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.

Managing rising fees in 2026: 7 steps for hospitality operators
Opinion / Online
Managing rising fees in 2026: 7 steps for hospitality operators
By Michele Fitzpatrick - Eviivo | January 2, 2026
Eviivo CEO Michele Fitzpatrick outlines how hidden costs may affect operators in the new year, also providing tips to protect margins. Read More
The rise of GEO: Why hotel marketers need to think beyond SEO
Opinion / Technology
The rise of GEO: Why hotel marketers need to think beyond SEO
By Eric Ettlin - Aimbridge Hospitality | December 31, 2025
Second Wave VP of marketing Eric Ettlin discusses the need for hotel marketers to adopt GEO alongside traditional SEO. Read More
Expedia to integrate with Alexa+ in 2026
News / Technology
Expedia to integrate with Alexa+ in 2026
By Morgan Hines | December 29, 2025
With its Expedia integration, users will be able to talk to Alexa+ to find and book vacation rentals and hotels. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Trip.com Group, SITA, NextTrip and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Trip.com Group, SITA, NextTrip and more...
By PhocusWire | December 26, 2025
Here's our roundup of the people, product and partner news from the global travel industry this week. Read More
Playing favorites: The makings of a go-to travel brand
News / Online
Playing favorites: The makings of a go-to travel brand
By Phocuswright Research | December 24, 2025
Across airlines, hotels and online travel agencies, value for the money is the dominant factor in brand preference. Read More
The top 10 news stories on PhocusWire in 2025
News / Online
The top 10 news stories on PhocusWire in 2025
By PhocusWire | December 23, 2025
Revisit the 10 most-read news stories on PhocusWire this year, covering loyalty, AI and more. Read More
Industry stakeholders on tech's role in solving traveler pain points
News / Technology
Industry stakeholders on tech's role in solving traveler pain points
By Morgan Hines | December 19, 2025
Executives from Kayak, Skyscanner and Civitatis share the traveler pain points they're hoping to solve with technology. Read More
Why personalization in travel is still so hard and where progress is finally happening
From Our Partners / Online
Why personalization in travel is still so hard and where progress is finally happening
By PhocusWire | December 18, 2025
Panelists from American Airlines, Allianz Partners and Sutherland discuss real-world barriers to personalization, from fragmented data and legacy systems to consumer trust, regulatory constraints and... Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2025 Launch Innovator: Vio.com
Interview / Online
The Phocuswright Conference 2025 Launch Innovator: Vio.com
By PhocusWire | December 17, 2025
According to Vio.com founder and CEO Oz Har Adir, the platform "turns price volatility into a value creator." Read More
Travel's movers, shakers and newsmakers in 2025
News / Online
Travel's movers, shakers and newsmakers in 2025
By PhocusWire | December 17, 2025
PhocusWire names its 2025 newsmakers, spotlighting the companies and individuals behind the most significant moves. Read More
Why travelers are 'defecting' from a preferred airline, hotel or OTA
News / Online
Why travelers are 'defecting' from a preferred airline, hotel or OTA
By Phocuswright Research | December 16, 2025
Wanting to try something new is a top justification for using non-go-to brands within the last year across a variety of travel verticals according to Phocuswright Research. Read More
The revenue pivot: Why real-time relevance is the key to incremental value in travel
From Our Partners / Online
The revenue pivot: Why real-time relevance is the key to incremental value in travel
By Anand Shah - Rokt | December 15, 2025
Travel brands must deliver the right offer to the right traveler at the exact moment they’re most ready to buy. Read More
Redefining hospitality with services, AI and more ways to stay
News / Online
Redefining hospitality with services, AI and more ways to stay
By Abby Crotty | December 15, 2025
Executives from Marriott, Casago and Airbnb discuss strategies and initiatives defining the changing hospitality industry. Read More
Checked in, taxed out: Benchmarking tax compliance in the US lodging industry
From Our Partners / Online
Checked in, taxed out: Benchmarking tax compliance in the US lodging industry
By Avalara | December 11, 2025
This report from Avalara is based on a survey of hotel and STR leaders that found confidence in current compliance is limited. Read More
Canary, Wyndham add AI Voice technology for franchisees
News / Technology
Canary, Wyndham add AI Voice technology for franchisees
By Abby Crotty | December 10, 2025
Canary's AI-powered solution handles inbound guest calls, providing booking support and answering guest questions. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026