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.

cloudbeds-series-d
News / Technology
Cloudbeds raises $150M to accelerate R&D and customer acquisition
By Mitra Sorrells | November 3, 2021
The company says it currently serves more than 22,000 properties, including independent hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and hotel groups, across 157 countries.   Read More
makemytrip-amazon-pay
News / Online
Amazon to offer travel in India via MakeMyTrip
By Linda Fox | November 3, 2021
The deal is part of Amazon Pay’s bid to add value by offering more services to consumers in the country. Read More
FOMO vs. loyalty: How technology can help hotels compete directly with OTAs
From Our Partners / Distribution
FOMO vs. loyalty: How technology can help hotels compete directly with OTAs
By Phelim Pekaar - P3 Hotel Software | November 3, 2021
Hoteliers who wish to compete with OTAs for a larger slice of the bookings pie need to arm themselves with the tools to drive direct bookings. Read More
Sabre third-quarter revenues more than double, losses drop significantly
News / Distribution
Sabre third-quarter revenues more than double, losses drop significantly
By Kevin May | November 2, 2021
The company says it will narrow its product portfolio and intensify focus on the core customer revenue-generating retailing, distribution and fulfillment units. Read More
EaseMyTrip acquires Traviate for B2B hotels push
News / Online
EaseMyTrip acquires Traviate for B2B hotels push
By Linda Fox | November 2, 2021
EaseMyTrip hopes to gain a new revenue stream through the acquisition of Traviate. Read More
VIDEO: Growth trends and challenges for travel startups
News / Startups
VIDEO: Growth trends and challenges for travel startups
By PhocusWire | November 2, 2021
Speaking during PhocusWire Pulse, Trippers CEO Charlotte Franzellin explains why the travel planning app launched amid the pandemic and the challenges of entering the travel tech space. Read More
cendyn-pegasus-merge
News / Technology
Cendyn, Pegasus merge to help hoteliers boost direct bookings
By Mitra Sorrells | November 2, 2021
The financial terms of the merger are not being disclosed and details about “branding, structure and leadership” will be shared once the deal is finalized in about a month.   Read More
Ten things to know about the short-term rental traveler
News / Online
Ten things to know about the short-term rental traveler
By Phocuswright Research | November 1, 2021
Everything to know about the short-term rental traveler, including who they are, their unique perspectives and lodging consideration sets. Read More
REPORT: Harness the power of the latest cache technology
From Our Partners / Technology
REPORT: Harness the power of the latest cache technology
By PhocusWire | November 1, 2021
There is pressure on the systems that work to ensure buyers and sellers are able to complete their shopping and booking experience efficiently and accurately. It's time for a new form of cache. Read More
pulse-startups-vouch
News / Startups
VIDEO: Startup momentum in a crisis
By PhocusWire | October 29, 2021
At PhocusWire Pulse, Joseph Ling, founder and CEO of Singapore-based Vouch, shares how his company thrived amid the pandemic. Read More
Butler Hospitality nabs $35M to grow hotel “ghost kitchen” concept
News / Technology
Butler Hospitality nabs $35M to grow hotel “ghost kitchen” concept
By Jill Menze | October 28, 2021
The Series B round brings the total funding of Butler Hospitality – one of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Startups for 2019 – to $55 million. Read More
MakeMyTrip continues solid revenue rebound
News / Online
MakeMyTrip continues solid revenue rebound
By Kevin May | October 28, 2021
The company says its financial performance leads and is instrumental in the country's travel industry recovery strategy, coinciding with a signifcant decline in COVID-19 infections and the roll-out of... Read More
hilton-q3-2021
News / Online
Hilton’s business travel bookings led by small and medium companies
By Mitra Sorrells | October 27, 2021
Hilton is reporting profit of $240 million in the third quarter of 2021, driven by high demand and near or above 2019-level rates for both leisure travel and bookings from small and medium enterprises. Read More
tripadvisor-fake-reviews
News / Online
Tripadvisor's rejected or removed reviews are increasing in number
October 27, 2021
The company says the two million reviews in question represent about 9% of all submissions, with almost one million of those judged to be fraudulent. Read More
Where does Gen Z like to travel and stay?
News / Online
Where does Gen Z like to travel and stay?
By Phocuswright Research | October 27, 2021
Understanding Gen Z’s unique spend patterns, planning preferences, travel interests and trip types allows companies to adapt their approach to this audience accordingly. Read More