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.

Beekeeper grabs $45M to add buzz to hotel staff communications
News / Technology
Beekeeper grabs $45M to add buzz to hotel staff communications
By Kevin May | September 16, 2019
The Switzerland-based company works with a string of hotels around the world, as well as providing tools for companies in the manufacturing and retail industries. Read More
Trip Planning 3.0 – this time it’s more than personal
Opinion / Online
Trip Planning 3.0 – this time it’s more than personal
By Manuel Hilty - Nezasa | September 13, 2019
Some survivors are learning from the past, making the most of today’s tech landscape to create fit-for-purpose planning and booking tools for today’s travelers. Read More
davincits-startup-funding
News / Startups
Davinci Travel System looks to expansion following €2.1M in funding
By Linda Fox | September 13, 2019
The Prague-based startup specializing in group bookings tech for hotels has announced funding of €2.1 million. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Battle of the brand: How guest reviews steal the show
News / Online
WEBINAR REPLAY! Battle of the brand: How guest reviews steal the show
By PhocusWire | September 12, 2019
The webinar will showcase the results of multiple research efforts and emphasize the fact that investments in online reputation result in the highest return on investment. Read More
VIDEO: How Booking.com will weave every element of a trip together
News / Online
VIDEO: How Booking.com will weave every element of a trip together
By Kevin May | September 12, 2019
Details of exactly how the giant will achieve its ambition to connect hotel guests with activities and transportation, plus a myriad of other travel-related services, are becoming clearer now. Read More
webinar-amadeus-september-2019-replay-2
News / Technology
WEBINAR REPLAY! Budgeting for the future of hospitality
By PhocusWire | September 11, 2019
In this webinar produced by Amadeus and PhocusWire, you’ll hear exclusive data to help prepare you for 2020. Read More
SiteMinder HotelSwaps partnership
News / Distribution
SiteMinder partners with HotelSwaps to enable trade of unsold inventory
By Mitra Sorrells | September 11, 2019
SiteMinder's hotel clients can now use HotelSwaps, a hotel room exchange platform. Read More
Ctrip scores £1.3B in revenue for second quarter in a row, will change name to Trip.com Group
News / Online
Ctrip scores £1.3B in revenue for second quarter in a row, will change name to Trip.com Group
By Kevin May | September 10, 2019
Executive chairman James Liang says the move is to position the brand further as a global player, ending almost 20 years as Ctrip. Read More
google price match hotels
Opinion / Distribution
Google price-matching: Are hotel bookings next?
By Gino Engels - OTA Insight | September 6, 2019
With Google testing a "lowest fare" price guarantee  on flights, what happens if the guarantee extends to hotels? Read More
trustdata-hotels-online
News / Online
China online hotel channels getting a boost by youth travelers
By Linda Fox | September 5, 2019
China's online hotel platforms are attracting younger demographics with diverse expectations. Read More
fornova-AO-funding
News / Technology
Fornova lands $7M in funding, plots rollout of business intelligence tech for hotels
By Linda Fox | September 4, 2019
Hotel distribution and business intelligence specialist Fornova has announced funding of $7 million led by A/O Proptech. Read More
Marriott picks BookingPal as exclusive tech partner for home-rental unit
News / Technology
Marriott picks BookingPal as exclusive tech partner for home-rental unit
By Jill Menze | September 3, 2019
Marriott International has selected BookingPal as the exclusive technology partner for its Homes & Villas vacation rental division. Read More
oyo-acquires-danamica
News / Technology
OYO acquires data shop Danamica to help drive dynamic pricing in rentals
By Linda Fox | September 3, 2019
OYO is seeking to refine its dynamic pricing capabilities for vacation rentals through the acquisition of Danamica. Read More
Q&A: Ritz-Carlton founder Horst Schulze on tech's role in luxury hotels
News / Technology
Q&A: Ritz-Carlton founder Horst Schulze on tech's role in luxury hotels
By Mitra Sorrells | September 3, 2019
Ritz-Carlton co-founder Horst Schulze shares his views on how the luxury category has changed, the best ways to integrate technology and his changing views on online intermediaries and crowd-sourced... Read More
Hostelworld invests $3M in accommodation tech provider Tipi
News / Technology
Hostelworld invests $3M in accommodation tech provider Tipi
By Kevin May | September 2, 2019
The investment is the first major strategic initiative at Hostelworld since Gary Morrison took over as CEO in mid-2018, following the departure of Feargal Mooney. Read More
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