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.

Fastpayhotels acquires accommodation business assets of North America Destinations
News / Distribution
Fastpayhotels acquires accommodation business assets of North America Destinations
By Kevin May | February 9, 2021
Some 300 clients of North America Destinations in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Colombia will also get last-minute availability and access to thousands of vacation rental... Read More
getaway-42M-funding
News / Startups
Certares leads $42M Series C for cabin-rental platform Getaway
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2021
Getaway says it had 150% year-over-year growth in 2020 and plans to rapidly expand. Read More
Go2Joy raises $2.3M in Series A+ round
News / Startups
Go2Joy raises $2.3M in Series A+ round
By Linda Fox | February 8, 2021
Vietnam-based hotel booking specialist Go2Joy plans to use its Series A+ funding for sales and marketing. Read More
How payments technology will fuel travel rebound
From Our Partners / Technology
How payments technology will fuel travel rebound
By Yuval Ziv – Nuvei | February 8, 2021
Here are six best practices from a recent white paper that travel operators can - and are – implementing to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic. Read More
optii-solutions-opinion-cleaning
Opinion / Online
What COVID-induced changes in hospitality are here to stay?
By Soenke Weiss - Optii Solutions | February 8, 2021
The founder and chief strategy officer of Optii Solutions says hotels should expect enhanced operational and cleaning protocols to be the norm for years to come.   Read More
timeshifter-2-million
News / Startups
Jet-lag app Timeshifter raises $2M as it launches new product for shift workers
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2021
The company has partnerships with travel brands including Tripadvisor, Travelperk, SAP Concur, CWT and United Airlines. Read More
On the Beach hopes to boost market share through recent investments
News / Online
On the Beach hopes to boost market share through recent investments
By Linda Fox | February 5, 2021
On the Beach says consumer demand is very weak currently with traffic, bookings and online marketing spend for four months ended January 31, 2021, down more than 70%. Read More
yatra-q3-2021
News / Online
Yatra sees improving India domestic market, international remains slow
By Linda Fox | February 5, 2021
Yatra says new corporate travel signings are boosting its growth and that it also has a growing pipeline of potential customers. Read More
Accor begins digital key rollout, plans 500 hotels in 2021
News / Technology
Accor begins digital key rollout, plans 500 hotels in 2021
February 4, 2021
The hotel giant is planning for the digital key solution to be in 50% of its properties within five years. Read More
anand krishnan-ibs-software
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Anand Krishnan of IBS Software
By Jill Menze | February 4, 2021
In 2018, Anand Krishnan was brought on as CEO of IBS Software, a leading SaaS solutions provider managing mission-critical operations for airlines, airports, hotels and cruise companies. Read More
ixigo-buys-confirmtkt
News / Distribution
Ixigo buys train booking app Confirmtkt to serve India’s $8B rail market
By Mitra Sorrells | February 4, 2021
The deal aligns with the Indian online travel agency’s decision in 2019 to focus on flights, trains and buses. Read More
Expedia opens up discount rates to COVID-hit travel agency partners
News / Distribution
Expedia opens up discount rates to COVID-hit travel agency partners
By Kevin May | February 3, 2021
The company's affiliate program, which has around 10,000 agency partners, will be opened up so that exclusive rates for hotel and air ticket packages are available for all. Read More
uipath-opinion-automation
Opinion / Technology
How automation can facilitate hospitality’s recovery
By Brad Beumer - UiPath | February 3, 2021
Automation technologies can be used to benefit guests and staff, now and into the future. Read More
makemytrip earnings
News / Online
MakeMyTrip sees 2020 end with some financial improvement
By Linda Fox | February 2, 2021
MakeMyTrip has seen improvement in gross bookings and revenue across its business units for its third quarter 2021 financial earnings. Read More
business travel recovery 2025
News / Distribution
Business travel expected to make full recovery by 2025
By Kevin May | February 2, 2021
According to GBTA, global business travel spending slumped by over a half to $694 billion during a coronavirus-hit 2020. Read More