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: Inside the brains of online travel financial analysts
News / Online
VIDEO: Inside the brains of online travel financial analysts
By Kevin May | November 19, 2018
Online travel brands generally get most of the attention on their financial performance when reporting their latest earnings four times a year. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Domio is targeting group travel with tech-forward apartment-hotels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Domio is targeting group travel with tech-forward apartment-hotels
By Jill Menze | November 19, 2018
Domio targets group travelers with spacious, tech-forward homes in urban markets. In addition to its Domio-operated and designed properties, the company is planning to launch 25 apartment-hotels in the... Read More
VIDEO: Booking Holdings on Google, complacency, ambitions and the entire trip
News / Online
VIDEO: Booking Holdings on Google, complacency, ambitions and the entire trip
By Linda Fox | November 16, 2018
A string of international acquisitions and investments (plus a new-ish name) to reflect on a global position has the industry speculating about what else lies ahead for the former Priceline Group. Read More
VIDEO: Hilton on loyalty, millennials and digital marketing
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Hilton on loyalty, millennials and digital marketing
By Mitra Sorrells | November 16, 2018
With experience at Microsoft, Capital One and Uber, Kellyn Smith Kenny joined Hilton in January as the hospitality brand’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, overseeing strategy for its... Read More
VIDEO: Top investors on the good, the bad and the bountiful in travel
News / Startups
VIDEO: Top investors on the good, the bad and the bountiful in travel
By Mitra Sorrells | November 15, 2018
Benchmark Capital general partner Bill Gurley made his inaugural appearance on the center stage of The Phocuswright Conference Wednesday in Los Angeles.   Read More
bryan-dove-skyscanner-phocuswright-2018
News / Online
VIDEO: Skyscanner CEO on mobile, Ctrip and meta disruptors
By PhocusWire | November 14, 2018
In a conversation with PhocusWire editor in chief Kevin May at the 2018 Phocuswright Conference, Skyscanner CEO Bryan Dove says he believes there's a "100%" chance another company could come along and... Read More
Travel fans are engaged on Instagram, but can brands keep up?
News / Online
Travel fans are engaged on Instagram, but can brands keep up?
November 14, 2018
Travel fans on Instagram consume more content than other audiences but it remains a tough channel for brands to crack. Read More
OTA Insight European parity report
News / Distribution
Price parity a major issue for European hoteliers
By Mitra Sorrells | November 14, 2018
Hoteliers across Europe trying to drive direct bookings on their websites are being undercut by online travel agencies that are offering lower rates for their properties.   Read More
sojern raises 150M
News / Online
Sojern raises $120M, eyes new markets, verticals
By Jill Menze | November 13, 2018
Travel tech firm Sojern has landed a funding round of $120 million to grow its business and enter new markets. Read More
Building digital communities at the OTA, hotel and city levels
Opinion / Online
Building digital communities at the OTA, hotel and city levels
By Andy McNulty - Touch Stay | November 12, 2018
Technology is at its most powerful when it enables a targeted, human recommendation, and there are several brands that seem to be getting the combination right and are building digital communities... Read More
Hotelmize unlocks $3.8M in funding, plans local offices
News / Technology
Hotelmize unlocks $3.8M in funding, plans local offices
By Linda Fox | November 9, 2018
Hotelmize, a startup that optimizes profit for bed banks, wholesalers and travel agents, has raised $3.8 million in Series A funding. Read More
Technically speaking Rajnish Kumar tech heads
Interview / Distribution
Technically Speaking - Rajnish Kumar of Ixigo
By Mitra Sorrells | November 9, 2018
Ixigo CTO Rajnish Kumar co-founded the travel marketplace in 2007. The platform provides price comparison and booking for flights, hotels, trains, busses and holiday packages. Ixigo now has 90 million... Read More
How engaging the silent traveler can improve the customer experience
Opinion / Online
How engaging the silent traveler can improve the customer experience
By Russ Pedder - Rant & Rave | November 8, 2018
To target the silent traveler, brands need to encourage and empower customers to share honest, real-time feedback. To do this, brands should ensure it’s easy for customers to leave feedback, in their... Read More
TripAdvisor surpasses half of hotel sales on mobile, revenue per shopper climbs again
News / Online
TripAdvisor surpasses half of hotel sales on mobile, revenue per shopper climbs again
By Mitra Sorrells | November 8, 2018
TripAdvisor’s revenue grew 4% in the third quarter of 2018, to $458 million. Read More
Amadeus sees IT and distribution growth slow but revenue numbers still big
News / Distribution
Amadeus sees IT and distribution growth slow but revenue numbers still big
By Kevin May | November 7, 2018
Amadeus has hit over €3.5 billion in revenue for the first nine months of year for the second year in a row. Read More
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