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.

What to know about the new customer travel planning, shopping and booking journey
Opinion / Online
What to know about the new customer travel planning, shopping and booking journey
By Kurt Weinsheimer - Sojern | January 25, 2021
While the travel industry certainly can’t predict quarantine mandates, companies can capitalize on demand by meeting customer conditions. Read More
Sustainability 2.0: The conversation travel tech cannot ignore in the new normal
From Our Partners / Technology
Sustainability 2.0: The conversation travel tech cannot ignore in the new normal
By Harmeet Singh - RateGain | January 25, 2021
Governments and the industry at large need to rethink not only their sustainability goals but also their vision for sustainability. It’s now time to consider Sustainability 2.0 - and what it means for... Read More
Skyscanner appoints Travix boss John Mangelaars as CEO
News / Online
Skyscanner appoints Travix boss John Mangelaars as CEO
By Kevin May | January 22, 2021
He replaces Moshe Rafiah, who was brought in to oversee operations following the departure of CEO Bryan Dove. Read More
Maps.me lands $50M round, plans mobile wallet
News / Online
Maps.me lands $50M round, plans mobile wallet
By Linda Fox | January 21, 2021
Maps.me plans to bring decentralized finance for travel purchases to its users following the new funding round. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: The Hospitality Gig aims to provide a talent pool of flexible workers to the industry
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: The Hospitality Gig aims to provide a talent pool of flexible workers to the industry
By Linda Fox | January 20, 2021
The startup is looking to connect people looking for flexible work, job shares or fractional roles across all disciplines in hospitality with companies needing to fill those roles. Read More
Once upon a time, a cruise ship left the harbor... 366 days in the life of the travel industry
News / Online
Once upon a time, a cruise ship left the harbor... 366 days in the life of the travel industry
By Mitra Sorrells / Linda Fox | January 20, 2021
As we mark the one-year milestone of COVID's first impact on the travel industry, we review how key sectors have fared and what is one the horizon. Read More
VIDEO: Hilton on an evolving digital environment for accommodation
News / Online
VIDEO: Hilton on an evolving digital environment for accommodation
By PhocusWire | January 20, 2021
With leisure travel stalled, meetings and events cancelled and short-term rentals taking the spotlight, hotel leaders are in the hot seat. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! How to shape your 2021 revenue strategy with forward-looking data
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! How to shape your 2021 revenue strategy with forward-looking data
By PhocusWire | January 19, 2021
We'll show you how you can leverage forward-looking data to get ahead of the competition, align your commercial teams and better anticipate changing consumer behavior. Read More
Pana snags $3.5M investment to develop new travel manager tools
News / Online
Pana snags $3.5M investment to develop new travel manager tools
By Kevin May | January 19, 2021
The round of £3.6 million was led by RTP Ventures and included participation from investors Matt Ziskie and Dave Ambrose. Read More
Airbnb's Brian Chesky on permanent shifts in travel and need for principles in a crisis
News / Distribution
Airbnb's Brian Chesky on permanent shifts in travel and need for principles in a crisis
By Linda Fox | January 18, 2021
Following its successful IPO, Airbnb is planning for a different future where travel could be far more distributed. Read More
Fetch.ai launches AI travel agents to reduce hotel booking distribution cost
News / Distribution
Fetch.ai launches AI travel agents to reduce hotel booking distribution cost
By Linda Fox | January 15, 2021
Fetch.ai believes its AI agents can reduce distribution costs and protect hotels from security breaches. Read More
AirAsia calls itself an "OTA challenger" amid big digital travel ambitions
News / Online
AirAsia calls itself an "OTA challenger" amid big digital travel ambitions
By Linda Fox | January 15, 2021
AirAsia.com is drawing on its 75 million customer base, loyalty program and joining the data dots to build its OTA. Read More
Buy-now-pay-later for travel service Affirm valued at $24B after IPO
News / Technology
Buy-now-pay-later for travel service Affirm valued at $24B after IPO
By Kevin May | January 15, 2021
The company works with the likes of Expedia, Delta Vacations, Priceline, CheapOAir, Suiteness and others. Read More
What is the digital outlook for 2021 in business travel?
Opinion / Technology
What is the digital outlook for 2021 in business travel?
By Pascal Benn - Focus Travel Partnership | January 15, 2021
A travel management company operating in Jan 2021 will be faced with a whole new set of challenges compared to both 2020 and 2019. Read More
Trivago acquires getaway online travel agency Weekend.com
News / Online
Trivago acquires getaway online travel agency Weekend.com
By Kevin May | January 14, 2021
It is the first acquisition for Trivago since it bought TripBuddy, an AI-led personalization engine, in May 2018. Read More