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 Google Assistant book action
News / Distribution
Expedia creates Google Assistant browse and book capability
By Mitra Sorrells | October 9, 2018
Expedia is expanding its voice technology integrations with a new “Expedia Action” on Google Assistant.   Read More
What is next with WeChat marketing for travel brands?
From Our Partners / Online
What is next with WeChat marketing for travel brands?
By Sienna Parulis-Cook - Dragon Trail Interactive | October 9, 2018
Anyone who’s even scratched the surface of marketing to China will know that the mobile app and social media platform WeChat, with its 1+ billion monthly active users, is the place to be. Read More
The metasearch model, part 1: All things Google
News / Online
The metasearch model, part 1: All things Google
By Mitra Sorrells | October 8, 2018
This month we are digging into the topic of metasearch. We begin with perspective from a company that is both one of the newest entrants and also one of the most dominant figures in the travel search... Read More
future of property management software
News / Technology
Vacation rental vs. hotel tech: What's the future of PMS?
By Jill Menze | October 5, 2018
If vacation rental property managers want to distinguish how they do business compared to hotels, the first step is to rethink how they use technology and data. Read More
online-travel-agency-power-paradox-2
News / Online
Maintaining the power and influence of online travel agencies
By PhocusWire | October 4, 2018
One of the central tenets of the Power Paradox in travel is how some of the biggest brands ever assembled in the industry "have aggregated the content, established the trust and amassed the war chests... Read More
Hopper nabs $100M, wants to be "number-one mobile travel marketplace in the world"
News / Technology
Hopper nabs $100M, wants to be "number-one mobile travel marketplace in the world"
By Mitra Sorrells | October 3, 2018
Hopper is initiating a massive growth strategy fueled by a $100 million Series D financing round announced today.   Read More
fareharbor-booking-lawrence-hester
News / Technology
VIDEO: FareHarbor on being acquired by Booking.com
By Kevin May | October 3, 2018
In what has been a transformative year for tours and activities, perhaps one development stood out more than any other. Read More
Vacasa buys Oasis Collections, unseats Wyndham as top vacation rental company
News / Distribution
Vacasa buys Oasis Collections, unseats Wyndham as top vacation rental company
By Jill Menze | October 2, 2018
Vacasa has acquired Oasis Collections, a home-share company with investment backing by Hyatt Hotels. According to Vacasa, the deal moves the Portland-based business ahead of Wyndham Vacation Rentals as... Read More
Hotels are right to be obsessed with direct bookings
Opinion / Distribution
Hotels are right to be obsessed with direct bookings
By Patrick Bosworth - Duetto | October 2, 2018
Because Airbnb, the online travel agencies and other billion-dollar third parties are waging an arms race to be the world’s biggest travel brand, hoteliers obviously want to optimize their booking... Read More
Phocuswright Conference 2018 preview Rajesh Magow
Interview / Online
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Rajesh Magow
By PhocusWire | October 2, 2018
With responsibility for MakeMyTrip’s business strategy and operational leadership in India, Magow has helped the company become a leader in the country’s online travel industry, with more than $4... Read More
Travellers know what they want: all we have to do is listen to them
From Our Partners / Online
Travellers know what they want: all we have to do is listen to them
By Jon Collins - Travel Forward | October 1, 2018
When we talk about travelling customers as entities rather than people, we lose touch with one fundamental element. Read More
Google new travel tools October 2018
News / Online
Google adds new features to travel planning tools
By Mitra Sorrells | September 27, 2018
Google is adding tools to its travel portfolio to simplify and expedite the trip planning process.  Read More
AccorHotels leads €5M investment in Travelsify AI analytics platform
News / Technology
AccorHotels leads €5M investment in Travelsify AI analytics platform
By Mitra Sorrells | September 27, 2018
AccorHotels has led a €5 million round in Travelsify, a content analytics platform that uses artificial intelligence to help brands differentiate and monetize their products.   Read More
airbnb-thailand-boutique-hotels
News / Distribution
Airbnb adds boutique hotels in Thailand via local trade partnership
By Linda Fox | September 27, 2018
Airbnb partners with local trade association in Thailand to add boutique properties Read More
Alibaba hotel robot
News / Technology
Alibaba creates robot to provide guest services in hotels
By Mitra Sorrells | September 27, 2018
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has created a robot specifically for the hospitality industry.   Read More
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