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: OccasionGenius - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: OccasionGenius - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 29, 2019
Gain access to a premium database of upcoming events to capture and engage the experiential consumer. Read More
VIDEO: Google on machine learning having an impact on online travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Google on machine learning having an impact on online travel
By Linda Fox | November 28, 2019
A Tech Talk from Google at the Phocuswright Conference 2019 highlights areas where machine learning can improve operations for travel companies. Read More
VIDEO: Despegar's CEO on growth and navigating regional challenges
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Despegar's CEO on growth and navigating regional challenges
By Mitra Sorrells | November 28, 2019
Despegar CEO Damian Scokin discussed the Latin American OTA's plans for continued growth, including new products and partnerships, during an interview at The Phocuswright Conference. Read More
hotel-distribution-phocuswright-conf-2019
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Hotels hold fast to direct distribution and the power of loyalty schemes
By Linda Fox | November 27, 2019
Perhaps a semblance of calm has arrived in the hotel distribution landscape as large hotel groups become more comfortable with their third-party strategies. Read More
VIDEO: Beachy - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Beachy - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 27, 2019
This software solution integrates beach, pool and F&B operations, increasing revenue and delivering an unparalleled guest experience. Read More
Business travel in Asia is only going to get bigger and better
From Our Partners / Online
Business travel in Asia is only going to get bigger and better
By Travelstop | November 26, 2019
Asia’s corporate travel market is booming. In fact, they expect corporate travel spending in Asia Pacific to soar to $900 billion by 2025, accounting for half of the world’s total. Read More
VIDEO: Booking Holdings' Glenn Fogel on platforms, search and check-in issues
News / Online
VIDEO: Booking Holdings' Glenn Fogel on platforms, search and check-in issues
By Kevin May | November 22, 2019
Following a lengthy outburst about his check-in experience at a hotel, Glenn Fogel also had plenty to cover about what the company is trying to do. Read More
voice-search-marketing
Opinion / Technology
Why voice is the travel marketers’s next destination
By Joel Davis - Mighty Social | November 20, 2019
A new voice-enabled era for travel is coming, and now is the time for brands to take advantage of it. Read More
tripadvisor-brand-business-lindsay-nelson
Interview / Online
Brand Business - Lindsay Nelson of TripAdvisor
By Mitra Sorrells | November 20, 2019
Lindsay Nelson is TripAdvisor's president of core experience, overseeing brand, content development and revenue-generating products and features. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Daycation
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Daycation
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
A plethora of luxury hotels, including Hyatt, Hilton and Marriot, have teamed up with Daycation to enhance the guest experience with on-demand amenities available on web and mobile apps. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Hotelmize
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Hotelmize
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Hotelmize’s AI-enabled platform automatically increases profit margins in an increasingly competitive market. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Journera
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Journera
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Journera enables travel companies to leverage their data to create a more seamless experience. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Life House
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Life House
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Life House has developed a unique niche as a company that develops, designs, brands and operates boutique hotels with technology that drives direct bookings Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Setoo
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Setoo
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Setoo’s platform allows travel businesses to preciously automate the entire insurance process and to develop personalized plans for each traveler. Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: SnapTravel
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: SnapTravel
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
SnapTravel has developed an AI-powered chatbot that sources through thousands of hotels to find the best deals based on price, location, quality and overall value. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026