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.

Expedia Q3 earnings 2018
News / Distribution
Expedia records another positive quarter, double-digit growth in revenue and bookings
By Mitra Sorrells | October 25, 2018
Expedia Group saw its gross booking increased $2.5 billion, or 11% year-over-year, in the third quarter of 2018, fueled by growth in Brand Expedia, HomeAway, Hotels.com and Expedia Partner Solutions.... Read More
snapshot-travel-industry-2018-2
Opinion / Technology
Bots, bottled water and search - a varied snapshot of industry issues in 2018
By Simone Puorto | October 25, 2018
Here is a fairly unknown fact: the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International is as old as Mount Rushmore in the U.S. Read More
OYO launches Indonesia, OYO Living brand
News / Startups
OYO launches in Indonesia, will invest $100 million and reach 35 cities
By Mitra Sorrells | October 24, 2018
Indian hospitality startup OYO has launched in Indonesia, starting with 30 properties operated under lease or franchise agreements in three cities.   Read More
google-brand-protection-hotel-2
Opinion / Online
How hotels can manage brand protection changes on Google
By Marta Lopez - Mirai | October 23, 2018
A few days ago, Google informed users that it will change the brand-protection policy on its text adverts on Google Ads (what used to be known as AdWords). Read More
SevenRooms gets voice tech boost from Amazon Alexa Fund
News / Startups
SevenRooms gets voice tech boost from Amazon Alexa Fund
October 22, 2018
SevenRooms has received investment from Amazon’s Alexa fund to develop voice-enabled technology for restaurants. Read More
Kaizen report marketing content
News / Online
Interactive content most effective marketing tool for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | October 19, 2018
Travel brands looking to maximize their search engine optimization strategy should focus on creating interactive content since it ranks higher than all other forms of content for URL ratings, social... Read More
Three ways hoteliers are kicking silos of technology for good (finally)
Opinion / Technology
Three ways hoteliers are kicking silos of technology for good (finally)
By Klaus Kohlmayr - IDEAS | October 18, 2018
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: In the age of OTAs and industry disruption, effectively managing a complex channel and distribution strategy is critical to a hotelier’s bottom line. Read More
The true cost of hotel brand participation online
Opinion / Distribution
The true cost of hotel brand participation online
By Peter O’Connor - Essec Business School | October 16, 2018
There’s a common misconception in our industry that brands are cheap and online travel agencies are expensive. And no-one knows when it started. Read More
The metasearch model, part 2: The transition to meta-book
News / Distribution
The metasearch model, part 2: The transition to meta-book
By Mitra Sorrells | October 15, 2018
In the early days of metasearch, roughly the first decade of the 21st century, the model was strictly one of price comparison and referral.    Read More
How to get smart with hotel distribution during the low season
News / Distribution
How to get smart with hotel distribution during the low season
By Gino Engels - OTA Insight | October 12, 2018
Peaks and troughs are the perennial features of every hotelier’s annual revenue graph. This is unlikely to change. Read More
google hotels whats next
News / Online
What's next for Google's foray into hotels?
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | October 11, 2018
Google's recent efforts to expand further into the online travel space could result in a pivotal change for the hospitality industry. Read More
Phocuswright Conference 2018 preview Fred Lalonde
Interview / Technology
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Fred Lalonde
By PhocusWire | October 11, 2018
Fresh off a $100 million funding round, the CEO of the price prediction and booking app participates in a panel discussion on air travel at The Phocuswright Conference 2018. Read More
VIDEO: iSeatz on its ancillary management system
From Our Partners / Technology
VIDEO: iSeatz on its ancillary management system
By PhocusWire | October 10, 2018
iSeatz, the travel commerce and merchandizing technology company, recently debuted its Ancillary Management System to the industry. Read More
VIDEO: Autoura on an autonomous vehicle-led revolution in travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Autoura on an autonomous vehicle-led revolution in travel
By Kevin May | October 10, 2018
The automotive industry is (finally) fully behind the idea of autonomous vehicles entering the market. Read More
In The Big Chair - Chris Nassetta of Hilton
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Chris Nassetta of Hilton
By Mitra Sorrells | October 10, 2018
 Hilton comprises 14 brands with more than 5,400 properties in 106 countries and territories. The company also has 78 million members in its Hilton Honors loyalty program.    Read More
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