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.

hotelmize series b
News / Technology
Hotelmize raises Series B funding from Alibaba, establishes APAC headquarters in Hong Kong
By Steven Lerner | April 2, 2020
 Hotelmize is aiming to gain a foothold in Asia Pacific and to expand operations in the region following a new capital raise. Read More
How to manage your hotel’s revenue strategy during a crisis
From Our Partners / Distribution
How to manage your hotel’s revenue strategy during a crisis
By Kevin Brown - Amadeus | April 2, 2020
In times of uncertainty, it’s critical for hoteliers to focus on building trust with customers and future guests through compassion and flexibility. Read More
Airbnb gets serious on long-term stays, denies hosts are finding new platforms
News / Online
Airbnb gets serious on long-term stays, denies hosts are finding new platforms
By Kevin May | April 1, 2020
The company claims there has been a 20% increase in long-stay bookings in the last two weeks compared to the same period in 2019. Read More
Loyalty in travel during a time of fear starts with the refund
Opinion / Online
Loyalty in travel during a time of fear starts with the refund
By Matt Walker - LikeWhere | April 1, 2020
The refund process for travel brands, at a moment when the operational parts of a business are in overdrive, is going to expose the culture of many brands, in the coming days. Read More
marriott-data-breach-january-2020
News / Technology
Marriott is victim of another massive data breach
By Mitra Sorrells | March 31, 2020
Marriott says 5.2 million guests have been impacted by a data breach it discovered in late February. Read More
sojern-trends-coronavirus
News / Online
Search data reveals some positive trends but industry should remain cautious
By Linda Fox | March 30, 2020
Sojern looks at search trends to analyze whether there are any signs of recovery for the travel industry. Read More
Sounding Off: Travel bailouts are not simple tasks to manage
Interview / Technology
Sounding Off: Travel bailouts are not simple tasks to manage
By PhocusWire | March 27, 2020
 It seems more likely that any form of state aid will go only to propping up the travel-facing operations that inspire people to travel or are functional elements of a trip. Not the ecosystem... Read More
InPhocus, episode 3 - Living with the virus, thinking about a reset for tourism
News / Technology
InPhocus, episode 3 - Living with the virus, thinking about a reset for tourism
By PhocusWire | March 27, 2020
Destination specialist Doug Lansky to gives his account of contracting coronavirus and shares his perspective on the current climate for destinations and what could (or should) happen next. Read More
str-coronavirus-march-21
News / Online
Data shows severe impact of coronavirus on global hospitality industry
By Mitra Sorrells | March 26, 2020
Global hospitality data company STR has released figures for Asia, Europe and the United States for the week ending March 21. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Everything you need to know about the short-term rental market and tech
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! Everything you need to know about the short-term rental market and tech
By PhocusWire | March 25, 2020
What does the future hold for ADR and occupancy? What can you do to stay ahead of the curve? How can you make more money? The facts and stats are numerous and revealing so don’t miss a minute of this... Read More
Digital travel brands want the same bailouts from governments as hotels and airlines
News / Technology
Digital travel brands want the same bailouts from governments as hotels and airlines
By Kevin May | March 24, 2020
A lobbying organization, which includes the likes of Amadeus, Travelport, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor and eDreams ODIGEO as members, says the COVID-19 outbreak is hitting the... Read More
startups-coronavirus-decisions
News / Startups
Confronted by crisis, travel startups weigh difficult - and personal - decisions
By Jill Menze | March 24, 2020
Not only are startups equipped with fewer resources, funds and time, but also, the close-knit nature of their workforces means that even one shift within the company is often felt by all. Read More
cloudbeds-coronavirus-platform
News / Online
New platform helps hoteliers offer beds for coronavirus-related needs
By Mitra Sorrells | March 24, 2020
Cloudbeds has created a platform to connect government and medical authorities with hoteliers willing to provide rooms. Read More
Expedia will refund hotel guests during COVID-19 outbreak regardless of existing booking policy
News / Distribution
Expedia will refund hotel guests during COVID-19 outbreak regardless of existing booking policy
March 23, 2020
The operator of accommodation booking sites including Expedia, Hotels.com, Hotwire and others says it was facing an "unprecedented volume of calls" from travelers asking for help with non-refundable... Read More
Sabre makes $200M in cuts to offset coronavirus impact
News / Distribution
Sabre makes $200M in cuts to offset coronavirus impact
By Kevin May | March 20, 2020
The cuts range from offering voluntary unpaid leave, severance and early retirement to staff across the world to scaling back its third-party contracting and vendor costs. Read More
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