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.

The vital, the obvious and the hopeful: Tech trends to watch in travel
News / Technology
The vital, the obvious and the hopeful: Tech trends to watch in travel
By Kevin May | February 22, 2021
We list some of the trends noted by a recent CBInsights report and how they might strike a chord with the industry's strategies to move forward in 2021. Read More
Room for improvement - diversity in the hospitality boardroom
News / Distribution
Room for improvement - diversity in the hospitality boardroom
By Linda Fox | February 19, 2021
A new report says about a third of publicly listed hospitality companies have just one or no women in board of director positions. Read More
tripadvisor-q4-2020
News / Online
Tripadvisor revenue down 61% in 2020, subscription product a focus for 2021
By Mitra Sorrells | February 18, 2021
Tripadvisor says it is continuing to roll out the Tripadvisor Plus subscription service in the United States in the first half of 2021, with plans to grow to other English-speaking markets after that. Read More
Marriott posts $164M loss following “most challenging year in 93-year history”
News / Distribution
Marriott posts $164M loss following “most challenging year in 93-year history”
By Jill Menze | February 18, 2021
Marriott's fourth quarter 2020 results come days after the unexpected passing of CEO Arne Sorenson. Read More
As Bitcoin surges, will cryptocurrency become an accepted form of payment in travel?
News / Technology
As Bitcoin surges, will cryptocurrency become an accepted form of payment in travel?
By Mitra Sorrells | February 18, 2021
Industry experts agree digital currencies are an inevitable evolution and provide advantages for travel payments, but there are challenges to adoption. Read More
Hilton posts big losses for 2020 yet forging ahead with new properties
News / Distribution
Hilton posts big losses for 2020 yet forging ahead with new properties
By Linda Fox | February 17, 2021
Despite the pandemic, Hilton has a development pipeline of more than 2,500 properties. Read More
Travel + Leisure Co. launches online booking platform
News / Online
Travel + Leisure Co. launches online booking platform
By Jill Menze | February 17, 2021
Travel + Leisure Co., formerly known as Wyndham Destinations, has launched a vacation booking platform as part of the company's rebrand. Read More
Cendyn and NextGuest merge to extend reach and tap into data
News / Technology
Cendyn and NextGuest merge to extend reach and tap into data
By Linda Fox | February 17, 2021
The merger creates the largest CRM and digital marketing provider in hospitality, according to the newly formed entity. Read More
google-france-hotel-fine
News / Online
Google fined €1.1M for deceptive hotel ratings in France
By Mitra Sorrells | February 16, 2021
Google has also agreed to remove its ratings and use those provided by Atout France, the country's tourism agency. Read More
Sabre revenues fall by 66% during COVID-hit 2020
News / Distribution
Sabre revenues fall by 66% during COVID-hit 2020
By Kevin May | February 16, 2021
The company says its metrics were negatively impacted by the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic but a number of cost-cutting measures put in place during the year partially offset the impact. Read More
Is hospitality ready to service the digitally savvy travel consumer?
Opinion / Technology
Is hospitality ready to service the digitally savvy travel consumer?
By Max Starkov - hospitality consultant and strategist | February 16, 2021
There is a clear deficit of proper hospitality industry education in digital technology and the latest technology innovations, trends and best practices. Read More
Luxury Escapes acquires Porter & Sail mobile concierge technology
News / Technology
Luxury Escapes acquires Porter & Sail mobile concierge technology
By Linda Fox | February 12, 2021
Caitlin Zaino, co-founder and CEO of Porter & Sail, joins Luxury Escapes as part of the acquisition of the mobile concierge technology. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 51 - Josh Wyatt of Generator Hostels
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 51 - Josh Wyatt of Generator Hostels
By PhocusWire | February 11, 2021
Generator Hostels was a single-property hostel brand in London - but it was considered the perfect place to try out a new approach to the sector when Wyatt came onboard in 2007 with a pile of venture... Read More
Lastminute.com Group ends 2020 with 62% collapse in revenue
News / Online
Lastminute.com Group ends 2020 with 62% collapse in revenue
By Kevin May | February 10, 2021
The online travel agency business brought in €128.9 million in core revenues over the 12-month, pandemic-hit period. Read More
Trivago sees revenue slump 70% in 2020, bets on local travel to fuel recovery
News / Online
Trivago sees revenue slump 70% in 2020, bets on local travel to fuel recovery
By Jill Menze | February 9, 2021
Although revenue for Trivago dropped 70% for the full year and nearly 80% for the fourth quarter of 2020, the company believes it's at a turning point in the pandemic. Read More