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.

SnapTravel 21.2 million Series A
News / Startups
SnapTravel adds $13.2M to develop its text- and voice-based travel assistant
By Mitra Sorrells | December 5, 2018
Toronto-based SnapTravel has closed a $21.2 million Series A funding round, adding $13.2 million in new investments to its initial raise of $8 million in July 2017.  Read More
Arrivedo launches API to help hotels localize the guest experience
News / Online
Arrivedo launches API to help hotels localize the guest experience
By Jill Menze | December 5, 2018
Arrivedo, an online platform that curates things to do around hotels, has launched an API for hotel groups. Read More
VIDEO: ConnexPay - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: ConnexPay - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 5, 2018
ConnexPay is transforming how travel companies accept cards & pay for travel to save millions of dollars in fees. Read More
VIDEO: Forter on the dangerous world of fraud in online travel
From Our Partners / Technology
VIDEO: Forter on the dangerous world of fraud in online travel
By PhocusWire | December 5, 2018
A subject in the minds of many a travel industry executive as 2018 draws to a close is that cyber security and online fraud. Read More
Amid hotel distribution wars, Google will be the last site standing
Opinion / Distribution
Amid hotel distribution wars, Google will be the last site standing
By Marco Benvenuti - Duetto | December 4, 2018
In an ideal situation for hotels, travelers looking for overnight accommodations would just come directly to them - by walking into the lobby, calling a 1‐800 number or visiting the hotel’s... Read More
guiddoo raises 800k
News / Distribution
Tours and activities provider Guiddoo raises $800,000 to expand operations and products
By Jill Menze | December 4, 2018
Indian in-destination experiences provider Guiddoo has raised $800,000 in pre-Series A funding. Read More
pcw-2018-jeff-ma
News / Technology
VIDEO: How to make better data-informed decisions in hotels
By Linda Fox | December 4, 2018
In a very entertaining Tech Talk at The Phocuswright Conference, Jeff Ma laid out some of the areas where more reliance on data and less on human behavior would lead to better outcomes. Read More
VIDEO: Skylark - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Skylark - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 4, 2018
What's the future of luxury travel? It's what we all want: convenience, transparency, value, service - and amazing vacations. Read More
Study indicates move away from direct booking among business travelers
News / Technology
Study indicates move away from direct booking among business travelers
By Linda Fox | December 3, 2018
Business travelers in Europe are moving away from direct booking channels, according to new research. Read More
Marriott data breach - a mess that is only starting to unravel
Opinion / Technology
Marriott data breach - a mess that is only starting to unravel
By Gates Marshall - CompliancePoint | November 30, 2018
Businesses and consumers continue to discuss privacy regulations and legislation on a regular basis, especially in the travel industry. Read More
Marriott admits 500 million guest accounts hacked
News / Technology
Marriott admits 500 million guest accounts hacked
By Kevin May | November 30, 2018
A major security breach impacting on half a billion guest records in the Starwood reservation system has been disclosed by Marriott. Read More
Simpleview Tourism Media merger
News / Online
Simpleview, Tourism Media merge to create global marketing organization
By Mitra Sorrells | November 30, 2018
Arizona-based Simpleview and Liverpool-based Tourism Media Group are merging, creating a global marketing organization that will serve more than 800 destination marketing organizations, regional tourism... Read More
VIDEO: Airbnb on what it's learned from Amazon Prime and its community
News / Online
VIDEO: Airbnb on what it's learned from Amazon Prime and its community
By Jill Menze | November 29, 2018
At The Phocuswright Conference, Airbnb Homes executive Greg Greeley discussed the company's ambitions as it prepares for an IPO. Read More
VIDEO: Teckst - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Teckst - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | November 29, 2018
Teckst empowers travel brands to text with their customers in real time using flexible CRM integrations. Read More
VIDEO: Jeff Katz on a new path for connectivity
News / Technology
VIDEO: Jeff Katz on a new path for connectivity
By Kevin May | November 28, 2018
Jeff Katz is an enigmatic figure in the travel industry, having overseen a string of business and considered by many as an important thinker in the development of the modern sector. Read More
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