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.

PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Cellpoint Digital, Dida, Rome2Rio and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Cellpoint Digital, Dida, Rome2Rio and more...
By PhocusWire | September 26, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
How AI is redefining the modern hotel guest journey
From Our Partners / Online
How AI is redefining the modern hotel guest journey
By Hospitality Solutions | September 25, 2025
Discover how artificial intelligence is helping hoteliers do more with less, converting lookers to bookers while elevating the guest experience.   Read More
Sabre launches APIs to enable agentic AI solutions
News / Distribution
Sabre launches APIs to enable agentic AI solutions
By Michael B. Baker - BTN | September 25, 2025
Sabre said its agentic AI-ready APIs connect to a model context protocol (MCP) server which acts as a "universal translator" for AI agents.  Read More
In pursuit of clean data for an agentic travel future
News / Technology
In pursuit of clean data for an agentic travel future
By Matthew Parsons | September 25, 2025
There is a need for clean, standardized data to help instill trust as the travel industry shifts towards agentic AI. Read More
Inside Asia Pacific’s travel powerhouse: 10 trends redefining 'The Next 20'
News / Online
Inside Asia Pacific’s travel powerhouse: 10 trends redefining 'The Next 20'
By Coney Dongre - Phocuswright | September 24, 2025
WiT and Phocuswright are peeling back the curtain on shifts in Asia Pacific with this list of 10 trends redefining The Next 20, ahead of the WiT Singapore conference. Read More
Thayer's Hemmeter on SPAC comeback and space for a new travel brand
News / Startups
Thayer's Hemmeter on SPAC comeback and space for a new travel brand
By Linda Fox | September 24, 2025
Chris Hemmeter, managing director of Thayer Investment Partners, discusses the pace of experimentation in travel and how it could lead to a new B2C powerhouse. Read More
Apaleo launches model context protocol server
News / Technology
Apaleo launches model context protocol server
By Morgan Hines | September 23, 2025
The MCP server should allow AI agents to do the work without the “weeks of custom coding” previously required.  Read More
4 ways to revive a stale loyalty program
From Our Partners / Online
4 ways to revive a stale loyalty program
By Larissa McCarty - TFL | September 23, 2025
For travel brands, the biggest opportunity is wildly underutilized and hiding in plain sight. Read More
Startup Stage: Holiwise uses AI to provide personalized travel recommendations
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Holiwise uses AI to provide personalized travel recommendations
By Abby Crotty | September 19, 2025
Holiwise is developing an AI-powered travel agency to help premium travelers experience the world effortlessly. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amadeus, SITA, Navan and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amadeus, SITA, Navan and more...
By PhocusWire | September 19, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
OpenAI chairman shares vision on travel’s AI future
News / Technology
OpenAI chairman shares vision on travel’s AI future
By Morgan Hines | September 19, 2025
Bret Taylor, chairman of the board for OpenAI and co-founder of AI startup Sierra, discussed how he uses AI, how it might impact travel intermediaries and more. Read More
The New Age(nts) Trend Series Part 5: Convergence of GenAI with digital Identity
Event / Technology
The New Age(nts) Trend Series Part 5: Convergence of GenAI with digital Identity
September 17, 2025
Join Phocuswright for this series of online conversations exploring the impact of generative AI and autonomous agents on the travel industry. On Demand
Airbnb to launch hotel interface
News / Technology
Airbnb to launch hotel interface
By Morgan Hines | September 17, 2025
Brian Chesky’s discussion of a hotel feature on the Airbnb app follows a fee structure change that positioned the company to compete with online travel agencies. Read More
Hotels and innovation—keeping guests and staff center stage
From Our Partners / Technology
Hotels and innovation—keeping guests and staff center stage
By Chelsea Salamone - Thayer Investment Partners | September 17, 2025
Ultimately, hospitality tech must never lose sight of the human element inherent in a terrific guest experience. Read More
Alltheway raises €3.5M for baggage operating system
News / Startups
Alltheway raises €3.5M for baggage operating system
By Linda Fox | September 16, 2025
Alltheway’s technology aims to simplify baggage handling across airlines, rail operators, hotels and other travel partners. Read More
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