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.

marriott-uber
News / Online
Marriott partners with Uber to expand Bonvoy loyalty program
By Jill Menze | April 15, 2021
Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points by ordering food delivery via Uber Eats or requesting select Uber rides. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 60 - Alex Zozaya of Apple Leisure Group
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 60 - Alex Zozaya of Apple Leisure Group
By PhocusWire | April 15, 2021
The history of the organization is one marked with taking opportunities when they arise, guesswork and luck, plus making some crucial strategic decisions, as Zozaya explains to Mozio's David Litwak and... Read More
Cleartrip sold to Indian consumer products marketplace Flipkart
News / Online
Cleartrip sold to Indian consumer products marketplace Flipkart
By Kevin May | April 15, 2021
The Flipkart online marketplace, which has a customer base of over 300 million members, sells goods in more than 80 consumer categories. Read More
hrs-acquires-itelya
News / Technology
HRS acquires German travel billing company Itelya
By Mitra Sorrells | April 15, 2021
Terms of the deal are not being disclosed but the entire Itelya team will become employees of HRS. Read More
Will the pandemic change corporate travel technology distribution?
Opinion / Distribution
Will the pandemic change corporate travel technology distribution?
By Gavin Smith - Element | April 13, 2021
The major suppliers in our sector have unwittingly created an elite club of users and clients, as they have dramatically reduced their indirect sales partners to the point where they are not taking on... Read More
Windows of opportunity - optimizing receptiveness in a scattered guest journey
From Our Partners / Online
Windows of opportunity - optimizing receptiveness in a scattered guest journey
By Jantien Abma - Oaky | April 12, 2021
In this tense period for the hospitality industry, every little bit of revenue counts – but every impression a hotel makes on their guests does too.  Read More
Sounding Off: Travelers may have other goals than doing the right thing
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Travelers may have other goals than doing the right thing
By PhocusWire | April 9, 2021
The best hope that anyone can have right now is that people will actually come through on the industry's desire to capitalize on pent-up demand AND do so in a way that at least illustrates signs of a... Read More
starkov-google-zero-click-search
Opinion / Online
Is Google's zero-click search a threat or opportunity for hoteliers?
By Max Starkov - hospitality consultant and strategist | April 9, 2021
Google's "zero-click" reality means hoteliers need to focus on optimizing their properties' websites and using effective content marketing strategies. Read More
trip-com-group-hong-kong
News / Online
Trip.com Group hopes to raise $1.4B from second public listing in Hong Kong
By Kevin May | April 8, 2021
The second IPO will be the first online travel company to proceed with a dual listing in both the U.S. and Hong Kong. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 59 - Rolf Schromgens of Trivago
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 59 - Rolf Schromgens of Trivago
By PhocusWire | April 8, 2021
Rolf Schromgens was broke and scarred from the experience of a previous startup when he finally sat down with his co-founders and created Trivago, as he explains to Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May of... Read More
Bob W tops up seed round with €6M for apartment rental concept
News / Startups
Bob W tops up seed round with €6M for apartment rental concept
By Linda Fox | April 8, 2021
Bob W plans to develop its technology stack and add further apartments following its latest investment. Read More
travelport-plus-launch
News / Distribution
Travelport unifies services in new Travelport+ platform, replacing three legacy brands
By Mitra Sorrells | April 7, 2021
CEO Greg Webb says the new Travelport+ platform better positions the company to serve "the blossoming retail structure of travel." Read More
The data conundrum for travel marketers in 2021
Opinion / Online
The data conundrum for travel marketers in 2021
By Chris Heike - Koddi | April 6, 2021
As the industry enters peak travel season, marketers are faced with a question that most are not prepared to answer: How should I account for the lack of data I gathered in 2020? Read More
VIDEO: Bringing loyalty to travel's hottest sector
News / Online
VIDEO: Bringing loyalty to travel's hottest sector
By PhocusWire | April 5, 2021
While the sector is not new by any means, brands are still unsure of the best way to gain loyalty from their guests and ensure they have the attention of travelers every time they consider a new trip. Read More
Xie Zhu lands $46M for smart hotel technology
News / Technology
Xie Zhu lands $46M for smart hotel technology
By Linda Fox | April 2, 2021
This latest investment comes on top of $37 million in funding announced in January 2020. Read More