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.

STARTUP STAGE: Odyssey Travel App wants to democratize access to luxury travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Odyssey Travel App wants to democratize access to luxury travel
By Jill Menze | March 2, 2021
Odyssey Travel App is a premium travel platform that aims to democratize access to luxury hotels, car rental and other travel services directly from the provider to the user. Read More
terry-jones-pulse
News / Technology
VIDEO: Terry Jones on health passports, standards and restoring consumer confidence
By Mitra Sorrells | March 2, 2021
Travel industry veteran Terry Jones discusses the need for collaboration and communication as the industry rolls out digital health passports and other solutions to restart travel. Read More
VIDEO: Safer and seamless travel - a medical perspective
News / Technology
VIDEO: Safer and seamless travel - a medical perspective
By PhocusWire | March 1, 2021
In the interview we discuss vaccines, antibody testing and, crucially for the travel industry, the challenges and process that different segments are having to consider as they bring back travelers to... Read More
How Big Data can drive hotel value and loyalty
Opinion / Technology
How Big Data can drive hotel value and loyalty
By Laurent Idrac - Hapi | March 1, 2021
Hotels may know about their guests pre‐stay and post‐stay, but they’re often missing out on the most important part of the journey: personalizing the experience while on property. Read More
Why you need to reimagine your revenue strategy - with forward looking data
From Our Partners / Distribution
Why you need to reimagine your revenue strategy - with forward looking data
By Gino Engels - OTA Insight | March 1, 2021
The number of variables impacting decisions today is making it difficult to accurately predict and stimulate demand, but forward looking data offers the best opportunity to anticipate the inevitable... Read More
Amadeus ends 2020 with large losses and 61% drop in revenue
News / Distribution
Amadeus ends 2020 with large losses and 61% drop in revenue
By Linda Fox | February 26, 2021
The distribution giant says that while there was a slight improvement in air traffic in the final quarter of the year, the pandemic continued to severely impact travel. Read More
PhocusWire Pulse: Safer & Seamless
News / Technology
PhocusWire Pulse: Safer & Seamless
By PhocusWire | February 26, 2021
We explore health regulatory and vaccine trends, technology provision for welcoming back customers, changes to business practices and the implementation of new processes for customers and staff. Read More
In first earnings report, Airbnb posts quarterly loss of $3.9B
News / Online
In first earnings report, Airbnb posts quarterly loss of $3.9B
By Jill Menze | February 25, 2021
Despite a massive loss in the fourth quarter of 2020, CEO Brian Chesky says the pandemic has proved Airbnb's business is "inherently adaptable." Read More
How I Got Here, episode 53 - Atle Skalleberg of StudentUniverse
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 53 - Atle Skalleberg of StudentUniverse
By PhocusWire | February 25, 2021
After arriving in the U.S. from Norway, Skalleberg took a job at StudentUniverse, prepared to do anything in order to learn the basics and secure a visa, as he tells Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin... Read More
eDreams Odigeo says it's ready to seize post-pandemic demand
News / Online
eDreams Odigeo says it's ready to seize post-pandemic demand
By Kevin May | February 25, 2021
The online travel agency group reckons the business is "agile and nimble" enough to adapt quickly when travel markets open up over the next few months in its core European consumer base. Read More
Booking Holdings focuses on payment platform, connected trip and U.S. growth as 2020 revenue drops 55%
News / Online
Booking Holdings focuses on payment platform, connected trip and U.S. growth as 2020 revenue drops 55%
By Mitra Sorrells | February 24, 2021
Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel says the company is focusing on products and strategies that can help the company grow as travel resumes. Read More
Accor posts €2B loss, lays out 2021 strategy
News / Distribution
Accor posts €2B loss, lays out 2021 strategy
By Linda Fox | February 24, 2021
Accor plans to focus on its ALL loyalty program, further cost reduction and expansion in 2021. Read More
Travelport rebrands to align with company's “monumental culture shift”
News / Distribution
Travelport rebrands to align with company's “monumental culture shift”
By Mitra Sorrells | February 23, 2021
Travelport is launching a new visual identity ahead of the rollout of its next generation platform, which will replace the legacy three-core distribution system. Read More
IHG looks to mid-market brands and digital developments to help recovery
News / Distribution
IHG looks to mid-market brands and digital developments to help recovery
By Linda Fox | February 23, 2021
IHG is continuing with the phased rollout of its Guest Reservation System, developed in partnership with Amadeus. Read More
Marriott on marketing initiatives and the summer rebound
News / Distribution
Marriott on marketing initiatives and the summer rebound
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | February 22, 2021
Julius Robinson, chief sales and marketing officer at Marriott International, highlights the messages that are resonating with customers. Read More