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.

phocuswire-pulse-identity-indicio-sita
News / Technology
VIDEO: Understanding decentralized, secure tech for travel ID and verification
By PhocusWire | June 3, 2021
The COVID crisis has accelerated interest in decentralized, contactless identity solutions using blockchain for data exchange.   Read More
netomi-customer-service-opinion
Opinion / Online
Hello? Is anybody there? Travel companies are often ignoring customers
By Can Ozdoruk - Netomi | June 2, 2021
A new report from Netomi finds travel companies are failing to meet the demands of the modern traveler and are at risk of losing revenue and loyalty as a result.  Read More
beonprice-seriesA-funding
News / Startups
Beonprice tops up Series A with €2M
By Linda Fox | June 1, 2021
Beonprice plans to further develop its revenue management technology and boost its team in preparation for expansion. Read More
VIDEO: Are you focusing on the big issues around digital security in travel?
News / Technology
VIDEO: Are you focusing on the big issues around digital security in travel?
By PhocusWire | June 1, 2021
Hackers have not been put off by a global pandemic; data breaches are still occurring; and the techniques used by the protagonists are often one step ahead of the brands and the systems that they... Read More
Google Travel adds vacation rentals alongside hotels in search results
News / Distribution
Google Travel adds vacation rentals alongside hotels in search results
By Mitra Sorrells | May 27, 2021
Beginning today, consumers that search for accommodations in a specific destination may see both hotels and vacation rentals in the search results on google.com/travel. Read More
eDreams Odigeo highlights subscriptions and vaccines as routes to better times
News / Online
eDreams Odigeo highlights subscriptions and vaccines as routes to better times
By Kevin May | May 27, 2021
The current slump in revenue comes despite what the online travel agency group says is a strong position to "ride the industry tailwinds" as the market begins to recover. Read More
VIDEO: Biometrics lead the way for fast, contactless identification in travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Biometrics lead the way for fast, contactless identification in travel
By PhocusWire | May 27, 2021
Paravision CEO Doug Aley explains the benefits of biometric systems for identification and security and what’s next for this technology.   Read More
Sabre partners with ByHours to sell hotel rooms by the hour
News / Distribution
Sabre partners with ByHours to sell hotel rooms by the hour
By Jill Menze | May 27, 2021
The agreement makes Sabre the first global platform to offer by-the-hour hotel reservations. Read More
In The Big Chair - Sankar Narayan of SiteMinder
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Sankar Narayan of SiteMinder
By Linda Fox | May 26, 2021
Sankar Narayan took up the reins at SiteMinder's first CEO in late 2018, joining from Xero, a cloud accounting software company. He previously held roles at technology and travel brands including Virgin... Read More
MakeMyTrip optimistic of domestic recovery in second half of 2021
News / Online
MakeMyTrip optimistic of domestic recovery in second half of 2021
By Linda Fox | May 25, 2021
The company has seen gains from domestic tourism in the third and fourth quarter of its 2021 fiscal year but it expects the impact of the second wave of COVID-19 on its financial results to be greater... Read More
The push for direct bookings: Hotels can have it both ways
News / Distribution
The push for direct bookings: Hotels can have it both ways
By PhocusWire | May 24, 2021
Numerous reports suggest that hotels have seen a swing toward consumers booking direct as lockdown restrictions ease and travel resume. Read More
Sounding Off: The travel industry must not be a turn-off for those with ideas
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: The travel industry must not be a turn-off for those with ideas
By PhocusWire | May 21, 2021
Nurturing new ideas and attracting bright people to the sector, in spite of the issues that will be in place for some time, should be a challenge that those with the means to help must grasp. Read More
payment-transformation-amadeus
News / Technology
How the COVID-19 crisis is accelerating transformation of travel payments
By Mitra Sorrells | May 21, 2021
A new study from Amadeus finds trends that were emerging pre-pandemic – especially related to the adoption of alternative payment methods – are quickening across all sectors of travel. Read More
Buoyed by vaccine passports, travel managers are “optimistic” about return of business travel
News / Distribution
Buoyed by vaccine passports, travel managers are “optimistic” about return of business travel
By Jill Menze | May 21, 2021
According to report from GBTA, three in four travel buyers feel their employees are willing to travel thanks in part to digital health passports. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Washbnb offers a tech-enabled linen solution for short-term rental hosts
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Washbnb offers a tech-enabled linen solution for short-term rental hosts
By Jill Menze | May 20, 2021
Founded in 2020, Washbnb’s tech-enabled linen solution simplifies rental, logistics and laundry through an environmentally sustainable service. Read More