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.

marriott-financials-2018
News / Distribution
Marriott data security breach costs the company $28M so far
By Linda Fox | March 1, 2019
Marriott revealed that the data breach disclosed in November 2018 cost the company $28 million in the fourth quarter. Read More
Startup Stage Gaffl main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: GAFFL connects solo travelers to plan trips, split costs
By Mitra Sorrells | March 1, 2019
GAFFL, or, Get a Friend for Life, is intended to help solo travelers find others planning similar itineraries to travel together and share costs.   Read More
4 tips to help hoteliers create an effective distribution strategy
From Our Partners / Distribution
4 tips to help hoteliers create an effective distribution strategy
By Diane Merlino | February 28, 2019
Hoteliers who want to gain and hold a competitive edge in today’s fragmented marketplace need to implement a diverse distribution strategy that makes it easy for potential customers to find them.  Read More
Amadeus reports growth across distribution and IT solutions units in 2018
News / Distribution
Amadeus reports growth across distribution and IT solutions units in 2018
By Linda Fox | February 28, 2019
Amadeus sees revenue growth across businesses in 2018, hitting almost €5 billion total for the full year in 2018. Read More
WeChat 2018 rankings Dragon Trail Interactive
News / Online
Airlines, cruise lines see big gains in WeChat engagement
By Mitra Sorrells | February 28, 2019
According to a report from Dragon Trail Interactive, the top 10 airlines and cruise lines saw significant increases in WeChat activity in 2018. Read More
Booking Holdings breaks down private accommodation revenues for first time, now at 20% of total
News / Distribution
Booking Holdings breaks down private accommodation revenues for first time, now at 20% of total
By Mitra Sorrells | February 27, 2019
As part of its fourth quarter and full-year 2018 financial report, Booking Holdings is disclosing details on Booking.com's alternative accommodations business, which now accounts for 20% of the... Read More
Sabre brings a dose of reality to artificial intelligence
News / Technology
Sabre brings a dose of reality to artificial intelligence
By Linda Fox | February 27, 2019
Sabre's chief scientist says AI can solve very specific problems but is at its very early stages. Read More
Do not disturb: Not all hotel guests want Amazon's Alexa as a roommate
News / Technology
Do not disturb: Not all hotel guests want Amazon's Alexa as a roommate
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | February 27, 2019
Maybe this won't surprise anyone, but it turns out that some hotel guests are not happy about having listening devices in their rooms, even if the device in question is there to help them. Read More
IHG-guest-reservations-system
News / Technology
IHG pilots attribute pricing as next stage of reservation system kicks in
By Linda Fox | February 27, 2019
IHG begins phase two of its Amadeus-built Guest Reservation System development, four years after the project first started. Read More
China part 4 distribution
News / Distribution
China, part 4: The digital distribution model
By Mitra Sorrells | February 25, 2019
For the final piece in our China theme month, we explore the diverse digital distribution landscape. Read More
oyo japan launch
News / Distribution
OYO teams up with Yahoo to launch home rental business in Japan
By Jill Menze | February 22, 2019
OYO is expanding its affordable housing services to Japan, in a joint effort with Yahoo dubbed OYO Life. Read More
Travelport posts final full-year results ahead of sale to private equity
News / Distribution
Travelport posts final full-year results ahead of sale to private equity
By Kevin May | February 22, 2019
Travelport passed the $2.5 billion annual revenue mark for the first time in its history during 2018. But it will soon head back to the land of private equity ownership. Read More
Accor goes down experiences route as it unveils All loyalty platform
News / Distribution
Accor goes down experiences route as it unveils All loyalty platform
By Linda Fox | February 22, 2019
Accor has unveiled its new loyalty platform All combining its loyalty program and distribution. Read More
sojern state of the industry 2019
News / Online
What's on the minds of 600+ travel marketers? Personalization - and Facebook
By Jill Menze | February 21, 2019
Sojern's massive survey of more of travel marketers identifies key challenges and priorities for advertisers in 2019. Read More
Ctrip hotel marketing training
News / Online
Ctrip expands its "Hotel University" training program to hoteliers worldwide
By Mitra Sorrells | February 21, 2019
The travel giant is growing its in-person marketing training - dubbed Ctrip Hotel University - to hotels outside China. Read More
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