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.

siteminder-channel-report
News / Distribution
Hotel direct channels gained share of bookings in 2020
By Mitra Sorrells | February 2, 2021
A new report from SiteMinder details the top booking revenue sources in markets around the world. Read More
New initiatives launch to promote diverse leadership in travel
News / Online
New initiatives launch to promote diverse leadership in travel
By Jill Menze | February 2, 2021
Two new programs, Tourism Diversity Matters and WiHTL's Ethnic Minority Future Leaders in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure, are designed to help build and retain diverse leadership teams in travel. Read More
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky: "It's going to be a year of focus"
News / Online
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky: "It's going to be a year of focus"
By Jill Menze | February 1, 2021
Speaking during Bloomberg's The Year Ahead event, Brian Chesky discussed Airbnb's priorities, market volatility and the future of travel. Read More
travalyst-coalition-report
News / Online
Prince Harry-backed Travalyst coalition urges industry collaboration to “rebuild more responsibly”
By Mitra Sorrells | January 29, 2021
Former Skyscanner CEO Bryan Dove is now chairing the coalition, working alongside Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, who launched it in 2019 with Booking.com, Skyscanner, Trip.com Group, Tripadvisor and... Read More
In the new world of business travel, traveler wellbeing must come first
Opinion / Technology
In the new world of business travel, traveler wellbeing must come first
By Scott Sunderman - Collinson | January 29, 2021
For essential travel in the COVID era, employees need robust pre‐travel screenings, 24/7 access to medical and travel advice and detailed contingency plans. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Connected trip - Is it still relevant in 2021?
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! Connected trip - Is it still relevant in 2021?
By PhocusWire | January 29, 2021
Before the pandemic the idea of the “connected trip” was widely discussed in the travel industry. But how will it evolve in a post-pandemic environment. Read More
startup-stage-youtip
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Youtip provides digital tipping for hotels, tour operators and more
By Mitra Sorrells | January 29, 2021
Users scan QR codes or tap links in email or text messages to access the payment system. Read More
How travel app usage paints another picture of travel's fate in 2020
News / Online
How travel app usage paints another picture of travel's fate in 2020
By Linda Fox | January 28, 2021
Travel apps went quiet as the pandemic hit but there were some notable exceptions such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Read More
StayNTouch appoints industry veteran Tom Underwood as CEO
News / Technology
StayNTouch appoints industry veteran Tom Underwood as CEO
By Kevin May | January 28, 2021
StayNTouch had originally been sold to Chinese digital giant Shiji Information Technology in September 2018 for an undisclosed fee - but president Trump nixed the deal last year. Read More
Bbot adds $4M to seed round for hospitality ordering tech
News / Startups
Bbot adds $4M to seed round for hospitality ordering tech
By Linda Fox | January 27, 2021
Bbot will put the funds towards product development including the release of an API. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! How 100% virtual companies handle travel
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! How 100% virtual companies handle travel
By PhocusWire | January 26, 2021
We explain how 100% virtual companies are rebuilding their travel program, what suppliers are doing to support this emerging trend and the specific benefits human interaction is having on companies. Read More
alliance-reservations-network-group-tool
News / Technology
Alliance Reservations Network launches direct group booking technology
By Mitra Sorrells | January 26, 2021
The system, known as GPS Link, connects ARN’s Group Productivity Solution booking platform with a hotel chain’s central reservation systems. Read More
Klook raises $200M round in bid to widen platform to other services
News / Online
Klook raises $200M round in bid to widen platform to other services
By Kevin May | January 26, 2021
The new round brings the total raised by Hong Kong-based Klook to more than $720 million since the company's launch in 2014. Read More
My Method... How to build a technology product based on real-world hospitality experience
News / Technology
My Method... How to build a technology product based on real-world hospitality experience
By Scott Curran - Reneson Hotels/GuestEQ | January 26, 2021
Reneson Hotels COO Scott Curan explains how he developed hotel operations platform GuestEQ based on his longtime experience in the hospitality industry.   Read More
Airlines need April bookings increase to prevent financial woes
News / Distribution
Airlines need April bookings increase to prevent financial woes
By Linda Fox | January 25, 2021
Pent-up demand for summer 2021 bookings will provide a much needed boost to airlines. Read More