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.

travelbank superitinerary product launch
News / Technology
TravelBank creates "SuperItinerary" to capture bookings, spending and ancillaries in one place
By Mitra Sorrells | September 26, 2019
TravelBank's new SuperItinerary tracks appointments and bookings, trip spending and ancillary offers in one app. Read More
What the travel sector can learn from the demise of Thomas Cook
Opinion / Online
What the travel sector can learn from the demise of Thomas Cook
By Sooho Choi - Publicis Sapient | September 26, 2019
Unlike the leading OTAs or the low-cost airlines whose business models necessitated digital capability to reduce cost, Thomas Cook was unable to find the omnichannel strategy that represented... Read More
Wholesale changes in distribution: Marriott and Expedia in the spotlight, Amoma in the deadpool
Opinion / Distribution
Wholesale changes in distribution: Marriott and Expedia in the spotlight, Amoma in the deadpool
By Gino Engels - OTA Insight | September 25, 2019
Since rate disparity has a significant impact on profitability for hotels, the demise of a channel with a negative parity history is noteworthy. Read More
booking-com-for-business
News / Distribution
Q&A: Booking.com's Ripsy Bandourian on evolving functionality for business travelers
By Linda Fox | September 25, 2019
Booking.com for Business was unveiled in early 2015 after the accommodation giant observed that about one in five bookings were for business travel. Read More
Thomas Cook's digital strategy - great ideas that came too late
News / Online
Thomas Cook's digital strategy - great ideas that came too late
By Kevin May | September 23, 2019
Years after when a serious strategy should have been considered, Thomas Cook finally hired its first chief digital officer in the shape of Marco Ryan. He was in the job less than 12 months. Read More
HRS acquires Conichi
News / Technology
HRS acquires Conichi to build new payment-focused division
By Mitra Sorrells | September 20, 2019
HRS has acquired Conichi as part of its strategy to build a global payment solution. Read More
Sounding Off: A new travel sheriff is needed but will be hard to find
Interview / Technology
Sounding Off: A new travel sheriff is needed but will be hard to find
By PhocusWire | September 20, 2019
It won't be easy bringing every element of the industry together to take a tech-led approach to sustainability and other issues in destinations. Read More
Airbnb says it will IPO in 2020
News / Online
Airbnb says it will IPO in 2020
By Kevin May | September 19, 2019
A listing of Airbnb on the public markets will, following those for Uber and Lyft during 2019, be one of the most eagerly awaited IPOs in the travel industry in years. Read More
Sojern DMO co-op program
News / Online
Sojern launches co-op marketing program for DMOs and local businesses
By Mitra Sorrells | September 19, 2019
Sojern's new Digital Co-Op Program is intended to help DMOs create campaigns in collaboration with local hotels and attractions. Read More
airline-ancillary-revenue-report
News / Distribution
Loyalty programs still the biggest ancillary earner for most airlines
By Linda Fox | September 19, 2019
The latest study of airline ancillary revenue reveals those earning the most for extras such as legroom, meals and bags. Read More
avantstay-short-term-rentals
News / Startups
AvantStay locks in $20M in funding, looks to expand short-term rental portfolio
By Linda Fox | September 18, 2019
AvantStay is looking to bring in more properties for its short-term rentals for groups concept following $20 million in funding. Read More
What’s good for millennial travelers is good for all generations
Opinion / Online
What’s good for millennial travelers is good for all generations
By Matt Walker - LikeWhere | September 18, 2019
The soft boundary lines have come in this not-so-exact science of generation naming and these parameters no longer circumscribe the soundest foundation on which to base travel's marketing efforts.  Read More
marriott expedia wholesale rate distribution
News / Distribution
Marriott tightens reins on wholesale rates by tapping Expedia to manage distribution
By Mitra Sorrells | September 17, 2019
Expedia Group and Marriott International have signed an agreement that makes Expedia Group the single gateway and redistributor for Marriott wholesale inventory.   Read More
travelport-digital-traveler-2019
News / Technology
Trust and finding the right option are top traveler frustrations online
By Linda Fox | September 17, 2019
Trust issues and lengthy search processes are the top frustrations for travelers in Travelport's Global Digital Traveler study. Read More
tripadvisor new transparency report
News / Online
TripAdvisor shares fake review data in new “Transparency Report”
By Mitra Sorrells | September 16, 2019
TripAdvisor has created its first "Review Transparency Report" detailing its processes and rate of fraud detection. Read More
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