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.

Marketing tactics to think about as travel attempts to recover
Opinion / Online
Marketing tactics to think about as travel attempts to recover
By Gilad Barash - Dstillery | April 30, 2021
It's likely that the travel audiences from a year ago no longer apply so travel marketers need to find the signals consumers are putting out. Read More
FPG acquires rival TSA Solutions to expand hotel tech and revenue optimization tools
News / Technology
FPG acquires rival TSA Solutions to expand hotel tech and revenue optimization tools
By Kevin May | April 28, 2021
The deal is being touted as a means for FPG to bolster its portfolio of services in hospitality, previously including hotel software, front desk services and revenue optimization. Read More
VIDEO: Brian Solis on a new age for customer engagement in travel
News / Online
VIDEO: Brian Solis on a new age for customer engagement in travel
By PhocusWire | April 28, 2021
He shares his perspective on the evolution of social media and the development of new tactics and, more importantly, requirements around customer engagement. Read More
Under the sheets – optimize your hotel to maximize revenue
Opinion / Distribution
Under the sheets – optimize your hotel to maximize revenue
By Richard Valtr - Mews | April 27, 2021
Hotels are ignoring much of their available space by basing business on revenue per available room alone. Read More
WTTC Global Summit: Clarity, certainty and collaboration keys to travel recovery
News / Online
WTTC Global Summit: Clarity, certainty and collaboration keys to travel recovery
By Mitra Sorrells | April 27, 2021
More than 600 leaders from travel, tourism, government and the private sector are gathered for the World Travel and Tourism Council's Global Summit in Cancun, the organization's first in-person event... Read More
Airbnb's brand vs. Booking.com's performance marketing – is there a playbook for recovery?
Opinion / Online
Airbnb's brand vs. Booking.com's performance marketing – is there a playbook for recovery?
By Mario Gavira | April 26, 2021
Channels where marketing dollars are being spent is only part of the equation. How your brand stands out from the pack and connects with customers is equally, if not more, important. Read More
Here's why to review your travel and spend policy now
From Our Partners / Technology
Here's why to review your travel and spend policy now
By TripActions | April 26, 2021
Companies must build in more flexibility to accommodate quick pivots, as well as incorporate more nuanced controls to allow for more focused approvals and more streamlined processes. Read More
Future-Proofing Travel: Emily Weiss of Accenture
News / Technology
Future-Proofing Travel: Emily Weiss of Accenture
By PhocusWire | April 23, 2021
Our guest for this episode of Future-Proofing Travel is Emily Weiss, managing director and global travel industry lead at Accenture. Read More
How the pandemic is reshaping hotel distribution strategies and onboarding
News / Distribution
How the pandemic is reshaping hotel distribution strategies and onboarding
By Mitra Sorrells | April 22, 2021
Updated tech tools and new strategies are surfacing as distribution partners prepare for travel to resume. Read More
Expedia unveils rebrand in major push to capture travel demand
News / Online
Expedia unveils rebrand in major push to capture travel demand
By Jill Menze | April 19, 2021
Expedia is debuting a new look and product offerings on its quest to become consumers’ "ultimate travel companion." Read More
Virdee adds $2M to seed round for virtual concierge service
News / Startups
Virdee adds $2M to seed round for virtual concierge service
By Linda Fox | April 19, 2021
U.S-based Virdee believes contactless solutions for check-in and payment at hotels are here to stay. Read More
HalalBooking secures $5M to expand business, plots IPO exit
News / Online
HalalBooking secures $5M to expand business, plots IPO exit
By Kevin May | April 19, 2021
The $5 million funding round is being positioned as a pre-Series B investment, with a further $15 million to follow during the second quarter of 2021. Read More
What are travelers on Google searching for?
News / Online
What are travelers on Google searching for?
By Jill Menze | April 19, 2021
According to TripsToDiscover, searches are up dramatically for travel products since January 1, 2021. Read More
trip-joins-common-trust-network
News / Technology
Trip.com Group joins Common Trust Network to develop COVID compliance technology
By Mitra Sorrells | April 19, 2021
The Common Trust Network is an effort of public and private partners from travel, health and technology to develop solutions that help restart travel. Read More
Personalization will power the next era of hospitality
Opinion / Technology
Personalization will power the next era of hospitality
By Rod Jimenez - SHR | April 16, 2021
After a year of dreaming about travel, guests will return to hotels with high expectations and hoteliers can't miss the opportunity to provide exceptional guest experiences. Read More