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.

Sounding Off: State-backed or multi-brand travel projects rarely work
Interview / Technology
Sounding Off: State-backed or multi-brand travel projects rarely work
By PhocusWire | June 12, 2020
There are countless ways to offer support from the state but creating, operating and maintaining a brand new service that seeks to challenge the status quo may not be the best use of a government's... Read More
REPORT: COVID-19 Hotel Forecast - Toronto
News / Distribution
REPORT: COVID-19 Hotel Forecast - Toronto
By PhocusWire | June 11, 2020
Toronto hoteliers are being relatively disciplined with their rate discounting – not panicking by resorting to fire sale tactics in a futile effort to spur demand. Read More
journera-series-b
News / Startups
Journera nabs $11.6 million to move its tech platform into growth stage
By Mitra Sorrells | June 10, 2020
Journera has raised $11.6 million in a Series B round led by Andreessen Horowitz and B Capital. Read More
The Hotels Network raises €10M to boost direct booking for properties
News / Distribution
The Hotels Network raises €10M to boost direct booking for properties
By Linda Fox | June 10, 2020
The Hotels Network says its funding will go towards further personalization and user experience tech to help hoteliers. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! The recovery roadmap for hotels
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! The recovery roadmap for hotels
By PhocusWire | June 9, 2020
In this webinar produced by Amadeus and Phocuswire, you’ll hear exclusive, forward looking insights to help you prepare and launch your hotel’s recovery plan. Read More
national-tourism-portals
News / Distribution
Should national tourism portals be part of travel's recovery plan?
By Linda Fox | June 8, 2020
Many attempts to provide national tourism portals have fallen short in the past, some still believe they can succeed. Read More
Travelport secures $500M financing round, with further funds available
News / Distribution
Travelport secures $500M financing round, with further funds available
June 8, 2020
The "affiliates" of Siris Capital Group and Evergreen Coast Capital have committed to support the company and also made available a further $500 million. Read More
Sounding Off: COVID-19 protocols aren't forever - but should they be?
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: COVID-19 protocols aren't forever - but should they be?
By PhocusWire | June 5, 2020
It would be a fool that bets against hygiene being the most important consideration for guests across the hospitality spectrum for decades to come. Read More
Rebuilding demand requires every part of the travel industry to play a role
Opinion / Online
Rebuilding demand requires every part of the travel industry to play a role
By Tom O'Toole - Kellogg School of Management | June 5, 2020
The travel industry as a whole and individual companies are now turning attention to the marketing initiatives that will be most effective. How can they all collaborate and innovate here? Read More
Hotels count the cost of updating hygiene protocols
News / Distribution
Hotels count the cost of updating hygiene protocols
By Linda Fox | June 4, 2020
Hotel operations platform Optii Solutions estimates that hotels need to set aside $130,000 each year per hotel, based on a 250-room U.S. leisure property running at 60% occupancy, for the new... Read More
Trivago, Booking.com, KLM and others unite to create COVID-19 information service
News / Distribution
Trivago, Booking.com, KLM and others unite to create COVID-19 information service
By Kevin May | June 4, 2020
A group of major travel brands have created a service to provide a single data source with current global news as it relates to the coronavirus outbreak and recovery. Read More
expedia-partner-recovery-analysis
News / Distribution
Experts say buyer beware when it comes to Expedia partner recovery program
By Mitra Sorrells | June 4, 2020
Hospitality revenue experts weigh in on pros and cons of Expedia Group's new partner recovery program. Read More
Startups join forces to create digital services platform for rental accommodation and hotels
News / Startups
Startups join forces to create digital services platform for rental accommodation and hotels
By Linda Fox | June 3, 2020
SmartDigitalPlug was created by six startups to help small hotels and rental properties to digitize their services and address some of the current safety and hygiene challenges. Read More
Like it or not, the fate of your hotel is in the hands of OTAs
Opinion / Distribution
Like it or not, the fate of your hotel is in the hands of OTAs
By Dori Stein - Fornova | June 3, 2020
Here’s why OTAs will provide a key source of near-term bookings and what hoteliers can do to ensure they’re capitalizing on the right opportunities. Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Maud Bailly of Accor
News / Distribution
VIDEO: New Reality With... Maud Bailly of Accor
By PhocusWire | June 2, 2020
The next guest on the New Reality With... series is Maud Bailly, chief digital officer at Accor, one of the most high-profile hospitality brands in the world. Read More
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