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.

airbnb-transportation-fred-reid
News / Online
Airbnb hires airline veteran Fred Reid to oversee "transportation", but rules out obvious options
By Kevin May | February 7, 2019
The seasoned airline exec - Virgin America, Lufthansa, American Airlines and Delta - becomes the company's global head of transportation. Read More
In The Big Chair - Kevin King of Shiji
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Kevin King of Shiji
By Mitra Sorrells | February 7, 2019
Founded in 1998, Shiji Information Technology Company provides software solutions and services for the hospitality, food service, retail and entertainment industries, ranging from hotel management... Read More
Can OYO capture the unbranded hotel market in the U.S. and Europe?
News / Distribution
Can OYO capture the unbranded hotel market in the U.S. and Europe?
By Mitra Sorrells | February 7, 2019
OYO Hotels & Homes is expanding again, debuting in the United States and ramping up operations in Europe. Read More
hotel-regulator-online-travel-agency-2
News / Online
Online travel agencies under spotlight from regulators and academics over hotel strategies
By Kevin May | February 6, 2019
Booking.com and Expedia agree to cooperate with a set of guidelines regarding the portrayal of discounts, availability and influence of commissions on rankings. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Personalizing the group experience for hotels
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! Personalizing the group experience for hotels
By PhocusWire | February 6, 2019
Amadeus will explain how you can improve customer relationship management across your entire hotel portfolio by leveraging data to better connect with guests, filling guest rooms and function space and... Read More
As competition diversifies, Booking.com remains top hotel channel
News / Distribution
As competition diversifies, Booking.com remains top hotel channel
By Jill Menze | February 6, 2019
When it comes to bringing in booking revenue to hotels, Booking.com remains the channel on top - though new players are entering the space. Read More
Pegasus and Travel Tripper agree to merge in hotel tech wrap-up
News / Technology
Pegasus and Travel Tripper agree to merge in hotel tech wrap-up
By Kevin May | February 6, 2019
Accel-KKR is putting a "substantial" investment into the merger - bringing together the 11-year-old Travel Tripper with one of the pioneers of the hotel CRS. Read More
Google tells hotels to think of smart devices as extra organs of a guest's body
News / Technology
Google tells hotels to think of smart devices as extra organs of a guest's body
By Hollis Thomases - Phocuswright | February 4, 2019
The search giant says the proliferation of devices has created rapid, cultural shifts and changed the way people expect things from their brands... making people more curious, demanding and... Read More
China series part 1 overview
News / Online
China, part 1: The big (and getting bigger) picture
By Mitra Sorrells | February 4, 2019
Travel brands and suppliers need to be aware that the Chinese travel market is not only growing - it is also changing. Read More
Sounding Off: Airbnb should accept that some things are done certain ways
Interview / Distribution
Sounding Off: Airbnb should accept that some things are done certain ways
By PhocusWire | February 1, 2019
The dull mechanics behind what is known as process shouldn't be allowed to prohibit a brand such as Airbnb from making a genuine challenge to OTAs. Read More
Zingle hospitality messaging 11M funding
News / Technology
Zingle charts deeper push into hospitality with $11M capital raise
By Mitra Sorrells | February 1, 2019
B2C messaging platform Zingle has landed $11 million in new funding to support its growth in hospitality. Read More
oyo-rooms-indonesia
News / Distribution
OYO sees rapid growth Indonesia, commits $50M to expansion in the Philippines
By Linda Fox | January 31, 2019
OYO continues its rapid expansion with a ramp up in Indonesia and launch in the Philippines. Read More
Triptease shifts to full-service platform to drive direct bookings
News / Distribution
Triptease shifts to full-service platform to drive direct bookings
By Kevin May | January 30, 2019
Famous for its price comparison widget, Triptease now includes tools to track user behavior to help hotels lure business away from online travel agencies. Read More
Bitter roots, sweet fruit - the current state of marketing automation in hospitality
Opinion / Technology
Bitter roots, sweet fruit - the current state of marketing automation in hospitality
By Simone Puorto - Simone Puorto Consulting | January 30, 2019
Hotels are skeptical about investing in marketing automation for economic and cultural reasons, but doing so is necessary to get closer to customers. Read More
Switchfly in new hands as private equity firms take over loyalty tech provider
News / Technology
Switchfly in new hands as private equity firms take over loyalty tech provider
By Kevin May | January 29, 2019
Golub Capital and L Capital take a controlling stake in the business, with a new CEO coming in as former boss steps down. Read More
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