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.

PwC opinion IoT for hospitality
Opinion / Technology
Why IoT is the “smart” solution for the hospitality industry
By Rob Mesirow and Jennie Blumenthal – PwC | April 18, 2019
IoT solutions can provide many benefits for the hospitality industry, including more efficient asset tracking and utilization, lowered energy costs and a better experience for guests.   Read More
lyric investment
News / Online
Airbnb leads $160M investment in hospitality platform Lyric
By Jill Menze | April 17, 2019
The Series B round will allow the San Francisco-based company to expand its relationships with local real estate developers. Read More
locale raises funds
News / Online
Apart-hotel brand Locale nabs $2.5M to expand operations
By Jill Menze | April 17, 2019
It's the first funding round for the Austin, Texas-based company since launching in 2016. Read More
Retailing for hoteliers: What it is and what you need to do
From Our Partners / Technology
Retailing for hoteliers: What it is and what you need to do
By Diane Merlino | April 17, 2019
From selling guest rooms and hotel services differently to monetizing under-utilized spaces and partnering with local businesses on experiences, a new model of retailing is slowly taking hold in the... Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! The real parity problem that no one is talking about
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! The real parity problem that no one is talking about
By PhocusWire | April 17, 2019
Through this webinar you’ll leave with the tactics you need to step up your parity game and stop leaving money on the table. Read More
Task management automation takes hold in hospitality
From Our Partners / Technology
Task management automation takes hold in hospitality
By PhocusWire | April 17, 2019
After many years of focusing IT spend on guest-facing technologies, hoteliers are increasingly adopting task management automation solutions designed to support staff and streamline operations. Read More
meetingpackage fund raise
News / Technology
MeetingPackage promotes online venue booking through €1.5M raise
By Jill Menze | April 17, 2019
The round for the Finnish meeting venue tech provider closed in late 2018 and was led by existing investors and well as new ones including Falkensteiner Ventures. Read More
lastminute-forward-marketing
News / Online
Lastminute.com Group now also a media company, offers out marketing services
By Linda Fox | April 15, 2019
Lastminute.com Group launches Forward as an independent media business. Read More
OYO strikes first bedbank deal, Hotelbeds gives it 60,000 buying outlets
News / Distribution
OYO strikes first bedbank deal, Hotelbeds gives it 60,000 buying outlets
By Kevin May | April 15, 2019
Hotelbeds has become the first third-party bedbank to sign a distribution deal with India-based OYO Rooms. Read More
From WiT Middle East 2019: Travel brands jostle to find their groove in a booming market
News / Online
From WiT Middle East 2019: Travel brands jostle to find their groove in a booming market
By Siew Hoon Yeoh - WiT | April 15, 2019
A look at the five key takeaways from WiT Middle East conference. Read More
Middle East, part 2: The travel startup scene
News / Startups
Middle East, part 2: The travel startup scene
By Mitra Sorrells | April 15, 2019
For part two in our series on the Middle East we explore the startup ecosystem with input from founders, investors and support programs. Read More
Expedia-AI-ML
News / Technology
How Expedia is using deep learning to improve the hotel booking process
By Linda Fox | April 12, 2019
Expedia Partner Solutions is using deep learning models to improve the hotel booking process for partners and - ultimately - the end consumer. Read More
Zingle chatbot research
News / Technology
Chatbot usage on rise in travel, but effectiveness is tied to saving guests’ time
By Mitra Sorrells | April 11, 2019
A recent survey found consumers prefer human customer service rather than a chatbot, but they would use a chatbot if they believe it would save time. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Gomingo wants to bring down commission rates for accommodation providers
Interview / Distribution
STARTUP STAGE: Gomingo wants to bring down commission rates for accommodation providers
By Linda Fox | April 11, 2019
Gomingo aims to bring down commission rates for hotels and other accommodation providers by offering 0% commission to hotels that sign up initially with a promise that they will only reach a maximum of... Read More
Sojern opinion visual storytelling tips
Opinion / Online
Why travel marketers are embracing visual storytelling
By Stephen Taylor - Sojern | April 11, 2019
Visual storytelling is evolving and serves as an important and effective strategy for digital marketers in travel. Read More
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