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.

new Muslim OTA Rihaala launches
News / Distribution
New OTA targets Muslim travelers looking for halal-friendly destinations
By Mitra Sorrells | April 30, 2019
Rihaala is a new online travel agency focused on halal-friendly destinations and accommodations and user-generated content. Read More
Sabre sees quarterly revenue rise to $1.49B but other metrics hit by tech investments
News / Distribution
Sabre sees quarterly revenue rise to $1.49B but other metrics hit by tech investments
By Kevin May | April 30, 2019
Sabre has filed a revenue increase of 6% in the first quarter of 2019, giving it $1.49 billion, but against a backdrop of declines on other key metrics. Read More
hotel-loyalty-programs
News / Distribution
Hotel loyalty should be more than just rewards and favored partners
By Linda Fox | April 30, 2019
A discussion on loyalty in hotels sparked interesting comment around how program members should be treated. Read More
amadeus drivers of change in hospitality
News / Online
Welcome to next-generation hospitality: Attribute-based booking, tech-led services and achieving cult status
By Jill Menze | April 30, 2019
According to the new Drivers of Change in Hospitality report, produced by Amadeus in collaboration with InterContinental Hotels Group, Foresight Factory and Cornell University, there are three key... Read More
Airbnb RXR develop luxury NYC rentals
News / Online
Airbnb will convert commercial properties into luxury rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | April 30, 2019
Airbnb is partnering with New York-based RXR Realty to create 200 luxury rentals in a Midtown Manhattan commercial high-rise. Read More
Ctrip controls half of MakeMyTrip shares after swap deal with Naspers
News / Online
Ctrip controls half of MakeMyTrip shares after swap deal with Naspers
By Kevin May | April 29, 2019
Ctrip gives up 6% of its shares in order to gain a 49% stake in MakeMyTrip, the Indian online travel agency where it's had an interest for over three years. Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2019 preview Filip Filipov
Interview / Online
In the green room at Phocuswright Europe with... Filip Filipov
By PhocusWire | April 29, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Amsterdam in May, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick... Next up: Skyscanner vice president of product management Filip... Read More
Travel recession opinion MMGY Clayton Reid part 2
Opinion / Online
It's time to call it - we are heading for a travel recession, part 2
By Clayton Reid - MMGY Global | April 26, 2019
In part two of his analysis of the economic outlook for travel, MMGY Global CEO Clayton Reid offers advice on how to prepare for a downturn. Read More
Grab adds hotel bookings other services
News / Technology
Grab expands beyond ride-hailing with new services to become "everyday super app"
By Marissa Trew - WiT | April 24, 2019
Grab is adding four new services for its users in Singapore including hotel bookings through Agoda and Booking.com. Read More
alice hotel digital divide
News / Technology
Hotel guests want curated recommendations, amenities - not robot concierges
By Jill Menze | April 24, 2019
According to a new study from ALICE and YouGov, travelers increasingly want recommendations and in-room amenities curated to their liking. Read More
Travel recession opinion MMGY Clayton Reid
Opinion / Online
It's time to call it - we are heading for a travel recession, part 1
By Clayton Reid - MMGY Global | April 24, 2019
MMGY Global CEO Clayton Reid sees a looming slowdown that will impact travel. The first part of his analysis explains why this has come about. Read More
startup-investment
News / Startups
Travel investors talk areas of focus, the right fit and U.S. funding
By Linda Fox | April 23, 2019
Thoughts from travel tech investors at an event in Ireland on what's hot and what they're looking for from startups. Read More
Hotel cancelation rate at 40% as online travel agencies push free change policy
News / Distribution
Hotel cancelation rate at 40% as online travel agencies push free change policy
By Kevin May | April 23, 2019
Key findings from a major study carried out by D-Edge, the Accor-owned hotel technology group that includes the AvailPro and FastBooking platforms. Read More
OYO Near You experiences launch
News / Distribution
OYO enters experiences space with “OYO Near You”
By Mitra Sorrells | April 23, 2019
OYO will offer activities such as comedy shows, wine tastings and live music at some of its OYO Townhouse properties in India. Read More
Middle East series part 3 distribution
News / Distribution
Middle East, part 3: How homegrown travel brands are diversifying distribution
By Mitra Sorrells | April 22, 2019
For the third part in our series on the Middle East, we analyze the distribution landscape and the role of homegrown online travel agencies. Read More
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