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.

VIDEO: Sleepbox - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Sleepbox - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 7, 2018
Sleepbox is a technology-driven micro-hotel providing frictionless, autonomous, affordable, private and safe housing during travel. Read More
technically speaking airbnb
Interview / Online
Technically Speaking - Ari Balogh of Airbnb
By Jill Menze | December 6, 2018
Ari Balogh comes to Airbnb from Google and is charged with leading infrastructure, information IT and security and engineering for payments, trust and community support as CTO. Read More
Hosco eyes Americas for hospitality networking platform as it closes €5.4M round
News / Online
Hosco eyes Americas for hospitality networking platform as it closes €5.4M round
By Linda Fox | December 6, 2018
Hosco, an online hospitality network and recruitment specialist, has closed a €5.4 million funding round. Read More
VIDEO: Regulations and sustainability - an awkward paradox for travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Regulations and sustainability - an awkward paradox for travel
By Mitra Sorrells | December 6, 2018
Tourism drives economic growth for destinations, but it can also cause issues such as overcrowding and regulatory challenges. Read More
Hotelchamp Autopilot marketing AI
News / Technology
Hotelchamp creates AI “Autopilot” to personalize hotel websites
By Mitra Sorrells | December 6, 2018
Hotelchamp, an Amsterdam-based startup that provides technology to drive direct bookings on hotel websites, is launching a new product to automate a personalized user experience.   Read More
A review of 2018, a preview for what's next: Travel marketing
News / Online
A review of 2018, a preview for what's next: Travel marketing
By Mitra Sorrells | December 5, 2018
As we look ahead to 2019, we asked MMGY Global CEO Clayton Reid to share thoughts on the future of travel and what lies ahead for marketing and advertising strategies, the growing influence of Google... Read More
Will Marriott data breach herald the death of personalization?
Opinion / Technology
Will Marriott data breach herald the death of personalization?
By Greg Abbott - DataArt | December 5, 2018
This analysis could be titled in a number of ways, each with a lean towards what was disclosed by Marriott last week when it emerged some 500 million guest accounts had been hacked. Read More
SnapTravel 21.2 million Series A
News / Startups
SnapTravel adds $13.2M to develop its text- and voice-based travel assistant
By Mitra Sorrells | December 5, 2018
Toronto-based SnapTravel has closed a $21.2 million Series A funding round, adding $13.2 million in new investments to its initial raise of $8 million in July 2017.  Read More
Arrivedo launches API to help hotels localize the guest experience
News / Online
Arrivedo launches API to help hotels localize the guest experience
By Jill Menze | December 5, 2018
Arrivedo, an online platform that curates things to do around hotels, has launched an API for hotel groups. Read More
VIDEO: ConnexPay - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: ConnexPay - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 5, 2018
ConnexPay is transforming how travel companies accept cards & pay for travel to save millions of dollars in fees. Read More
VIDEO: Forter on the dangerous world of fraud in online travel
From Our Partners / Technology
VIDEO: Forter on the dangerous world of fraud in online travel
By PhocusWire | December 5, 2018
A subject in the minds of many a travel industry executive as 2018 draws to a close is that cyber security and online fraud. Read More
Amid hotel distribution wars, Google will be the last site standing
Opinion / Distribution
Amid hotel distribution wars, Google will be the last site standing
By Marco Benvenuti - Duetto | December 4, 2018
In an ideal situation for hotels, travelers looking for overnight accommodations would just come directly to them - by walking into the lobby, calling a 1‐800 number or visiting the hotel’s... Read More
guiddoo raises 800k
News / Distribution
Tours and activities provider Guiddoo raises $800,000 to expand operations and products
By Jill Menze | December 4, 2018
Indian in-destination experiences provider Guiddoo has raised $800,000 in pre-Series A funding. Read More
pcw-2018-jeff-ma
News / Technology
VIDEO: How to make better data-informed decisions in hotels
By Linda Fox | December 4, 2018
In a very entertaining Tech Talk at The Phocuswright Conference, Jeff Ma laid out some of the areas where more reliance on data and less on human behavior would lead to better outcomes. Read More
VIDEO: Skylark - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Skylark - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 4, 2018
What's the future of luxury travel? It's what we all want: convenience, transparency, value, service - and amazing vacations. Read More
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