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.

Why hoteliers should consider a phased approach to a revenue rebound
Opinion / Distribution
Why hoteliers should consider a phased approach to a revenue rebound
By Klaus Kohlmayr - IDeaS | March 24, 2021
The sector needs a better understanding of data, insight into what is driving today’s consumer, untapped innovation, new leadership roles and the agility to keep up with demand. Read More
Progress continues toward decentralized customer data model for hospitality
News / Technology
Progress continues toward decentralized customer data model for hospitality
By Linda Fox | March 23, 2021
Hotel tech experts discuss customer data and the influence of online retail giants. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: WePlan brings tech to travel team planning
Interview / Technology
STARTUP STAGE: WePlan brings tech to travel team planning
By Jill Menze | March 23, 2021
The Germany-based startup was founded by Franziska Burmester and Lana Jansen following successful careers in aviation consulting. Read More
Tripadvisor looks to raise $300M from convertible note offering
News / Online
Tripadvisor looks to raise $300M from convertible note offering
By Kevin May | March 22, 2021
The company says it intends to issue the notes via a private offering, with a due date of 2026. Read More
ROAR for Good raises funds to meet demand for hotel panic button solution
News / Technology
ROAR for Good raises funds to meet demand for hotel panic button solution
By Jill Menze | March 22, 2021
The round of growth capital will help ROAR for Good ramp up marketing and sales efforts of its panic button solution, AlwaysOn. Read More
Is robotics taking over hospitality? Yes and no
Opinion / Technology
Is robotics taking over hospitality? Yes and no
By Chris Connar - Angie Hospitality | March 19, 2021
Robots and automated technology support the current evolution of hospitality, but only when they allow staff to focus on delivering exceptional guest services. Read More
Travelzoo reports revenues halved during 2020
News / Online
Travelzoo reports revenues halved during 2020
By Kevin May | March 18, 2021
The company's 2020 earnings report released this week disclosed a decline from $105 million in 2019 to $53 million in the following pandemic-hit 12 months. Read More
How pandemic-led consumer behaviors might play out in travel
News / Online
How pandemic-led consumer behaviors might play out in travel
By Linda Fox | March 18, 2021
We look at some of Euromonitor's consumer trends for 2021 and how they're impacting travel and its attempts to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Read More
launchtrip-preseed-round
News / Startups
Group travel startup Launchtrip raises $3.8M pre-seed round
By Mitra Sorrells | March 18, 2021
The startup will offer its app in beta this summer with 200,000 hotels in seven U.S. cities. Read More
Hostelworld sees revenue decline 81%, continues to bet on experiences
News / Online
Hostelworld sees revenue decline 81%, continues to bet on experiences
By Linda Fox | March 17, 2021
Hostelworld says improvements in marketing, user experience and inventory will help it emerge stronger from the pandemic. Read More
How travel brands are using Apple's App Clip to drive engagement, touchless experiences
News / Technology
How travel brands are using Apple's App Clip to drive engagement, touchless experiences
By Jill Menze | March 16, 2021
Brands including KKday, Caesars Entertainment and Expedia Group have developed App Clip solutions to provide a frictionless experience for travelers while increasing customer engagement. Read More
Sounding Off:  Brave or foolhardy - a tip of the hat for trying
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Brave or foolhardy - a tip of the hat for trying
By PhocusWire | March 12, 2021
 There will be some who consider it a brand extension too far; others will admire Kayak for simply having a go at something new. Read More
giancarlo-one-year-later-covid
News / Distribution
One year on from COVID, Italian hoteliers recognize Booking.com is not the enemy
By Mitra Sorrells | March 12, 2021
Florence hotelier Giancarlo Carniani checks in to explain what has changed - and what remains the same - since last March. Read More
What do you know about travelers in the future and how to develop a customer for life?
Opinion / Online
What do you know about travelers in the future and how to develop a customer for life?
By Tony Evans - TProfile | March 11, 2021
There are four important steps that every travel business will need to follow to deliver growth, loyalty and continued success. Read More
phocuswire-pulse-daon
News / Technology
VIDEO: Health passports and next steps for COVID travel solutions
By Mitra Sorrells | March 10, 2021
Daon vice president Clive Bourke spoke with us during PhocusWire's Pulse: Safer & Seamless event to discuss the Verifly health passport product and how the broader travel industry can create solutions... Read More