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.

The true cost of not protecting customer data in travel
Opinion / Technology
The true cost of not protecting customer data in travel
By Peter Matthews - Nucleus | July 30, 2019
If data breaches can happen to some of the biggest players in the business, whose cyber security budgets dwarf most businesses, how exposed are smaller groups and individual hotels? Read More
Agoda new mix and save program
News / Distribution
Hoteliers have mixed response to Agoda’s new hacker rates
By Siew Hoon Yeoh - WebInTravel | July 30, 2019
Hoteliers see both potential benefits and risks to Agoda's new Mix and Save function. Read More
hilton-q2-2019-loyalty
News / Distribution
Hilton focuses on engaging "lower level" loyalty program members
By Linda Fox | July 29, 2019
Hilton says its loyalty program Honors has some 94 million members, an increase of more than 20% compared to Q2 2018. Read More
India part 4 Ebix CEO q and a
News / Online
India, part 4: Ebix CEO Robin Raina on his big plans to disrupt travel
By Mitra Sorrells | July 29, 2019
Ebix is not a well-known company in the global travel industry, but Robin Raina plans to change that – and fast. Read More
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
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