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.

hotel signage impala
News / Technology
Impala seizes $20M in funding to invest in hotel booking tools
By Steven Lerner | February 10, 2020
The all-equity round is backed by Lakestar, which previously invested in Airbnb and GetYourGuide, and Latitude Ventures, the Series B+ sister fund to LocalGuide.   Read More
Travel-tech-europe-2020-survey
News / Technology
Travel tech pros put sustainability behind economy as key challenges for 2020
By Linda Fox | February 10, 2020
A Travel Technology Europe survey highlights economic uncertainty as the greatest challenge facing the industry - but sustainability and climate change follow close behind. Read More
tourlane-carbon-offsetting
News / Technology
Tourlane offsets carbon emissions for itself and travelers in 2020
By Linda Fox | February 7, 2020
The Berlin-based company, which specializes in tailor-made trips, included estimated emissions from operations as well as those generated by customers from flights, accommodation, ground transport and... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Rootze compares transport options for travelers to stay in budget
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Rootze compares transport options for travelers to stay in budget
By Linda Fox | February 6, 2020
France-based Rootze, led by founder and CEO Sophie Pastol, helps travelers find and compare transport options that fit their budget. Read More
phocuswright-europe-2020-theme-promo-2
News / Online
Phocuswright Europe - the 2020 theme: Travel's Next Era
By PhocusWire | February 6, 2020
Phocuswright Europe is a place where online travel's smartest audience connects to share ideas, debate topics and showcase what's next. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 23 - Stephan Ekbergh of Travelstart
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 23 - Stephan Ekbergh of Travelstart
By PhocusWire | February 6, 2020
Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May from PhocusWire are joined by Stephan Ekbergh, founder and CEO of Travelstart, the South Africa-based online travel agency. Read More
ceo-interview-craig-brennan-switchfly
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Craig Brennan of Switchfly
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2020
The Switchfly boss talks with PhocusWire about how loyalty has changed over the past decade, what younger generations want and more. Read More
beekeeper platform
News / Technology
Communications platform Beekeeper augments Series B with $5M in funding
By Steven Lerner | February 5, 2020
Nearly five months after announcing its $45 million Series B funding, Beekeeper is adding an extra $5 million to the round.   Read More
Keep an eye out for these 5 business travel trends in 2020 and beyond
From Our Partners / Technology
Keep an eye out for these 5 business travel trends in 2020 and beyond
By Travelstop | February 4, 2020
Now is a good time to look ahead and see what’s in store for the business travel sector in 2020 and beyond, both as a way to optimise processes and improve cost efficiency.  Read More
Hotel revenue management: Is there a breakthrough on the horizon?
Opinion / Technology
Hotel revenue management: Is there a breakthrough on the horizon?
By Vivek Bhogaraju - Expedia Group | February 4, 2020
Expedia Group commissioned Phocuswright to conduct a global study on the state of hotel revenue management from the perspective of the revenue manager - and the results are telling. Read More
Wishbox cover
News / Technology
Wishbox secures $2.5M to help property managers win upsells
By Steven Lerner | February 4, 2020
The company says the funding will be used to accelerate global expansion and to develop more opportunities for property managers to offer value to their guests.   Read More
enterprise-ireland-complete-retailing
News / Distribution
Travel suppliers need to be thinking more about "second wallets"
By Linda Fox | February 3, 2020
With newer technologies enabling the creation of more personalized offers, it's time for travel to enter the age of complete retailing, according to a report. Read More
nordic-choice-loyalty-in-home
News / Online
How a hotel chain is reinventing loyalty with at-home perks
By Mitra Sorrells | February 3, 2020
Nordic Choice Hotels has created a new option for its loyalty members that allows them to have in-home cleaning services with hotel products such as sheets, towels and toiletries. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: OffWeGo streamlines safety features for traveling students
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: OffWeGo streamlines safety features for traveling students
By Steven Lerner | February 3, 2020
OffWeGo is a student-centric solution addressing the large information gap while students are traveling on university-sponsored programs. Read More
As web cookies fade, travel brands must create a robust identity strategy
Opinion / Online
As web cookies fade, travel brands must create a robust identity strategy
By Charles Mi - Adara | January 31, 2020
Recent announcements and others expected in the coming months could diminish cookie volume online - so travel brands need to evaluate new methodologies for personalization and consumer insights. Read More
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