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.

selfbook-series-a
News / Startups
Selfbook raises $25M in quest to reinvent hotel payments
By Mitra Sorrells | October 26, 2021
Selfbook says its software enables hotels to accept one-click payments on their websites while eliminating fraud and reducing chargebacks. Read More
VIDEO: Embracing the travel rebound
From Our Partners / Online
VIDEO: Embracing the travel rebound
By PhocusWire | October 25, 2021
Brands are evaluating how best to service their existing customers pre-pandemic and establishing ways of attracting new travelers to their services. Read More
The old world of hotel distribution is no longer working
From Our Partners / Distribution
The old world of hotel distribution is no longer working
By Ben Stephenson - Impala | October 25, 2021
In today's fast-moving market, responding speedily to wildly different consumer behavior is perhaps the most important need for hotels and travel agents. Read More
Four truths about cloud-based management systems
Opinion / Technology
Four truths about cloud-based management systems
By Warren Dehan - Maestro | October 25, 2021
Here is what hotels need to know about cloud-based technology and property management systems. Read More
Moving beyond the PNR in corporate travel
News / Distribution
Moving beyond the PNR in corporate travel
By Linda Fox | October 21, 2021
The corporate travel landscape could see significant change if plug and play micro-services gain traction, according to some travel buyers, managers tech suppliers. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Ultimate Travel Club offers subscriptions for discounts
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Ultimate Travel Club offers subscriptions for discounts
By Linda Fox | October 20, 2021
For a monthly fee, travelers get access to lower prices for hotels, holiday rentals, flights, car hire, cruises and other leisure options such as theme parks, cinema and restaurants. Read More
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News / Online
JetBlue Vacations adds flight and cruise packages
By Jill Menze | October 19, 2021
As part of its ambitions to become a broader travel company, JetBlue is the first domestic U.S. airline to offer flight, cruise and hotel bookings in one place. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2021 - five questions for Peter Kern
News / Online
The Phocuswright Conference 2021 - five questions for Peter Kern
By PhocusWire | October 19, 2021
Kern oversees a portfolio of brands such as Expedia, Vrbo, Hotels.com and Trivago, as well as a number of B2B services including Expedia Group Media Solutions and Expedia Group Partner Solutions. Read More
Urban air mobility is taking off - every travel brand needs a plan
Opinion / Technology
Urban air mobility is taking off - every travel brand needs a plan
By Scott Davidson - Accenture | October 19, 2021
The disruptive potential of urban air mobility is such that no travel company can afford to wait before thinking through the implications. Read More
Microservice tech is the future for hotels, part 2
Opinion / Technology
Microservice tech is the future for hotels, part 2
By Anthony Hunt - Shiji Group | October 18, 2021
In the second part of his analysis of hotel PMS architecture%2c Shiji Group%27s Anthony Hunt explains why microservice technology has benefits the industry needs to modernize. Read More
Microservice tech is the future for hotels, part 1
Opinion / Technology
Microservice tech is the future for hotels, part 1
By Anthony Hunt - Shiji Group | October 15, 2021
Legacy systems built on client-server architecture lack the efficiency and scalability now available in more modern technology.      Read More
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News / Startups
Startup accommodation platform CuddlyNest raises $3.5M
By Mitra Sorrells | October 14, 2021
Founded in 2017, CuddlyNest says it will use the funding to grow its team and add new product features.   Read More
New booking platform for luxury hotels promises higher, faster pay
News / Online
New booking platform for luxury hotels promises higher, faster pay
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | October 14, 2021
Four Hundred by Design offers advisors access to a curated collection of high-end hotels, resorts, villas and private residences. Read More
Majority of travelers prefer flexible booking
News / Online
Majority of travelers prefer flexible booking
By Phocuswright Research | October 13, 2021
Several behaviors, preferences and expectations shifted in the age of COVID, as travelers had to acclimate to travel in the most unusual state of the world. Read More
Pandemic business travel is different, not dead
Opinion / Online
Pandemic business travel is different, not dead
By Steve Black - Topia | October 13, 2021
Business trips may become more valuable, strategic and appreciated than ever before. Read More