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.

Sounding Off: Some are moving beyond lip service with autonomous services
Interview / Technology
Sounding Off: Some are moving beyond lip service with autonomous services
By PhocusWire | October 1, 2021
Robotaxis are one thing, but how the world of autonomous vehicles can be used to enhance experiences in other areas of the industry is perhaps where the excitement of opportunity truly comes. Read More
OYO outlines details for IPO, raising $1.2B
News / Online
OYO outlines details for IPO, raising $1.2B
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2021
The India-based company is seeking to raise about $1.2 billion, mostly through the issue of fresh shares as well as some existing shares. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2021 - a program for a new era
News / Online
The Phocuswright Conference 2021 - a program for a new era
By PhocusWire | October 1, 2021
Now is travel’s renaissance as it wakens to greater energy and bright possibilities – a time to engage with colleagues, customers and partners with fresh perspective. Read More
VIDEO: Using travel payments to gain loyalty and increase conversions
News / Technology
VIDEO: Using travel payments to gain loyalty and increase conversions
By PhocusWire | October 1, 2021
Refunds and chargebacks have exploded during the pandemic, causing cash flow challenges for online travel intermediaries. Read More
VIDEO: Customer acquisition in alternative accommodation
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Customer acquisition in alternative accommodation
By PhocusWire | September 30, 2021
The promise of convenience and not having to rub shoulders with other guests was enough to give the sector a much-needed boost after traveler volumes collapsed at the onset of COVID-19. Read More
disney-amazon-alexa
News / Technology
Disney, Amazon unveil custom voice assistant
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | September 30, 2021
Disney World hotel guests will be able to use the Amazon Echo device for information, requests and interactive experiences. Read More
airbnb-rate-plans-hotel-strategy
News / Online
Airbnb revives hotel strategy, moves closer to rival OTA model
By Mitra Sorrells | September 29, 2021
Airbnb is beta testing new rate plans with an eye on attracting more hotels and better competing with online travel agencies. Read More
Accor partners with Citroen on autonomous urban future
News / Technology
Accor partners with Citroen on autonomous urban future
By Linda Fox | September 29, 2021
The Urban Collectif, a partnership between Accor, Citroen and JCDecaux, aims to advance the development of autonomous mobility in cities. Read More
Rebuilding growth a priority, so is reviving Southeast Asia's pre-pandemic dynamism
News / Online
Rebuilding growth a priority, so is reviving Southeast Asia's pre-pandemic dynamism
By Phocuswright Research | September 29, 2021
Mirroring developments throughout the Asia Pacific region, innovation in digital technology will boost the travel recovery in Southeast Asia, particularly among younger demographics. Read More
Hotel booking flexibility replaces price as top priority
News / Distribution
Hotel booking flexibility replaces price as top priority
By Linda Fox | September 28, 2021
Travelers now have higher expectations of their accommodation says SiteMinder in its Dynamic Traveller report. Read More
turismocity-acquistion-funding
News / Online
Turismocity raises $6M and acquires Brazilian travel platform
By Mitra Sorrells | September 27, 2021
Argentina-based Turismocity says it is planning more acquisitions and investments as it aims to become one of the world's top travel companies. Read More
Pudu Robotics adds $77M for delivery robots
News / Startups
Pudu Robotics adds $77M for delivery robots
By Linda Fox | September 27, 2021
Pudu Robotics announced $78 million in Series C1 funding earlier this year. Read More
Do online travel agencies suffer from brand blindness?
Opinion / Online
Do online travel agencies suffer from brand blindness?
By Chris Torres - Tourism Marketing Agency | September 27, 2021
To grow a successful brand, online travel agencies need to refocus how they brand and market their services. Read More
Travel app downloads surpass 2019 numbers, Hopper ranks top booking app
News / Online
Travel app downloads surpass 2019 numbers, Hopper ranks top booking app
By Jill Menze | September 27, 2021
According to a report from SensorTower, top travel booking apps exceeded 10.6 million downloads in Q2 2021 – an 81% jump compared to 2019. Read More
sounding-off-131-tripadvisor
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Tripadvisor Plus changes show the complexity of travel subscriptions
By PhocusWire | September 24, 2021
Tripadvisor's U-turn this week on the structure of Plus raises more questions than it answers about consumer and brand desire for subscription programs. Read More