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.

handiscover-1.6m-grant
News / Startups
Accessible travel startup Handiscover secures €1.6M in grant funding
By Mitra Sorrells | May 11, 2020
Handiscover will use the funding to develop its online travel agency, which currently lists 35,000 accessible accommodations in more than 100 countries.    Read More
Sabre notes "massive challenge to the industry" as revenues slump by a third
News / Distribution
Sabre notes "massive challenge to the industry" as revenues slump by a third
By Kevin May | May 8, 2020
The coronavirus outbreak has hit Sabre across all of its metrics, with revenue down from $1.05 billion in Q1 2019 to $659 million in the same period in 2020. Read More
hilton q1 2020
News / Distribution
Hilton turns profit in Q1 2020 despite coronavirus
By Jill Menze | May 7, 2020
Hilton turned a profit to the tune of $18 million in the first quarter of 2020 - down from $159 million for the same period in 2019 - despite the threat of the coronavirus. Read More
travel-coronavirus-stuck-middle
News / Distribution
InPhocus, episode 9 - Stuck in the middle with you
By PhocusWire | May 7, 2020
We discuss how brands that sit between consumers and suppliers have been dealt with a number of issues relating to cash flow and appeasing their commercial partners during the coronavirus outbreak. Read More
conley-plug-and-play-keynote
News / Online
Airbnb advisor Chip Conley on leadership, liquidity and opportunities in a post-COVID travel industry
By Mitra Sorrells | May 7, 2020
The advisor to Airbnb shared his advice for travel leaders and entrepreneurs during an online event hosted by Plug and Play Tech Center. Read More
airbnb coronavirus layoffs
News / Online
Airbnb lays off 25% of staff, cuts back investment in hotels, transportation
By Jill Menze | May 5, 2020
As a result of the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, Airbnb is eliminating 1,900 jobs and cutting investment across business units. Read More
cybersecurity-travel-coronavirus
News / Technology
Experts warn companies to prepare for security breaches when travel restrictions lift
By Linda Fox | May 5, 2020
Travel companies may have seen an increase in phishing attacks due to the volume of refunds issued recently, but experts say they should brace for security breaches as restrictions lift. Read More
REPORT: COVID-19 Hotel Forecast - Boston
News / Distribution
REPORT: COVID-19 Hotel Forecast - Boston
By PhocusWire | May 5, 2020
Boston started March in better shape than New York across the board, but its downward slope accelerated much more aggressively. Read More
Travelers lack confidence in public transit, flights returning to normal
News / Online
Travelers lack confidence in public transit, flights returning to normal
By Jill Menze | May 5, 2020
According to data from Qualtrics, U.S. consumers feel largely uncomfortable about returning to business as usual. Read More
Tough decisions and new goals - Stasher's survival story
News / Startups
Tough decisions and new goals - Stasher's survival story
By Linda Fox | May 4, 2020
Stasher shares how the startup is fighting for survival and confronting how travel might be different in the future. Read More
bacarai-smartcheck-1
News / Technology
New product displays COVID-19 stats on airline, hotel and OTA websites
By Mitra Sorrells | May 4, 2020
Bacarai's new SmartCheck product pulls publicly available COVID-19 data from cities around the world. Read More
How smart financial forecasting can protect hotel asset value
Opinion / Online
How smart financial forecasting can protect hotel asset value
By Sanjay Nagalia - IDeaS | May 4, 2020
When forecasts are inaccurate, bad decisions result. When forecasts are realistic and comprehensive, they help protect asset value until revenues start flowing again. Read More
With travel existing virtually, startup CEOs share tips on staying upbeat and creative
News / Startups
With travel existing virtually, startup CEOs share tips on staying upbeat and creative
By Linda Fox | May 1, 2020
Founders and execs discuss over-communicating and staying upbeat during the coronavirus crisis. Read More
hotel-data-str-rategain
News / Online
Hospitality reports point to uptick in hotel activity
By Mitra Sorrells | May 1, 2020
RateGain and STR have released data that hints at a slight increase in demand for hotel rooms. Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Clayton Reid of MMGY Global
News / Online
VIDEO: New Reality With... Clayton Reid of MMGY Global
By PhocusWire | April 28, 2020
The first guest on the New Reality With... series is Clayton Reid, CEO of MMGY Global, one of the leading marketing agencies devoted to the travel and entertainment industries. Read More
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