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.

Trip.com Group takes advantage of domestic travel return
News / Online
Trip.com Group takes advantage of domestic travel return
By Kevin May | September 24, 2021
Executive chairman James Liang says the Chinese domestic travel market has been encouraging for the company and it sees great potential in international markets. Read More
RateGain to acquire hotel distribution provider MyHotelShop
News / Technology
RateGain to acquire hotel distribution provider MyHotelShop
By Kevin May | September 23, 2021
MyHotelShop was created in Germany in 2012 and provides tools and services to hotels to help increase their direct sales. Read More
google-sustainability-things-to-do
News / Online
Google launches sustainability initiatives, confirms "Things to Do" changes
By Mitra Sorrells | September 22, 2021
Google, in addition to adding "eco-certified" badges to hotels and joining the Travalyst coalition, has confirmed updates to its search and booking functions for tours and activities. Read More
travel-building-loyalty-salesforce
From Our Partners / Online
Building loyalty into your travel brand
By Marisa Garcia | September 22, 2021
As travel recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, travel brands need to re-examine the effectiveness of their loyalty programs in encouraging return visits and building a positive brand image. Read More
global-market-insight-hotel-recovery-2
From Our Partners / Distribution
Discover how to track worldwide recovery and spot early signs of demand
By Nadine Böttcher - OTA insight | September 22, 2021
Despite hoteliers across the globe eager to capitalize on recovery efforts, strategic decision-making is more difficult in a post-pandemic world than ever before. Read More
Expedia Group brings loyalty programs into a single platform
News / Online
Expedia Group brings loyalty programs into a single platform
By Kevin May | September 21, 2021
The company says all brands and products will be in the program, covering flights, hotels, alternative accommodation, car rentals, cruises and activities. Read More
VIDEO: New audiences and where to spend your travel marketing budget
News / Online
VIDEO: New audiences and where to spend your travel marketing budget
By PhocusWire | September 21, 2021
Phocuswright managing director Pete Comeau discussed a range of marketing-related issues with Michael Shafrir, industry manager at Facebook, during the recent TravelTech Show 2021 online... Read More
tripadvisor-plus-changes
News / Online
Tripadvisor revamps Plus, shifts discounts to cash-back
By Mitra Sorrells | September 21, 2021
Just three months after launching in the U.S., Tripadvisor is shifting its primary benefit for Plus subscribers from discounts at booking to cash-back at check-in.  Read More
REPORT: Timeshare in transition - The rise of the secondary market
From Our Partners / Distribution
REPORT: Timeshare in transition - The rise of the secondary market
By Diane Merlino | September 21, 2021
From humble origins at a single resort, timeshare has evolved into a major segment of the global travel industry. Read More
Big Asia Pacific travel market developments to know
News / Online
Big Asia Pacific travel market developments to know
By Phocuswright Research | September 20, 2021
The road to recovery is long and varies by market, especially as the more contagious Delta variant of the virus wreaks havoc across the region in 2021, hampering travel recovery. Read More
SoftBank leads $200M investment in serviced robotics company Keenon Robotics
News / Technology
SoftBank leads $200M investment in serviced robotics company Keenon Robotics
By Jill Menze | September 17, 2021
The Chinese company says the Series D round is the largest round of funding to-date in the service robot field. Read More
Voxel acquires Troovo to boost B2B payments platform
News / Technology
Voxel acquires Troovo to boost B2B payments platform
By Linda Fox | September 15, 2021
Voxel aquisition of Troovo’s gives it GDS connectivity as well as a decision engine, which optimizes payments. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Your Rocket Fuel helps hotel sales teams generate corporate revenue
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Your Rocket Fuel helps hotel sales teams generate corporate revenue
By Jill Menze | September 15, 2021
Launched in September 2020, Your Rocket Fuel combines data from public and private sources to predict company hotel and relocation demand. Read More
SiteMinder secures $74M funding round, plots public listing
News / Distribution
SiteMinder secures $74M funding round, plots public listing
By Linda Fox | September 14, 2021
Existing shareholders AustralianSuper and equity funds managed by BlackRock, Ellerston Capital and Pendal Group have also participated. Read More
VIDEO: Location targeting as a travel marketing tactic
News / Technology
VIDEO: Location targeting as a travel marketing tactic
By PhocusWire | September 14, 2021
Even with the looming threat of Big Tech hanging over the technical capabilities of travel brands to target consumers in a destination, brands still have plenty of tactics at their disposal. Read More