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.

In the green room at Phocuswright with... Sam Shank
Interview / Online
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Sam Shank
By PhocusWire | October 21, 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: Sam Shank of HotelTonight/Airbnb. Read More
Sounding Off: Reviews should be about quality, not quantity
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: Reviews should be about quality, not quantity
By PhocusWire | October 18, 2019
The narrative around reviews has completely changed. It's no longer about volume but relevancy - something that is much harder to do. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - Hospitality in a perfect storm
News / Distribution
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - Hospitality in a perfect storm
By PhocusWire | October 18, 2019
Anyone - hotels, private accommodation, system providers - who thought the hospitality sector was immune from fundamental change should think again. Read More
ZEN Rooms gets new funding from Yanolja, plots technology expansion
News / Online
ZEN Rooms gets new funding from Yanolja, plots technology expansion
By Steven Lerner | October 18, 2019
Yanolja - a self-appointed “unicorn” after Booking Holdings and GIC invested $180 million in the platform in June - is doubling down on the $15 million it invested in ZEN Rooms last year, adding to its... Read More
hotel-distribution-thomas-cook
Opinion / Distribution
Surviving Thomas Cook: Damage to hotel ecosystem shows distribution mix is vital anywhere
By Douglas Green - Duetto | October 17, 2019
For those hotels now in the eye of the Thomas Cook storm, better days could lie ahead if they get more strategic with their channel distribution. Read More
Accor and Expedia believe there's a path to save the hotel-OTA relationship
News / Online
Accor and Expedia believe there's a path to save the hotel-OTA relationship
By Marissa Trew - WebInTravel | October 16, 2019
The hotel-online travel agency relationship has always been a tricky one. The two are co-dependent and must care for each other, but not too much. Read More
Future proof, defined: 10 things to look for when considering new hotel tech
Opinion / Technology
Future proof, defined: 10 things to look for when considering new hotel tech
By David Berger - Volara  | October 16, 2019
In the hotel industry, where cost often drives decisions over value, the term "future proof" is often heard, yet equally often ignored.  Read More
travel-fraud-forter
News / Distribution
Airline fraud on the rise, finger pointed at loyalty programs and data breaches
By Linda Fox | October 15, 2019
Online fraud attacks on airlines are increasing with loyalty schemes often the target, according to a report from Forter. Read More
Corporate investors in travel: Deciphering strategy and knowing the limits
News / Startups
Corporate investors in travel: Deciphering strategy and knowing the limits
By Mitra Sorrells | October 15, 2019
Execs from Amadeus Ventures, AccorHotels and Singapore Airlines join a panel at WebInTravel, moderated by Timothy Hughes of Agoda. Read More
hoist-acquires-hotelengine
News / Technology
Hoist Group acquires HotelEngine booking platform
By Linda Fox | October 14, 2019
Hoist also acquired Locatel in 2014 and Swisscom Hospitality in 2015. The company runs a number of products including property management systems, in-room tech, smart locks and WiFi services. Read More
southeast asia part 2 investors entrepreneurs
News / Startups
Southeast Asia, part 2: Investors, entrepreneurs look to specialized solutions in complex region
By Mitra Sorrells | October 14, 2019
For the second piece in our series on Southeast Asia we hear from some of the region's most active investors and entrepreneurs. Read More
Hilton CEO: It's "not a competition" in travel industry to address climate change
News / Online
Hilton CEO: It's "not a competition" in travel industry to address climate change
By Jill Menze | October 14, 2019
Speaking at the World Travel and Tourism Council's Climate & Environment Action Forum, the Hilton boss said the industry must work together to have a positive impact on the environment. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - Google's time has come
News / Online
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - Google's time has come
By PhocusWire | October 11, 2019
The "super app" concept is not particularly new but it's clearly now part of the Google agenda for travel and a myriad of other services that have an impact on the lives of its users. Read More
age of convergence
Opinion / Technology
Travel brands, take note: The Age of Convergence is here
By Klaus Kohlmayr - IDeaS | October 11, 2019
The Age of Convergence isn’t a pie‐in‐the‐sky idea or something that may happen in the future. Convergence is already happening every day, and it’s a part of our daily lives, even if we can’t see it. Read More
Bringing science and control to airline retail
From Our Partners / Distribution
Bringing science and control to airline retail
By Stanislava Yordanova - PROS | October 10, 2019
In the next decade we should expect the disruption of the airline industry to continue to accelerate; however, it is the digital-first carriers that will lead the market. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026