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 3D robots can aid hotels amid labor shortages
Opinion / Technology
How 3D robots can aid hotels amid labor shortages
By David Chen - Orbbec | August 23, 2021
Robots are some of the most impactful forms of hospitality technology hoteliers can invest in to maintain efficiency, serve guests and aid understaffed operations. Read More
startup-stage-staytick
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: StayTick is a membership-based hotel booking platform
By Mitra Sorrells | August 23, 2021
For an annual membership fee of €25, StayTick says its members save up to 25% on bookings at more than 500,000 hotels worldwide. Read More
How subscription models can democratize luxury travel
Opinion / Online
How subscription models can democratize luxury travel
By Brent Handler - Inspirato | August 20, 2021
Subscription-based innovations can bridge the affluent consumer’s desire for seamless travel experiences with accelerated upside for B2B travel purveyors. Read More
Despegar revenues up against 2020, still around half of 2019
News / Online
Despegar revenues up against 2020, still around half of 2019
By Kevin May | August 19, 2021
Latin America-focused Despegar captured $61 million in revenue in the second quarter of 2021, indicating a gradual uptick in activity in the region. Read More
How COVID-19 has changed travel's chief technology officers
News / Technology
How COVID-19 has changed travel's chief technology officers
By Linda Fox | August 19, 2021
Travel CTOs have had to acquire new skills, upend their priority list and think carefully about how to combine new tech with legacy systems and practices, for maximum efficiency. Read More
As consumers gear up for open banking are we now ready for open traveler?
Opinion / Technology
As consumers gear up for open banking are we now ready for open traveler?
By Tony Evans - TProfile | August 19, 2021
Open traveler models could spur action in other markets, by encouraging traveles to look at other third party providers offering products such as financial services and payment options. Read More
RateGain plans IPO, more acquisitions in the cards
News / Technology
RateGain plans IPO, more acquisitions in the cards
By Linda Fox | August 18, 2021
RateGain hopes to raise $54 million from a fresh issue of shares while the company's founders and investors will also sell stakes. Read More
Revenge travel is here: Three ways digital CX can help recovery
Opinion / Online
Revenge travel is here: Three ways digital CX can help recovery
By Kahlil Dumas - Khoros | August 18, 2021
To prepare for revenge travel and secure long-term brand loyalty, travel brands should tap into digital CX. Read More
hopper-175m-august-21
News / Online
Hopper raises another $175M, will add 500 employees
By Mitra Sorrells | August 17, 2021
Five months after a $170 million fundraise, Hopper is doing it again – this time $175 million in Series G financing, bringing its total raised to date to $585 million.   Read More
Hyatt acquires Apple Leisure Group for $2.7B
News / Online
Hyatt acquires Apple Leisure Group for $2.7B
By Kevin May | August 16, 2021
Included in the deal are all of ALG's subsidiaries, including the Trisept Solutions travel technology wing that provides tools for leisure travel operators. Read More
nick-price-digital-identity
News / Technology
Q&A: The potential of decentralized digital ID in travel
By Mitra Sorrells | August 16, 2021
Decentralized digital identity solutions could dramatically change distribution, marketing, cybersecurity and more in the travel industry. Read More
mews-acquires-hotel-perfect
News / Technology
Mews acquires Hotel Perfect for U.K. hotel tech push
By Linda Fox | August 13, 2021
The acquisition boosts the growth of Mews in the U.K. market. Read More
Airbnb revenue jumps 300% in Q2 2021
News / Online
Airbnb revenue jumps 300% in Q2 2021
By Jill Menze | August 12, 2021
The home-share giant was also profitable on an adjusted EBITDA basis for the second quarter of 2021. Read More
emarketer-travel-ad-spend
News / Online
U.S. travel digital ad spending to remain pared down for years
By Mitra Sorrells | August 12, 2021
According to eMarketer, no other industry declined as fast or spent as little on digital ads in 2020. Read More
perimeterx-magecart-op-ed
Opinion / Technology
The many ways Magecart can hack travel sites
By Avishai Shafir - PerimeterX | August 12, 2021
Magecart is taking off, but OTAs and travel sites can save themselves grief and major financial risk by acting in advance to ground this threat.   Read More