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: Uplift - Launch pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: Uplift - Launch pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 18, 2019
Uplift is the leading provider of flexible, seamless, pay-over-time consumer financing solutions for the travel industry. Read More
VIDEO: PerfectStay - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: PerfectStay - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 18, 2019
Big brands can fully realize their potential for packaged travel sales with this B2B travel operator. Read More
REPORT: Dynamic travel packaging - The next game-changer
From Our Partners / Distribution
REPORT: Dynamic travel packaging - The next game-changer
By PhocusWire | January 18, 2019
Dynamic packaging has been growing and evolving for the past ten years and this trend will continue to 2020 and beyond. This in-depth report finds out why. Read More
cognitive-tech-chatbots
News / Technology
How cognitive technologies might evolve in travel in 2019
By Linda Fox | January 15, 2019
Deloitte says the use of cognitive technologies, such as natural language processing, machine learning and speed recognition, will widen in 2019. Read More
Halo Travel unveiled to bring booking and payments via voice assistant
News / Technology
Halo Travel unveiled to bring booking and payments via voice assistant
By Linda Fox | January 14, 2019
WEX and AI.io have partnered to launch Halo Travel, a voice-activated travel booking assistant. Read More
VIDEO: Zuzu Hospitality Solutions - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Zuzu Hospitality Solutions - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 14, 2019
Zuzu shows how a people-centric approach delivers revenue maximization from its pricing and distribution technology. Read More
3 reasons why most consumer data advice doesn’t work for travel brands
Opinion / Technology
3 reasons why most consumer data advice doesn’t work for travel brands
By Carolyn Corda - Adara | January 11, 2019
Travel marketing is a fundamentally different discipline to other forms of marketing, with consumers behaving and spending in ways that no other industry can replicate. Read More
oyo-business-travel
News / Distribution
OYO sees big growth in business travelers, eyes further expansion
By Linda Fox | January 10, 2019
OYO Hotels and Homes continues to build up its business travel segment with the recent addition of a booking service for corporates booking their own trips. Read More
Ctrip investment Yunji hotel robots
News / Technology
Ctrip invests in hotel robot manufacturer
By Mitra Sorrells | January 10, 2019
Ctrip has invested in Yunji Technology, a Beijing-based company that makes robots for a variety of industries including hotels. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.   Read More
A new record? Two million room nights booked online in a single day... in one country
News / Online
A new record? Two million room nights booked online in a single day... in one country
By Kevin May | January 9, 2019
Meituan-Dianping is claiming a record of sorts this week. The company, which sells good and services Amazon-style in China alongside hotels and other travel products, says it offloaded more than two... Read More
SiteMinder partners with RoomIt to connect hotels directly to TMC clients
News / Distribution
SiteMinder partners with RoomIt to connect hotels directly to TMC clients
By Jill Menze | January 9, 2019
Through a new partnership with RoomIt, the hotel distribution arm of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, SiteMinder is giving its hotel customers direct access to a travel management company’s clients for the... Read More
Google Assistant hotel booking flight check-in
News / Technology
Google adds hotel booking, flight check-in to Google Assistant
By Mitra Sorrells | January 9, 2019
Travelers can now book a hotel room through a conversation with Google Assistant on Android and iOS devices Read More
Marriott and Expedia's battle over commissions could trigger industry-wide overhaul
News / Distribution
Marriott and Expedia's battle over commissions could trigger industry-wide overhaul
By Linda Fox | January 8, 2019
Expedia and Marriott are said to be near agreement on fee negotiations, other large hotel players are likely to follow suit. Read More
Marriott says 383 million, not original 500 million figure, guest records hit in hack
News / Technology
Marriott says 383 million, not original 500 million figure, guest records hit in hack
By Linda Fox | January 7, 2019
Marriott adjusts the numbers around those affected by the data attack. Read More
BTU Hotel blockchain booking platform
News / Startups
New hotel booking platform offers cryptocurrency rebates for travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | January 7, 2019
A new blockchain-based hotel booking platform launching today at CES promises to take no commission on bookings and give back about 5% of each transaction to travelers that use the site.   Read More
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