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.

fareboom-launch-pitch
Interview / Online
VIDEO: Fareboom - Launch pitch at Phocuswright 2018
December 21, 2018
Thriving on data: What triggers purchase decision moments? Can you cut CAC by 33%? Can post purchase support run by itself? Read More
Believe the hype? 14 travel blockchain startups to watch in 2019
News / Technology
Believe the hype? 14 travel blockchain startups to watch in 2019
By Mitra Sorrells | December 20, 2018
Blockchain has been one of the most talked about concepts of 2018 - not least in travel, where its development is touted by some as the future of distribution and security. Read More
Travelers want more payment options and greater pricing transparency in online shopping
News / Online
Travelers want more payment options and greater pricing transparency in online shopping
By Linda Fox | December 19, 2018
Travelers are seeking a wider range of payment methods as well as greater transparency online according to a study. Read More
davincits-group-booking-hotels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Davinci TS wants to bring group hotel bookings into the 21st century
By Linda Fox | December 19, 2018
Davinci TS is a platform for the booking and management of group bookings in hotels. It aims to modernize the process for tour operators and hotels through automation. Read More
Analysts watch cautiously as Travelport heads back to private equity
News / Distribution
Analysts watch cautiously as Travelport heads back to private equity
By Kevin May | December 18, 2018
Travelport's decision to come off the public financial markets via a sale to private equity has drawn a lukewarm reaction to its long-term future. Read More
Marriott breach wider problem analysis
Notated News / Online
Marriott cyber breach shows industry's hospitality to hackers
By Patrick Clark - Bloomberg | December 18, 2018
For now, there are more questions than answers regarding Marriott's announcement of a far-reaching breach of the Starwood guest reservation database. Read More
Intermediary growth, consolidation and more hotel distribution trends for 2019
Opinion / Distribution
Intermediary growth, consolidation and more hotel distribution trends for 2019
By Sam Turner & Peter Mansour - Hotelbeds Group | December 18, 2018
Consolidation among hotel groups, a slowdown in the alternative accommodations space and airline websites selling hotel inventory were trends seen in 2018 that will continue into 2019. As the year comes... Read More
VIDEO: XTrader - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Technology
VIDEO: XTrader - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 18, 2018
XTrader offers connected TV and digital video as customer acquisition channels in China. Read More
PhocusWire's newsmakers of the year 2018
News / Online
PhocusWire's newsmakers of the year 2018
By Kevin May | December 17, 2018
The profile of a brand in travel - and the perception of it from consumers and industry peers - is mostly generated over the course of certain events or a period of time. Read More
Airbnb boosts hotel visibility with homepage refresh, new filter
News / Online
Airbnb boosts hotel visibility with homepage refresh, new filter
By Jill Menze | December 14, 2018
Airbnb is pushing its hotels business by featuring a “Boutique Hotels” category on its homepage and by including hotels in its space type filter. Read More
VIDEO: Hopper on growth, the impact of NDC and the value of being app-only
News / Technology
VIDEO: Hopper on growth, the impact of NDC and the value of being app-only
By Mitra Sorrells | December 14, 2018
2018 was a big year for Hopper. The app-only price prediction and booking platform picked up $100 million in Series D funding in October and rolled out its hotel service to more than 40 markets. Read More
VIDEO: Perfect Price - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Perfect Price - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 14, 2018
The dynamic pricing platform that uses AI and machine learning to maximize profitability in an increasingly digital world. Read More
VIDEO: Amadeus on a new online travel agency landscape
From Our Partners / Online
VIDEO: Amadeus on a new online travel agency landscape
By Kevin May | December 13, 2018
The online travel agency landscape, according to some, is dominated by just a handful of players. Read More
Opinion future AI in travel
Opinion / Technology
Sentiment versus sentient: Taking conversational AI further in travel
By Madhusudan Mathihalli - Passage AI | December 12, 2018
Artificial intelligence applications that are currently being used in the travel and hospitality industries boast a myriad of benefits - from booking flights and hotels to organizing a traveler’s... Read More
VIDEO: DataArt and Hudson Crossing on giving brands a new edge
News / Technology
VIDEO: DataArt and Hudson Crossing on giving brands a new edge
By Kevin May | December 12, 2018
Travel brands have made no secret of a desire to evolve their underlying technology and boost their strategic position in an increasingly complicated and competitive marketplace. Read More
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