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.

oyo-funding
News / Distribution
Further expansion for OYO in China as investors commit to $1B in funding
By Linda Fox | September 26, 2018
OYO has raised $800 million with a commitment for a further $200 million via Softbank Vision Fund. Read More
In The Big Chair - Deep Kalra of MakeMyTrip
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Deep Kalra of MakeMyTrip
By Mitra Sorrells | September 25, 2018
Deep Kalra founded MakeMyTrip in 2000 in the United States to help the country’s Indian community manage its travel to and from India. It started operations within India in 2005 and now offers flights,... Read More
Offline part 4 hotels
News / Technology
Back in the offline world, part 4: High-tech versus high-touch hotels
By Mitra Sorrells | September 24, 2018
For the final piece in this series, we consider the topic of technology in the hotel environment.  Read More
Startup Stage FlyGRN
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: FlyGRN combines flight booking with automatic carbon offsetting
By Mitra Sorrells | September 21, 2018
FlyGRN uses a portion of the commission it receives for flight bookings to support carbon offsetting projects, such as a solar panel initiative in India that displaces fossil fuels. Travelers receive a... Read More
Booking.com ODX blockchain internet marketplace
News / Technology
Booking.com will give data to consumers in emerging markets to access its site
By Mitra Sorrells | September 20, 2018
Booking.com has signed on to try a new blockchain-based data marketplace aimed at helping brands connect with users in emerging markets.   Read More
Infor buys Vivonet in bid to extend tech to other hotel operations
News / Technology
Infor buys Vivonet in bid to extend tech to other hotel operations
By Kevin May | September 19, 2018
Hospitality tech provider Infor has snapped up Canada-based Vivonet - pushing its portfolio of tools for hotels into food and beverage. Read More
Google plunges deeper into hotel search: It's all about rooms
News / Online
Google plunges deeper into hotel search: It's all about rooms
By Diego Varela - Mirai | September 19, 2018
Ever wondered how far search giant Google wants to take consumers in its quest to dominate the accommodation sector? More evidence is emerging... Read More
Shiji acquires StayNTouch
News / Technology
Shiji acquires PMS provider StayNTouch
By Mitra Sorrells | September 18, 2018
Shiji Group, a provider of technology for the hotel, retail and entertainment industries, has acquired StayNTouch. Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Jeff Katz
Interview / Technology
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Jeff Katz
By PhocusWire | September 18, 2018
The founder of Orbitz, CEO of Swiss, senior executive at American Airlines and Sabre - Katz has seen and done it all, and now he joins us for an executive roundtable on corporate travel at The... Read More
tripadvisor plots social network
News / Online
TripAdvisor plots social network, goes all-in on personalization
By Jill Menze | September 18, 2018
TripAdvisor is betting big on social media with the launch of “the new TripAdvisor” - a revamp of the platform that allows users to connect with fellow travelers as well as brands, publishers and... Read More
HYP3R happy as it raises $17M to expand geofencing tech
News / Technology
HYP3R happy as it raises $17M to expand geofencing tech
By Kevin May | September 17, 2018
A string of investors have handed HYP3R a $17 million war chest by way of a Series A investment in the company. Read More
Inside the complicated world of cancellation fees and non-refundable bookings
Opinion / Online
Inside the complicated world of cancellation fees and non-refundable bookings
By Stefano Petrazzoli - Chargebacks911 | September 14, 2018
In this digital era, we’re used to booking our ticket, but often then have separate extras to consider, like choosing our seat, eating in-flight meals, hold luggage, among others. Read More
Shiji Fliggy facial check-in
News / Technology
Shiji and Fliggy partner to enable facial recognition for hotel check-in
By Mitra Sorrells | September 14, 2018
Facial recognition is enabling travelers to check into a hotel, receive a room card and establish payment authorization, all in about 30 seconds.   Read More
Hilton Honors app add recommendations
News / Technology
Hilton’s new in-app guide offers tips from hotel employees
By Mitra Sorrells | September 13, 2018
Hilton is adding location-based recommendations for food, nightlight, shopping and activities to its Hilton Honors mobile app.   Read More
Beekeeper 13M funding
News / Startups
Beekeeper picks up $13M to grow hotel employee communication platform
By Mitra Sorrells | September 13, 2018
Beekeper, a platform that provides real-time, two-way communication among all employees in a hotel has raised an additional $13 million as a part of its Series A extension round.    Read More
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