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.

RedDoorz 45 million series b
News / Startups
Tech-based hospitality company RedDoorz raises $45M Series B
By Mitra Sorrells | July 28, 2019
Singapore-based budget hospitality brand RedDoorz has raised $45 million to expand through Southeast Asia. Read More
Nor1 merchandising banners
News / Distribution
Nor1 says new banner ads help hotels better compete with OTAs
By Mitra Sorrells | July 26, 2019
Nor1 says its new merchandising banners are drawing 25% conversion rates and helping hotels compete more effectively with OTAs. Read More
expedia group q2 2019
News / Online
Vrbo ticks revenue growth as Expedia Group gets brand "back on track"
By Jill Menze | July 25, 2019
For the quarter ending June 30, revenue for Vrbo was up 17% compared to the second quarter of 2018, while gross bookings were up 2% compared to the same period. Read More
TravelPerk FlexiPerk business travel refund
News / Startups
TravelPerk shakes up business travel with new refund option for cancelled bookings
By Mitra Sorrells | July 24, 2019
TravelPerk's new FlexiPerk option gives companies a 90% refund on cancelled bookings. Read More
Trivago Q2 2019 earnings
News / Online
Trivago returns to referral revenue growth, ticks four consecutive quarters of profitability
By Mitra Sorrells | July 24, 2019
Trivago is on the upswing in the first half of 2019, with increased profitability and a return to positive referral revenue growth. Read More
Roomex names new Garry Moroney as new CEO, promises "hyper-growth" phase
News / Technology
Roomex names new Garry Moroney as new CEO, promises "hyper-growth" phase
By Kevin May | July 24, 2019
Roomex co-founder and CEO Jack Donaghy moved on from the company to "pursue other interests." Read More
Startup Stage Eddy Travels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Eddy Travels provides personalized trip planning in messaging apps
By Mitra Sorrells | July 23, 2019
Eddy Travels is an AI-powered travel assistant that functions inside messaging platforms such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Slack, Viber and Line.   Read More
shank-sam-hoteltonight-startups-2
News / Startups
Sam Shank's advice for startups after HotelTonight's "f*cking crazy" ride
By Jill Menze | July 23, 2019
Speaking during Phocuswright’s Battleground event, the CEO shared how HotelTonight fought through its toughest times as well as gave advice for startup founders currently navigating similar waters. Read More
Amadeus TravelClick alternative accommodation data
News / Technology
TravelClick claims first-of-its-kind alternative accommodations tool
By Mitra Sorrells | July 22, 2019
TravelClick, an Amadeus company, has created a data tool providing supply, demand and rate information for 27 million alternative accommodations worldwide. Read More
Booking.com relaxes keyword bidding clause with hotels
News / Online
Booking.com relaxes keyword bidding clause with hotels
By Kevin May | July 22, 2019
Previously, hotels were restricted via their General Delivery Terms with the online travel agency on bidding on certain keywords, such as "booking.com" and other copyright terms on Google AdWords. Read More
REPORT: Can AI help OTAs earn customer loyalty?
From Our Partners / Technology
REPORT: Can AI help OTAs earn customer loyalty?
By Marisa Garcia  | July 22, 2019
In this report, we’ll explore how using advanced technology and artificial intelligence can help OTAs and metasearch companies gain a competitive edge on bookings. Read More
fuel-leisure-vacation-planning
News / Online
Influential travel sites for booking not always the big players
By Linda Fox | July 19, 2019
Online travel agents might be spending billions on marketing yet very few make the cut when it comes to sites used to choose a hotel. Read More
airbnb-instant-book-2
News / Online
Airbnb reaches seven out of ten properties available for instant booking
By Kevin May | July 18, 2019
The figure is a sizeable jump from 2016, when just one in three of Airbnb's properties could be secured straight away. Read More
Travelstop raises $3M for business travel expense tools
News / Technology
Travelstop raises $3M for business travel expense tools
By Kevin May | July 16, 2019
The company's pre-Series A round is being led by Accel with Strive and previous investor SeedPlus also included in the group of investors. Read More
Q&A: Hospitality tech guru Dave Berkus on disruption, exec mistakes and Amazon
News / Technology
Q&A: Hospitality tech guru Dave Berkus on disruption, exec mistakes and Amazon
By Mitra Sorrells | July 16, 2019
Dave Berkus, creator of one of the earliest property management systems, discusses technology lifecycles, the risk of hacking, tech giants and travel, his advice for entrepreneurs and travel executive... Read More
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