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.

How innovative technology is revolutionizing hotel contracting
From Our Partners / Distribution
How innovative technology is revolutionizing hotel contracting
By Charlie Cowley - Impala | September 13, 2021
What happens next is anyone's guess - we're in uncharted territory that's for sure - but by re-tooling now, organizations large and small can stay one step ahead of the competition. Read More
Key developments in the Russia online travel market
News / Online
Key developments in the Russia online travel market
By Phocuswright Research | September 13, 2021
Whether using online or offline distribution channels, Russians are rediscovering the tourism gems that their homeland offers, despite the pandemic restrictions. Read More
Tackling unconscious bias in travel marketing
Opinion / Online
Tackling unconscious bias in travel marketing
By Lizzy Duffy Anderson - Sparkloft Media | September 13, 2021
We know it helps everyone to see themselves in an advertisement to better imagine a meaningful and momentous vacation. Yet, far‐too‐often, there’s something missing. Read More
Will leisure travel companies break into corporate accommodation?
Opinion / Distribution
Will leisure travel companies break into corporate accommodation?
By Lee Curtis - Reside | September 10, 2021
This has created opportunities for players in the travel sector to widen the appeal of their offering to both leisure and business travelers, especially as optimism for travel continues to increase. Read More
microsoft-oyo-partnership
News / Technology
Microsoft, OYO partner to develop travel products and tech
By Mitra Sorrells | September 9, 2021
Along with announcing that the companies will work together to create "next-gen travel and hospitality products and technologies," Microsoft acknowledges a recent equity investment in OYO.   Read More
Atomize attracts €3.4M to address hospitality pricing challenges
News / Technology
Atomize attracts €3.4M to address hospitality pricing challenges
By Linda Fox | September 9, 2021
The company's funding is a precursor to Atomize's plan to list on the public markets in 2022. Read More
VIDEO: A hotelier’s approach to digital marketing
News / Online
VIDEO: A hotelier’s approach to digital marketing
By PhocusWire | September 9, 2021
Speaking during PhocusWire Pulse, Red Carnation Hotel Collection global marketing director Victoria Murden explained how her team is adapting strategies as it plans for the future. Read More
Travel + Leisure debuts travel subscription service
News / Online
Travel + Leisure debuts travel subscription service
By Jill Menze | September 8, 2021
Called Travel + Leisure Club, the subscription service offers members access to preferred pricing, concierge services, exclusive experiences and a magazine subscription for $9.95 per month. Read More
Impala unveils tech in bid to shake up hotel contracting
News / Distribution
Impala unveils tech in bid to shake up hotel contracting
By Linda Fox | September 8, 2021
Impala believes legacy systems are holding the hotel industry back and its technology can save time and costs. Read More
Hospitality's recovery: Lessons for hoteliers from aviation
From Our Partners / Technology
Hospitality's recovery: Lessons for hoteliers from aviation
By Phelim Pekaar - P3 Hotel Software | September 8, 2021
As travel reopens, there are many lessons that hotels can learn from airlines about maximizing revenue, particularly around the use of technology. Read More
VIDEO: Travel marketing under threat from Big Tech data changes
News / Technology
VIDEO: Travel marketing under threat from Big Tech data changes
By PhocusWire | September 7, 2021
Location marketing has become a useful tool for travel brands to understand where their customers are and what their purchase intent might be. But big changes are coming. Read More
H2O Hospitality signals expansion with $30M funding
News / Startups
H2O Hospitality signals expansion with $30M funding
By Linda Fox | September 7, 2021
The round, which was led by Kakao Investment, also included the state-run Korea Development Bank, Gorilla Private Equity, Intervest and NICE Investment. Read More
gbt-cvent-csr-questions
News / Online
American Express GBT, Cvent add corporate responsibility questions to hotel RFP
By Mitra Sorrells | September 6, 2021
The initiative includes 47 questions focused on sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion that are intended to help travel managers evaluate suppliers on these issues. Read More
oyo-onboarding-self-service
News / Technology
OYO adds self-service onboarding tool to boost supply
By Mitra Sorrells | September 3, 2021
OYO says its new OYO 360 tool reduces the time it takes to bring new hotels into its system from 15 days to just 30 minutes. Read More
High-tech vs. high-touch: Emerging stronger amid crossroads of two hospitality trends
From Our Partners / Distribution
High-tech vs. high-touch: Emerging stronger amid crossroads of two hospitality trends
By Dan O'Keefe - Amadeus Hospitality | September 2, 2021
New trends offer fresh hope for hospitality as sales and operational teams prepare for the new world of travel. Read More