment trends in 2021
By Linda Fox | December 15, 2021
Standout sectors attracting investment in 2021 include alternative accommodation and ground transportation while tours and activities, corporate travel and hotel tech startups are also getting some... Read More
VIDEO: Cendyn - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Distribution
VIDEO: Cendyn - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | December 15, 2021
Starling is Cendyn’s next-generation customer data platform (CDP) that unites a hotel’s tech and millions of guest data points to foster more meaningful relationships with their guests. Read More
hotel-rategain-coronavirus-outlook
News / Distribution
VIDEO: RateGain on the new world for hotel tech and distribution
By PhocusWire | December 14, 2021
Alongside the logistical headache of organizing staff, mothballing properties and then trying to ressurect operations once more, many hotels have faced competition from rentals after their surge in... Read More
VIDEO: Xeniapp - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: Xeniapp - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | December 14, 2021
Xeniapp is building the infrastructure of travel for the Web 3.0 economy. We serve all of the constituents of travel on one software platform. Read More
Hyatt introduces room keys in Apple Wallet
News / Technology
Hyatt introduces room keys in Apple Wallet
By Donna M. Airoldi - BTN | December 10, 2021
The technology allows Hyatt loyalty members to unlock guest rooms by tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch. Read More
VIDEO: Midnightdeal - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Distribution
VIDEO: Midnightdeal - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | December 10, 2021
Midnightdeal has built a unique next-generation gamified hotel marketplace where both hoteliers as well as travellers get the best deal. Read More
What steps can tourism take after COP26?
News / Technology
What steps can tourism take after COP26?
By Kevin May | December 9, 2021
Some argue that the travel, tourism and hospitality industry has, for the most part, avoided tackling the climate crisis in a meaningful way. But there are ways to change that. Read More
Agoda launches Beds Network to help hotels distribute wholesale rates
News / Distribution
Agoda launches Beds Network to help hotels distribute wholesale rates
By Jill Menze | December 9, 2021
With Beds Network, properties gain access to Booking Holdings’ 10,000-plus affiliate partners through Agoda’s network. Read More
MCR acquires housekeeping management platform Optii
News / Technology
MCR acquires housekeeping management platform Optii
By Jill Menze | December 7, 2021
Optii will remain a standalone company with its existing management team intact. Read More
VIDEO: Hotels and rentals - divide, conquer or converge?
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Hotels and rentals - divide, conquer or converge?
By PhocusWire | December 7, 2021
Alternative accommodation may have notched up a headstart over hotels, when lockdown restrictions began to ease - but no-one is saying that the momentum for the sector is likely to continue in the long... Read More
amadeus-microsoft-cloud
News / Technology
Amadeus touts cloud benefits for travel
By Linda Fox | December 7, 2021
The partnership with Microsoft was positioned as a move to the cloud within three to five years as well as collaboration on new products and services through an innovation program. Read More
What is Booking Holdings up to with its big 2021 spending spree?
News / Online
What is Booking Holdings up to with its big 2021 spending spree?
By Kevin May | December 6, 2021
PhocusWire asked a range of executives and experts for their perspective on what might be motivating the buying spree at Booking Holdings and what it means for their competitors, others and the future. Read More
VIDEO: MyStay - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: MyStay - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | December 6, 2021
85% of guests are asking for a new concept of reception based on contactless access, so why there are only 3% of properties with online check-in, payments, e-keys? Read More