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.

mgm-resorts-security-incident
News / Online
MGM Resorts falls victim to data breach
By Linda Fox | February 24, 2020
MGM Resorts was the victim of a security breach affecting the personal details of millions of guests in the summer of 2019, according to reports. Read More
The new guest-centric look of loyalty for hotels
News / Online
The new guest-centric look of loyalty for hotels
By Mitra Sorrells | February 24, 2020
Hospitality companies both large and small are revamping their loyalty programs to focus on serving the needs of their guests. Read More
Accor talks up loyalty deals, seeks new partners for some business elements
News / Distribution
Accor talks up loyalty deals, seeks new partners for some business elements
By Linda Fox | February 21, 2020
Accor highlights big plans for loyalty partners as it announces full-year results for 2019. Read More
aviasales-op-ed-loyalty
Opinion / Online
It’s time to skip loyalty and start chasing retention in travel
By Max Kraynov - Aviasales | February 21, 2020
Rather than loyalty, travel brands should pursue retention by capitalizing on unusual patterns in travel research and booking. Read More
Travel reservations in China down 79% amid coronavirus scare
News / Online
Travel reservations in China down 79% amid coronavirus scare
By Jill Menze | February 21, 2020
According to data analyzed by TravelgateX, travel reservations in China fell 79% in January and are down 90% so far in February. Read More
Lessons learned from a failed travel loyalty startup
News / Startups
Lessons learned from a failed travel loyalty startup
By Steven Lerner | February 20, 2020
Without the cooperation or support of hotels, airlines, banks or credit card companies, developing a loyalty startup is challenging. Read More
Hotel loyalty bookings in U.S. reach all-time high
News / Distribution
Hotel loyalty bookings in U.S. reach all-time high
By Donna M. Airoldi  | February 20, 2020
According to Kalibri Labs, loyalty-related U.S. hotel bookings in 2019 increased 7.6% year-over-year to 56.2%, the highest figure on record. Read More
How a travel club can better connect brands to their users
Opinion / Online
How a travel club can better connect brands to their users
By Mike Putman - Custom Travel Solutions | February 19, 2020
In order to improve a brand’s loyal base and increase engagement, it needs to key in on the valuable offers from which users feel the most benefit or improve their connection to your brand. Read More
travel-brands-super-apps
News / Distribution
Where travel brand loyalty sits in a super app world
By Linda Fox | February 18, 2020
It’s hard for major travel brands to ignore super apps given the huge volume of consumers that they attract and their high-frequency usage. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Amenitiz helps independent hotels tackle a digital world
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Amenitiz helps independent hotels tackle a digital world
By Steven Lerner | February 18, 2020
Amenitiz is an all-in-one platform that allows independent hoteliers and vacation rental owners to address all digital needs in a centralized tool. Read More
oyo-fy19-financials
News / Distribution
International expansion swells losses for OYO to $335M
By Linda Fox | February 17, 2020
The company reported revenue of $951 million in its full-year earnings for 2019, a more than four-fold increase year-over-year. Read More
coronavirus-hotel-airline-revenue-management
News / Technology
Coronavirus upends revenue management strategies for hotels and airlines
By Mitra Sorrells | February 14, 2020
The growing coronavirus outbreak is creating challenges for revenue managers across all sectors of the travel industry. Read More
cwt-messaging-service
News / Technology
CWT adds messaging service for travelers, ponders adding voice tech
By Linda Fox | February 13, 2020
The technology enables travelers to contact a counselor at any time of the day via desktop, mobile or a third party messaging app approved by their employer. Read More
tui-group-q1-2020
News / Distribution
TUI alters forecast for 2020, 737 MAX grounding bites but digital investment continues
By Linda Fox | February 11, 2020
The tour operator estimated earnings before interest and income tax of between €850 million and €1,050 billion for the full year ending December 2020. Read More
What are the building blocks of direct sales for hotels?
Opinion / Distribution
What are the building blocks of direct sales for hotels?
By Pablo Delgado - Mirai | February 11, 2020
Every single hotel, without any exception, whether large or small, independent or part of a hotel chain, with a good or bad reputation, in the centre or in the suburbs, has significant potential to... Read More
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