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.

amadeus-cloud-migration
News / Technology
As Amadeus embarks on cloud journey, Expedia keeps it real
By Linda Fox | March 28, 2019
Amadeus has begun migrating services to the cloud beginning with its Master Pricer shopping technology. Read More
Airbnb counts half a billion guest arrivals, host earnings at $65B
News / Online
Airbnb counts half a billion guest arrivals, host earnings at $65B
By Jill Menze | March 27, 2019
More than 500,000 guests have stayed at Airbnb properties around the globe, the company reports, with three guests checking into listings every half-second. Read More
Why hoteliers should jump on the personalization bandwagon
From Our Partners / Technology
Why hoteliers should jump on the personalization bandwagon
By Diane Merlino | March 27, 2019
While technology plays a critical role on the facilitation side, the primary push for personalization in the travel industry is coming directly from consumers. Read More
Rate parity issues continue to challenge hotels in key markets
News / Distribution
Rate parity issues continue to challenge hotels in key markets
By Linda Fox | March 25, 2019
OTA Insight's Annual Hotel Parity Review shows independent hotels and local chains are more likely to suffer losses from rate parity issues. Read More
Welcome Pickups speeds off with €3.3M to grow "holistic" in-destination service
News / Online
Welcome Pickups speeds off with €3.3M to grow "holistic" in-destination service
By Jill Menze | March 22, 2019
The Athens, Greece-based company will use the funds to build a traveler app and grow its team and partnerships. Read More
hotels-cyber-attacks-fraud
News / Online
Highly connected hotel industry continues to be vulnerable to cyber attacks
By Linda Fox | March 20, 2019
Fraud in travel is on the up, according to a number of recently released reports from experts in the field. Read More
Zuzu Hospitality Solutions expands in Asia Pacific with $3.7M round
News / Technology
Zuzu Hospitality Solutions expands in Asia Pacific with $3.7M round
By Jill Menze | March 20, 2019
Revenue management service Zuzu Hospitality Solutions has notched $3.7 million in a Series A round. Read More
Accommodation providers want brand "hijacking" on Google to be made illegal
News / Online
Accommodation providers want brand "hijacking" on Google to be made illegal
By Linda Fox | March 19, 2019
The Bed and Breakfast Association is supporting a petition to make bidding by OTAs on a B&B or hotel’s name on search engines illegal. Read More
VIDEO: Personalization and its impact on hotels - past, present and future
News / Technology
VIDEO: Personalization and its impact on hotels - past, present and future
By Kevin May | March 19, 2019
The road to personalization in travel has been a slow one, and now, it seems, with technology and 24/7 connections with guests, the opportunity is even greater. Read More
Changes in consumer booking patterns reshape distribution strategies for hoteliers
From Our Partners / Distribution
Changes in consumer booking patterns reshape distribution strategies for hoteliers
By Diane Merlino | March 18, 2019
As hoteliers grapple with implementing diverse distribution strategies, emerging trends around channel development and how consumers interact with direct and indirect channels are adding new dimensions... Read More
Ground transportation part 3 autonomous vehicles
News / Technology
Ground innovation, part 3: A driverless future in travel and tourism
By Mitra Sorrells | March 18, 2019
In the third part of our series on ground transportation we consider the impact of autonomous vehicles on the travel industry. Read More
Sounding Off: The dilemmas that face growing companies
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: The dilemmas that face growing companies
By PhocusWire | March 15, 2019
The long road ahead of Airbnb after its HotelTonight acquisition is a familiar one that many brands experience as they push the button to accelerate the business. Read More
sabre-hospitality-intelligent-retailing
News / Distribution
Sabre takes inspiration from Spotify to help hotels sell more
By Linda Fox | March 15, 2019
Sabre Hospitality plans to release technology later this year enabling hotels to sell rooms and other services in a more flexible way. Read More
hilton-sabre-hotels-ITB
News / Technology
Hotel experts warn data should not just be considered a "hobby"
By Linda Fox | March 14, 2019
Hotel experts talk about the role of AI in improving the guest experience, with words of warning to consider. Read More
The push and pull of travel advertising
News / Online
The push and pull of travel advertising
By Phocuswright Research  | March 14, 2019
Products have their strengths, and travel brands need to diversify their ad channel mix to maintain a balance of brand awareness tactics, direct-response offerings and a foray into emerging technologies... Read More
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