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.

VIDEO: Stasher - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Stasher - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 17, 2019
Explore how this platform was scaled for luggage storage globally, connecting travelers with local businesses. Read More
VIDEO: Bespoke - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Bespoke - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 16, 2019
Bebot: The AI-powered multilingual concierge chatbot for hotels, airports, stations and cities. Read More
VIDEO: SnapTravel - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: SnapTravel - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 16, 2019
A consumer brand that has driven $100 million+ in hotel sales over messaging (SMS, Messenger, WhatsApp). Read More
hotels-2020-millennials
Opinion / Distribution
Millennials, attribute-based selling, "rogue" OTAs - what hospitality looks like in 2020
By Dave Collier - OTA Insight | December 13, 2019
In travel and hospitality, it’s tough to single out the most significant forecasts for next year, but these developments will be ones to watch in 2020. Read More
VIDEO: Apaleo - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Apaleo - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 13, 2019
Hotel tech built for the future. This PMS takes an API-first approach, connecting all systems seamlessly. Read More
VIDEO: Nannybag - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Nannybag - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 13, 2019
Travelers from all around the world are now able to store their luggage in shops, restaurants and hotels (Nannies) in order to fully enjoy their trip. Read More
Five ways to ace hospitality marketing in 2020
From Our Partners / Distribution
Five ways to ace hospitality marketing in 2020
By Apurva Chamaria - RateGain | December 12, 2019
A variety of platforms and digital touchpoints that marketers can use to connect with travelers. Inevitably, social media heads the pack, given its high ROI quality and “always-on” presence. Read More
VIDEO: HotelRunner - Launch pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: HotelRunner - Launch pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 12, 2019
How sustainable and scalable supply acquisition, distribution and engagement drives incremental revenue growth. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 16 - Robbie Bhathal of Suiteness
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 16 - Robbie Bhathal of Suiteness
By Kevin May | December 12, 2019
Robbie Bathal and his two co-founders hit upon a solution to an age-old problem in the accommodation sector. He tells the story to Mozio's David Litwak and Kevin May from PhocusWire. Read More
VIDEO: Hotelmize - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Hotelmize - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 12, 2019
Increase hotel sales profit margins by utilizing advanced AI prediction algorithms and capital market trading strategies. Read More
TUI suffers 26% EBITA decline due to 737 MAX grounding
News / Technology
TUI suffers 26% EBITA decline due to 737 MAX grounding
By Steven Lerner | December 11, 2019
TUI’s underlying EBITA tumbled 26% year-over-year from €1,143 million to €893 million due to the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.   Read More
WhyHotel Series B Funding
News / Startups
WhyHotel nabs $20M in funding - eyes expansion, business travel market
By Steven Lerner | December 11, 2019
The pop-up hotel concept plans to use the Series B round to expand nationally and grow its presence among business travelers.  Read More
VIDEO: How travel companies should think about Asia's super apps
News / Distribution
VIDEO: How travel companies should think about Asia's super apps
By Linda Fox | December 10, 2019
Travel execs at The Phocuswright Conference 2019 discuss some of the interesting consumer purchase behaviors emerging on super apps in Asia. Read More
PhocusWire's newsmakers of the year 2019
News / Online
PhocusWire's newsmakers of the year 2019
By Jill Menze / Kevin May | December 9, 2019
Our annual list of the newsmakers over the course of the past 12 months features three of the brands that have had the most impact on the news agenda. Read More
VIDEO: Kayak CEO Steve Hafner on new “Premium” badge, cross-brand loyalty and why it's a startup
News / Online
VIDEO: Kayak CEO Steve Hafner on new “Premium” badge, cross-brand loyalty and why it's a startup
By Mitra Sorrells | December 9, 2019
Kayak has made several updates in the past year, including the launch of "Kayak Premium" on Thursday. Read More
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