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.

What is the early impact of Google's free booking links for hotels?
Opinion / Online
What is the early impact of Google's free booking links for hotels?
By Fran Diéguez - Mirai | May 10, 2021
Eight weeks after Google's big move in hotel advertising, the dust has settled and we are finally able to evaluate performance based on a variable previously unavailable: data. Read More
Amadeus revenues halve in early 2021, vaccine programs offer hope
News / Distribution
Amadeus revenues halve in early 2021, vaccine programs offer hope
By Kevin May | May 7, 2021
The Spain-based IT and distribution provider saw its total revenue figure come in at 50% lower in the first quarter of the year compared to the corresponding three months in 2020. Read More
Go2Joy tops up Series A+ with $1.3M
News / Startups
Go2Joy tops up Series A+ with $1.3M
By Linda Fox | May 7, 2021
The Vietnam-based company previously raised $2.5 million in February 2020 followed by its Series A+ round in February this year. Read More
Debunking myths around hotel lobby kiosks
Opinion / Technology
Debunking myths around hotel lobby kiosks
By Branigan Mulcahy - Virdee | May 7, 2021
Kiosks serve an important role in the hotel lobby today and will continue to do so even after COVID issues subside. Read More
Expedia Group bets on brand marketing as it prepares for travel rebound
News / Online
Expedia Group bets on brand marketing as it prepares for travel rebound
By Jill Menze | May 6, 2021
In its Q1 2021 earnings call, Expedia Group said it's focusing on brand marketing to differentiate its offerings and capitalize on returning travel demand. Read More
tripadvisor-q1-2021
News / Online
Tripadvisor reports rising demand in Q1, progress on Plus subscription product
By Mitra Sorrells | May 6, 2021
Tripadvisor says the Plus subscription product will roll out fully in the U.S. in the next few months, and it's developing more partnerships to provide offers to subscribers.   Read More
Fly Now Pay Later adds £10M to Series A
News / Startups
Fly Now Pay Later adds £10M to Series A
By Linda Fox | May 6, 2021
The London-based alternative payments company plans to launch in the U.S. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 63 - Noah Brodsky of Travel + Leisure
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 63 - Noah Brodsky of Travel + Leisure
By PhocusWire | May 6, 2021
The formation of Travel + Leisure Co. in January this year marked an important milestone in the career trajectory of president of the Travel + Leisure Group, Noah Brodsky, as he explains to David Litwak... Read More
VIDEO: Capturing the social zeitgeist with Clubhouse for travel
News / Online
VIDEO: Capturing the social zeitgeist with Clubhouse for travel
By PhocusWire | May 5, 2021
The audio-only meeting and discussion app has only been in the market since March 2020 but has since ignited speculation ranging from it being a podcast-killer to the future of customer engagement and... Read More
Hotelbeds chairman steps down, new CEO appointed
News / Distribution
Hotelbeds chairman steps down, new CEO appointed
By Linda Fox | May 5, 2021
Joan Vilà is taking up a non-executive director role on the board of the Palma, Spain-based company and is handing the reins to newly appointed CEO, Nicolas Huss. Read More
Sabre sees U.S. bookings recovery, other markets slower
News / Distribution
Sabre sees U.S. bookings recovery, other markets slower
By Linda Fox | May 4, 2021
As the pandemic continues to impact the business, Sabre says operating losses were $203 million for the quarter compared to $151 million year-over-year. Read More
Hotel professionals eye a 2023 recovery timeline, but too late for some
News / Distribution
Hotel professionals eye a 2023 recovery timeline, but too late for some
By Linda Fox | May 4, 2021
The pandemic has hit the hotel segment hard, with 15% preparing to hand the keys for their properties back to lenders. Read More
trivago-q1-2021
News / Online
Trivago sees referral revenue jump more than 60% in March
By Mitra Sorrells | May 3, 2021
Trivago's total revenue in the first quarter of this year was €38.2 million – a 73% drop compared to the first quarter of 2020. Read More
VIDEO: TikTok on next-generation travel marketing on social media
News / Online
VIDEO: TikTok on next-generation travel marketing on social media
By PhocusWire | May 3, 2021
Speaking at PhocusWire Pulse: A New Age For Social Media, TikTok brand partnerships lead for travel Hannah Bennett explains why TikTok is an ecosystem ripe for marketers to exploit. Read More
Sonder plans to go public through SPAC on a $2.2B valuation
News / Online
Sonder plans to go public through SPAC on a $2.2B valuation
By Linda Fox | April 30, 2021
Sonder is merging with special purpose acquisition company Gores Metropoulos II to take the company public. Read More