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.

Marriott has security breach fine reduced to £18M
News / Technology
Marriott has security breach fine reduced to £18M
By Linda Fox | November 2, 2020
    A regulator originally intended to fine the hotel company £99 million but took into account steps taken since, representations from the company and the impact of COVID-19. Read More
InPhocus, episode 26 - Seizing opportunities in a pandemic travel market
News / Online
InPhocus, episode 26 - Seizing opportunities in a pandemic travel market
By PhocusWire | October 30, 2020
The pandemic has caused all sorts of headaches for travel brands - but it has also inspired some new ideas that were probably never on the agenda for companies at the turn of 2020. Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Andres Fabris of Traxo
News / Technology
VIDEO: New Reality With... Andres Fabris of Traxo
By PhocusWire | October 30, 2020
The next guest on the New Reality With... series is Andres Fabris, CEO of Traxo, a leader in travel data capture and itinerary intelligence for business travel. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Playing telephone - how to improve communication lines with travelers
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! Playing telephone - how to improve communication lines with travelers
By PhocusWire | October 29, 2020
How to educate like a pro and reduce the friction between suppliers, travel professionals and travelers themselves. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 48 - Tobias Ragge of HRS
Interview / Distribution
How I Got Here, episode 48 - Tobias Ragge of HRS
By PhocusWire | October 29, 2020
The story of HRS is one of geographic growth, expansion into new business areas and a handing over of the baton from father to son. Tobias Ragge explains it all to Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May of... Read More
How the coronavirus gave QR codes a major role in travel
Opinion / Technology
How the coronavirus gave QR codes a major role in travel
By Sooho Choi - Publicis Sapient | October 28, 2020
QR codes hold even more potential as they have become an essential and welcomed tool for travel and hospitality brands, in particular, helping the industry get back on its feet in the face of adversity. Read More
tripadvisor-ota-insight-partnership
News / Online
Tripadvisor, OTA Insight partner to boost hotel data intelligence
By Mitra Sorrells | October 27, 2020
The partnership creates Tripadvisor's new Spotlight data solution, a subscription product launching along with a second subscription tool, Reputation Pro. Read More
Phocuswright Conference 2020 Preview: It's a period of reckoning for hotels
News / Distribution
Phocuswright Conference 2020 Preview: It's a period of reckoning for hotels
By Kevin May | October 27, 2020
The pre-pandemic fierce yet healthy competition between hotels and rentals for the leisure traveler is now more acute than it has ever been. It's going to be a tough ride ahead. Read More
VIDEO: Travelport CEO Greg Webb on recovery and reality of NDC
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Travelport CEO Greg Webb on recovery and reality of NDC
By Kevin May | October 27, 2020
It's been quite a first year or so at the helm of Travelport for its CEO Greg Webb. But he already has some firm views on what works and what doesn't for the distribution and tech business. Read More
startup-stage-virdee
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Virdee provides contactless access solutions for hotels and rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | October 27, 2020
Founded in April 2020, Virdee’s tech-enabled, touchless systems integrate with existing hardware and software such as door locks, payment platforms and property management systems. Read More
VIDEO: Why payments are critical to travel's recovery
News / Technology
VIDEO: Why payments are critical to travel's recovery
By Jill Menze | October 27, 2020
At Phocuswright Europe, a panel of payments experts examined how payments will be key to success in a post-COVID world. Read More
Knowing your guest is no longer a luxury
News / Distribution
Knowing your guest is no longer a luxury
By Peter Waters - Amadeus | October 27, 2020
Hoteliers that can unlock the power of guest data will be ideally positioned to create lasting, meaningful guest relationships and ultimately drive recovery and future growth. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! 10 traveler trends for 2021 planning (hint: 5 are not COVID-related)
News / Online
WEBINAR REPLAY! 10 traveler trends for 2021 planning (hint: 5 are not COVID-related)
By PhocusWire | October 26, 2020
PhocusWire teams up with Sojern to dig into our survey results on consumers' sentiments and attitudes toward upcoming travel, and explore how it impacts their trip planning, shopping, and booking... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: aiTravelers wants to remove the search pain from travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: aiTravelers wants to remove the search pain from travel
By Linda Fox | October 26, 2020
The company is a subscription-based online travel platform that uses artificial intelligence to match users with the best travel options. Read More
citizenm-op-ed-hotels-role
Opinion / Online
In the age of remote work, hotels serve a new purpose
By Lennert de Jong and Ernest Lee - CitizenM | October 26, 2020
COVID-19 has spawned a work-from-anywhere movement. Here's how hotels can capitalize.  Read More
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