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.

Travel Tech Flashback: What made headlines in 2022?
News / Technology
Travel Tech Flashback: What made headlines in 2022?
By Linda Fox | September 2, 2025
The travel industry bounced back in 2022, but war in Ukraine caused further uncertainty early in the year. Read More
ZUZU raises fresh capital, bets on AI to scale soul of indie hospitality
News / Startups
ZUZU raises fresh capital, bets on AI to scale soul of indie hospitality
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | August 29, 2025
The Singapore-based startup, founded in 2017 by former Expedia executive Vikram Malhi, is positioning itself at the heart of hospitality’s AI revolution. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Accor, Skyscanner, Mews and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Accor, Skyscanner, Mews and more...
By PhocusWire | August 29, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Trip.com Group unveils AI trip planner
News / Online
Trip.com Group unveils AI trip planner
By Linda Fox | August 28, 2025
During the company's Q2 2025 earnings call, chairman James Liang said AI remains central to strategy, adding that OTAs are "uniquely positioned" to lead the development of travel-focused AI. Read More
Startup Stage: Maison wants to use AI to provide seamless asssitance for guests
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Maison wants to use AI to provide seamless asssitance for guests
By Abby Crotty | August 28, 2025
Maison offers an AI operating system for hotels and hospitality systems, giving guests access to 24/7 customer service via a chatbot. Read More
Have TikTok and Booking.com just ‘nuked’ the travel funnel?
News / Distribution
Have TikTok and Booking.com just ‘nuked’ the travel funnel?
By Morgan Hines | August 28, 2025
Select U.S. users can now book hotel rooms through Booking.com directly on TikTok—and the platform has also launched TikTokGO for creators to earn travel commissions. Read More
Booking.com and hotels increasingly go their separate ways
News / Distribution
Booking.com and hotels increasingly go their separate ways
By Matthew Parsons | August 27, 2025
The relationship with Booking.com has especially soured in Europe as the OTA faces a lawsuit from 10,000 hotels. Read More
How marketers are fusing data science with real traveler behavior
From Our Partners / Online
How marketers are fusing data science with real traveler behavior
By PhocusWire | August 26, 2025
Zartico executives explore how travel marketers can use data science to close the loop between marketing investment and real-world revenue. Read More
Travel Tech Flashback: What made headlines in 2020?
News / Online
Travel Tech Flashback: What made headlines in 2020?
By Abby Crotty | August 26, 2025
As part of our Travel Tech Flashback series, we took a look at 2020, otherwise known as the year that changed travel forever. Read More
Way expands Hyatt ancillary, loyalty partnership
News / Online
Way expands Hyatt ancillary, loyalty partnership
By Morgan Hines | August 25, 2025
Way’s platform and APIs will be integrated into Hyatt’s digital ecosystem, allowing for end-to-end merchandising and marketing. Read More
Will travel's messy data hamper AI progress?
Opinion / Technology
Will travel's messy data hamper AI progress?
By Timothy O'Neil-Dunne | August 25, 2025
Are we layering AI agents on top of an already broken data foundation that was never fit for machine consumption? Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Agoda, Sabre, Travelport and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Agoda, Sabre, Travelport and more...
By PhocusWire | August 22, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Addressing rising customer acquisition costs in travel
News / Online
Addressing rising customer acquisition costs in travel
By Abby Crotty | August 21, 2025
According to a survey of approximately 270 respondents across the travel industry, customer acquisition costs were up approximately 35% from 2022 to 2025, while customer lifetime value was up just 4.5%.... Read More
NusaTrip closes IPO, nets $15 million
News / Online
NusaTrip closes IPO, nets $15 million
By Abby Crotty | August 19, 2025
The OTA plans to use the capital to expand into new markets and explore mergers and acquisitions. Read More
Kasa raises $40M to invest in technology, AI
News / Online
Kasa raises $40M to invest in technology, AI
By Morgan Hines | August 19, 2025
Kasa, formerly known as Kasa Living, raised $70 million in Series C funding in 2023. Read More
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