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.

selina-ipo-spac
News / Startups
Selina plots public listing via SPAC
By Linda Fox | December 3, 2021
Selina, which was launched in 2015, is combining with existing SPAC New York-based BOA Acquisition Corp. with gross proceeds of $285 million anticipated from the deal. Read More
VIDEO: ATPCO's Alex Zoghlin on travel retailing and a life in digital
News / Distribution
VIDEO: ATPCO's Alex Zoghlin on travel retailing and a life in digital
By PhocusWire | December 3, 2021
Zoghlin joined us in the PhocusWire Studio to discuss the latest developments in the progress toward a retail-based future for airline distribution and reflect on some of those other jobs in the last... Read More
Hotel Engine secures $65M for innovation and recruitment
News / Startups
Hotel Engine secures $65M for innovation and recruitment
By Linda Fox | December 2, 2021
The investment in Hotel Engine, which was led by existing investor Telescope Partners with participation from Blackstone, values the company at $1.3 billion. Read More
kayak-leads-life-house-seriesc
News / Startups
Kayak leads $60M Series C for Life House
By Mitra Sorrells | December 2, 2021
Life House and Kayak have been working together since last spring with the opening of Kayak Miami Beach, a hotel managed by Life House. Read More
Q&A: Cvent CEO Reggie Aggarwal on hybrid futures and going public again
News / Technology
Q&A: Cvent CEO Reggie Aggarwal on hybrid futures and going public again
By Donna Airoldi - BTN | December 1, 2021
Cvent founder and CEO Reggie Aggarwal spoke with BTN in late November and says the company planned to be listed on the Nasdaq exchange the morning of December 9. Read More
VIDEO: Kayak on placing strategic bets during a pandemic
News / Online
VIDEO: Kayak on placing strategic bets during a pandemic
By PhocusWire | December 1, 2021
Like most businesses in travel, Kayak suffered during the pandemic but is now plotting a path to some form of recovery. But CEO and co-founder Steve Hafner feels the worst is behind us. Read More
VIDEO: IDEAS on how hotels can do more with less through automation
News / Technology
VIDEO: IDEAS on how hotels can do more with less through automation
By PhocusWire | December 1, 2021
Klaus Kohlmayr of IDeaS explains how automating revenue management can help hotels faced with labor shortages. Read More
VIDEO: UpStay - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: UpStay - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | November 30, 2021
UpStay is reinventing upselling by enabling hotels to unlock new profit opportunities with its automated and data-driven solution. Read More
VIDEO: How Expedia Group wants to sharpen its focus
News / Online
VIDEO: How Expedia Group wants to sharpen its focus
By PhocusWire | November 29, 2021
Appointed at the outset of the pandemic, Peter Kern appears to be a pragmatic and humble CEO - something that many companies have been in sore need of during the last two years. Read More
VIDEO: YouTip - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: YouTip - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | November 29, 2021
Enterprise level digital tipping system for an emerging cashless society; more money for workers, more convenience for guests. Read More
Marriott outspends hotel rivals on social media ads
News / Online
Marriott outspends hotel rivals on social media ads
By Kevin May | November 26, 2021
Analysis of activity by five major hotel chains indicated Marriott's strategy to target social media users on sites such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn. Read More
reddoorz-amit-pcwconference-2021
News / Online
VIDEO: RedDoorz on growth, distribution and IPO plans
By PhocusWire | November 26, 2021
Despite the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Asia, Singapore-based RedDoorz is emerging from the crisis with its ambitious vision intact. Read More
In The Big Chair - Nicolas Huss of Hotelbeds
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Nicolas Huss of Hotelbeds
By Linda Fox | November 24, 2021
Nicolas Huss became CEO of Hotelbeds just over six months ago, taking up the reins from chairman Joan Vila. Read More
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News / Online
Tripadvisor in transition as CEO, top exec prepare to depart
By PhocusWire | November 23, 2021
Following news of CEO Steve Kaufer's departure and his appearance at The Phocuswright Conference, it was confirmed Lindsay Nelson is also leaving Tripadvisor. Read More
VIDEO: Climate change is an inconvenient truth for travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Climate change is an inconvenient truth for travel
By PhocusWire | November 22, 2021
This session at The Phocuswright Conference is an uncomfortable listen for any brand or executive who knows they could and should be doing better around sustainability. Read More