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.

Cathay Pacific fined £500,000 after "brute force" data breach
News / Technology
Cathay Pacific fined £500,000 after "brute force" data breach
By Linda Fox | March 9, 2020
A regulator in the U.K. imposed the fine, saying that between October 2014 and May 2018, the airline’s computer systems did not have “appropriate security measures” to protect customer data. Read More
President Trump orders sale of StayNTouch to Chinese giant Shiji to be reversed
News / Technology
President Trump orders sale of StayNTouch to Chinese giant Shiji to be reversed
By Kevin May | March 6, 2020
Trump's intervention is being made on grounds of national security, a statement from the White House says. Read More
Sounding Off: Coronavirus could trigger the travel marketing overhaul many want
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Coronavirus could trigger the travel marketing overhaul many want
By PhocusWire | March 6, 2020
Many companies in the industry have wanted a shift away from relying heavily on Google for customer acquisition. They may finally get their wish. Read More
Hostelworld 2019 earnings
News / Online
Hostelworld suffers 9% EBITDA decline in 2019, expects loss due to coronavirus
By Steven Lerner | March 4, 2020
Hostelworld Group reports a 9% decrease in EBITDA to €20.5 million for the full-year in 2019 and estimates an EBITDA loss of €3 million to €4 million in the first quarter of 2020 due to the COVID-19... Read More
modern-companies-disrupt-business-travel
From Our Partners / Online
How modern companies are disrupting business travel
By Travelstop | March 4, 2020
For decades, people had two ways to make travel arrangements. There’s the DIY approach, beloved by individual travellers for its budget-friendliness and accommodation of various preferences. And there’s... Read More
oaky funding
News / Technology
Hospitality startup Oaky raises $9.5M to develop upsell technology
By Steven Lerner | March 4, 2020
Hotel upsell platform Oaky is embarking on its next phase of growth and development following its biggest capital raise to date. Read More
COVID-19 and the global hotel industry: A roadmap to recovery, part 2
Opinion / Distribution
COVID-19 and the global hotel industry: A roadmap to recovery, part 2
By Yuki Hu, Eva Liu & George Yu - IDeaS | March 4, 2020
Although hotels can’t press the “restart” button on 2020, they can launch into “repair” mode now, despite being forced to a standstill by the big pause button that is COVID-19. Read More
Goodbooker-startup-stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: GoodBooker wants to end homelessness with every hotel booked
By Steven Lerner | March 3, 2020
For every hotel room booked on its platform, GoodBooker gives funding to leading homeless charities that offer shelter for those who need it. Read More
Travelzoo-earnings-2019
News / Online
Travelzoo posts declining operating profit in Q4, pins hope on acquisition of Jack’s Flight Club
By Steven Lerner | March 2, 2020
Travelzoo reported a decrease in operating profit to $818,000 in the fourth quarter of 2019 from $2.8 million in the prior-year period. Read More
Corporate travel industry could see $47B per month hit from coronavirus
News / Distribution
Corporate travel industry could see $47B per month hit from coronavirus
By Linda Fox | March 2, 2020
In a GBTA survey, two thirds of companies have cancelled a “few” meetings or events while 18% say they have cancelled “many” and 25% have cancelled “some.” Read More
COVID-19 and the global hotel industry: A roadmap to recovery, part 1
Opinion / Distribution
COVID-19 and the global hotel industry: A roadmap to recovery, part 1
By Yuki Hu, Eva Liu & George Yu - IDeaS | March 2, 2020
Amid the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, here are actionable steps for hotels to take now to proactively begin the road to recovery: Read More
Jubel act II
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE - ACT II: Jubel reveals its recent challenges and success with hiring
By Steven Lerner | February 28, 2020
Trip-planning platform Jubel discusses its progress and challenges over the past year. Read More
blockchain-loyalty
News / Technology
How blockchain is reinventing travel loyalty programs for both brands and consumers
By Mitra Sorrells | February 28, 2020
Companies such as Loyyal, Qiibee and Kornchain are accelerating development of blockchain solutions for loyalty and rewards, and executives say they expect widespread adoption in the next five to 10... Read More
Q&A: Collinson's Phil Seward on co-brand cards, travel subscriptions and empowering consumers
News / Online
Q&A: Collinson's Phil Seward on co-brand cards, travel subscriptions and empowering consumers
By Jill Menze | February 27, 2020
Phil Seward, senior vice president of loyalty strategy, Americas, at Collinson, explains the evolution of the co-branded credit card, if subscription models in travel are viable and how brands can put... Read More
amex-gbt-rest-assured-hotels
News / Technology
American Express GBT unveils unified accommodation platform
By Linda Fox | February 26, 2020
The travel management company aims to curb rogue hotel spend with the launch of its Rest Assured Solutions technology. Read More
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