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.

Mews brings in $33M to help take hotel tech platform to U.S.
News / Technology
Mews brings in $33M to help take hotel tech platform to U.S.
By Kevin May | August 29, 2019
Battery Ventures is leading a $33 million Series B investment in the business, bringing its total so far to $41.6 million over three rounds. Read More
adphoros-test-and-learn
Opinion / Technology
Are you really doing data-driven marketing or do you just think you are?
By Volkan Çağsal - Adphorus | August 28, 2019
By definition, data-driven marketing is the strategy of gathering and analyzing audience insights for optimal and targeted media buying and creative messaging.  Read More
Startup Stage: Anyplace wants to make flexible-term housing as easy to book as hotels
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Anyplace wants to make flexible-term housing as easy to book as hotels
By Jill Menze | August 27, 2019
Anyplace is a B2C marketplace where travelers can book fully furnished accommodations on a monthly basis. Read More
Zhiketong raises $42.5M to develop WeChat-led hotel marketing tool
News / Online
Zhiketong raises $42.5M to develop WeChat-led hotel marketing tool
By Kevin May | August 27, 2019
The service is designed entirely around using the WeChat social media platform for brands. The latest round brings its total raised to date in the region of $53 million. Read More
OYO looks to recruit 1,000 in Europe as part of €300M investment in vacation arm
News / Online
OYO looks to recruit 1,000 in Europe as part of €300M investment in vacation arm
By Linda Fox | August 26, 2019
The vacation rental arm came into being following OYO’s acquisition of @Leisure for €360 million in May this year. Read More
Why loyalty programs are key to meeting business travelers' demands
Opinion / Online
Why loyalty programs are key to meeting business travelers' demands
By Phil Seward - Collinson | August 23, 2019
With demand for business travel only continuing to increase, airlines, airports and hotels are turning towards their loyalty programs to address the needs of these frequent fliers. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 1 - Gareth Williams of Skyscanner
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 1 - Gareth Williams of Skyscanner
By Kevin May | August 22, 2019
For the debut of the How I Got Here weekly podcast, hosted by PhocusWire's Kevin May and David Litwak from Mozio, we talk to Gareth Williams, one of the co-founders, ex CEO and now chairperson at... Read More
Choice Hotels is the latest chain suffering data breach exposing customer details
News / Technology
Choice Hotels is the latest chain suffering data breach exposing customer details
By Linda Fox | August 19, 2019
Choice Hotels has suffered a security breach said to involve 700,000 customer records. It blames a third-party vendor that “copied the impacted data from our environment without authorization." Read More
RedDoorz opens $70M round, has big plans for $115M raised this year
News / Online
RedDoorz opens $70M round, has big plans for $115M raised this year
By Kevin May | August 19, 2019
The Singapore-based hotel brand is aiming for new markets and will invest in a number of other areas of the business after securing another sizeable funding round. Read More
GBTA convention digital identity frictionless travel
News / Technology
Could digital ID be the key to achieving a frictionless travel experience?
By Mitra Sorrells | August 19, 2019
Amadeus traveler ID innovation manager Laurent Conjat says digital identity is coming and will add efficiency and remove friction at every step of the traveler's journey.  Read More
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
News / Distribution
TUI eyes tours and activities opportunities, makes progress on digital platforms
By Linda Fox | August 16, 2019
TUI is not ruling out further acquisitions in the tours and activities space as it looks to grow its holiday experiences division further. Read More
Travelport BCD Hyatt blockchain hotel settlement
News / Technology
Travelport, BCD, Hyatt test blockchain for hotel commission settlement
By Mitra Sorrells | August 15, 2019
Travelport, in partnership with BCD Travel and Hyatt, is developing a blockchain system for hotel commission settlement. Read More
Careful what you wish for: Attribute-based selling isn't all it's cracked up to be
Opinion / Distribution
Careful what you wish for: Attribute-based selling isn't all it's cracked up to be
By Tim Peter - Tim Peter & Associates | August 15, 2019
It doesn't seem that guests really need attribute-based selling, and it's unrealistic to assume that the model will both improve prices for guests and drive more revenue. Read More
OYO free travel insurance India
News / Online
OYO adds free insurance for direct bookings in India
By Mitra Sorrells | August 13, 2019
OYO is now offering free insurance to guests that make a direct booking at one of its properties in India. Read More
wit mark okerstrom interview
News / Online
Mark Okerstrom on competitor moves, Expedia's strengths and what he's had to "unlearn"
By Siew Hoon Yeoh - WebInTravel | August 12, 2019
In this wide-ranging interview, the Expedia Group boss opens up about where the travel company fits in an ever-evolving tech landscape. Read More
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