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.

News / Distribution

Removing friction from travel is Expedia's "Everest" goal

By Jill Menze | November 14, 2019

Expedia Group is seeking to connect customers partners more intelligently as part of a bid to make it locally relevant. Read More

Interview / Technology

In the green room at Phocuswright with... Kenneth Purcell

By PhocusWire | November 14, 2019

In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Up next: Kenneth Purcell of iSeatz. Read More

News / Distribution

HotelBeds to axe 5% of workforce as part of "optimization" strategy

By Linda Fox | November 13, 2019

The Spain-based bedbank says it has now consolidated into one business following its acquisitions, in early 2017, of Tourico Holidays and GTA. Read More

News / Distribution

Accor gets access to Alibaba customers via distribution and loyalty deal

By Linda Fox | November 11, 2019

The agreement aims to develop “digital applications and loyalty programs” by integrating Accor’s products and services within the Alibaba ecosystem. Read More

Interview / Distribution

In the green room at Phocuswright with... Amiad Soto

By PhocusWire | November 11, 2019

In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick. Welcome to Amiad Soto of Guesty. Read More

News / Distribution

Despegar reports growth in bookings and revenue, optimism from recent partner agreements

By Mitra Sorrells | November 7, 2019

Argentina-based Despegar reports gross bookings up 26% and revenue up 19% in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the same period a year earlier. Read More

News / Distribution

Amadeus sees growth metrics in 2019 boosted by business expansion

By Linda Fox | November 7, 2019

The travel technology giant reported a 15% increase in revenue to €4.2 billion while EBITDA climbed just over 11% to €1.8 billion in the first nine months of 2019. Read More

Interview / Distribution

Brand Business - Steven Taylor of Accor Hotels

By Linda Fox | November 7, 2019

The hotel giant's chief marketing officer discusses the major shifts in the marketing discipline, the Billboard Effect and learning from the famous Dove campaign. Read More

From Our Partners / Technology

How can your smart watch and mobile help you boost hotel revenues on the go?

By Apurva Chamaria - RateGain | November 5, 2019

Revenue managers need flexibility and responsiveness that comes from mobile notifications. And so we built it. Read More

Interview / Online

In the green room at Phocuswright with... Ritesh Agarwal

By PhocusWire | November 5, 2019

In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Next up: Ritesh Agarwal of OYO Hotels and Homes. Read More

News / Distribution

MakeMyTrip reports $181M in quarterly revenue, touts growing customer base

By Steven Lerner | November 4, 2019

The India-based online travel agency saw gross bookings grow 20.6% year-over-year to $1.5 billion, at the same time as cutting marketing expenses by 10.5% to $40.1 million. Read More

News / Online

Kayak enters corporate travel sector with launch of free solution

By Mitra Sorrells | November 1, 2019

Kayak is going after the small- and medium-sized corporate travel sector with the launch of Kayak for Business. Read More

News / Distribution

Travel marketers seeing benefits of trip optimization but challenged by privacy laws

By Linda Fox | November 1, 2019

Travel marketers say they're upping their game when it comes to optimizing the customer journey across different channels. Read More

News / Online

Omio acquires fellow multi-modal platform Rome2rio

By Kevin May | October 31, 2019

Rome2rio had previously raised a modest $3.1 million in funding - a tiny amount compared to the larger Omio with its $300 million over the course of a number of rounds. Read More