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.

With new strategic investment, Recharge extends by-the-minute booking platform to vacant homes
News / Distribution
With new strategic investment, Recharge extends by-the-minute booking platform to vacant homes
By Jill Menze | January 29, 2019
In addition to hotels, users of Recharge's pay-by-the-minute platform can now book homes, as well. Read More
Why Airbnb must avoid the tech trap OTAs fell into for years
Opinion / Distribution
Why Airbnb must avoid the tech trap OTAs fell into for years
By Craig Stewart - Freetobook | January 29, 2019
Airbnb's much-lauded move into hotel distribution has been a welcome addition to the hotel ecosystem - but it should beware of age-old pitfalls. Read More
A new era of personalization - for both travelers and suppliers
Opinion / Technology
A new era of personalization - for both travelers and suppliers
By Benoit Jolin - Expedia Group | January 29, 2019
The travel industry is entering an age of both traveler and supplier personalization - leveraging high-tech to deliver high-touch experiences. Read More
Intelity raises $44M to fuel global expansion of guest management platform
News / Technology
Intelity raises $44M to fuel global expansion of guest management platform
By Kevin May | January 28, 2019
The investment in the back-of-house software suite from private equity firm LLR Partners follows Intelity's merger with Keypr in 2018. Read More
trivago-webinar-january-2019-2
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! How well are independent hoteliers adapting to the digital age?
By Kevin May | January 25, 2019
Phocuswright and trivago present key findings from the Independent Lodging Study 2018.  In 2018 independent hotels are performing better in the online environment — but challenges remain. Read More
Consumers want companionship - but not from humans - while traveling
News / Technology
Consumers want companionship - but not from humans - while traveling
By Jill Menze | January 25, 2019
According to a new study from Sabre, a desire to avoid humans, virtual companions and new points-of-sale are among the consumer trends shaping the hospitality industry this year. Read More
MakeMyTrip posts gains in revenue and bookings as overall loss figure narrows
News / Online
MakeMyTrip posts gains in revenue and bookings as overall loss figure narrows
By Kevin May | January 24, 2019
Total gross booking volumes hit $1.41 billion, up by 32% on the same period in 2017 - pushing loss figure down to $22.9 million. Read More
Are hotels on the verge of a parity nightmare?
Opinion / Distribution
Are hotels on the verge of a parity nightmare?
By Lily McIlwain - Triptease | January 24, 2019
Booking.com has rolled out its Booking.Basic feature to European hotel listings, which could spell a serious parity problem for hoteliers. Read More
New model hotel op-ed Gulati
News / Startups
When it comes to guest personalization, price is only one piece of the puzzle
By Valerie Castillo - TrustYou | January 23, 2019
A new hotel brand, Life House, is currently testing an algorithmic pricing system based on customer profiles, history, spending habits and even social media followers.  Read More
Fragmentation continues to shape the competitive landscape for hoteliers
News / Distribution
Fragmentation continues to shape the competitive landscape for hoteliers
By Diane Merlino | January 23, 2019
This analysis examines how the hospitality industry, from accommodation options to distribution technology, is heating up as external and internal forces ignite change in the sector. Read More
Airbnb and hotel distribution - (almost) one year in
News / Online
Airbnb and hotel distribution - (almost) one year in
By Jill Menze | January 23, 2019
As the Airbnb and SiteMinder deal nears its one-year anniversary, here's an update on how the platform's hotels business is faring. Read More
Startup Stage SBC Travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: SBC Travel launches crypto-friendly hotel booking platform
By Mitra Sorrells | January 23, 2019
SBC Travel is a new online travel agency that accepts cryptocurrency. It is launching with an inventory of 175,000 hotels and accommodation providers in more than 185 countries, primarily powered by... Read More
OpenTable now lets customers use points for hotels on Kayak
News / Online
OpenTable now lets customers use points for hotels on Kayak
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | January 22, 2019
Booking Holdings has activated a new loyalty benefit for OpenTable, allowing diners to redeem their OpenTable Dining Points for hotel savings on Kayak. Read More
What's next for intent data in the travel industry?
Opinion / Technology
What's next for intent data in the travel industry?
By John Ardis - Conversant | January 21, 2019
As the booking process has been simplified and personalized, the travel industry hasn't been nearly as fast to harness technology for people-based marketing.  Read More
Ryanair offers direct distribution for European hotels via Siteminder
News / Distribution
Ryanair offers direct distribution for European hotels via Siteminder
By Linda Fox | January 21, 2019
One element of Ryanair's "Amazon Of Travel" strategy remains - giving European hotels a direct distribution channel for its Ryanair Rooms brand. Read More
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