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.

OTA Insight European parity report
News / Distribution
Price parity a major issue for European hoteliers
By Mitra Sorrells | November 14, 2018
Hoteliers across Europe trying to drive direct bookings on their websites are being undercut by online travel agencies that are offering lower rates for their properties.   Read More
sojern raises 150M
News / Online
Sojern raises $120M, eyes new markets, verticals
By Jill Menze | November 13, 2018
Travel tech firm Sojern has landed a funding round of $120 million to grow its business and enter new markets. Read More
Building digital communities at the OTA, hotel and city levels
Opinion / Online
Building digital communities at the OTA, hotel and city levels
By Andy McNulty - Touch Stay | November 12, 2018
Technology is at its most powerful when it enables a targeted, human recommendation, and there are several brands that seem to be getting the combination right and are building digital communities... Read More
Hotelmize unlocks $3.8M in funding, plans local offices
News / Technology
Hotelmize unlocks $3.8M in funding, plans local offices
By Linda Fox | November 9, 2018
Hotelmize, a startup that optimizes profit for bed banks, wholesalers and travel agents, has raised $3.8 million in Series A funding. Read More
Technically speaking Rajnish Kumar tech heads
Interview / Distribution
Technically Speaking - Rajnish Kumar of Ixigo
By Mitra Sorrells | November 9, 2018
Ixigo CTO Rajnish Kumar co-founded the travel marketplace in 2007. The platform provides price comparison and booking for flights, hotels, trains, busses and holiday packages. Ixigo now has 90 million... Read More
How engaging the silent traveler can improve the customer experience
Opinion / Online
How engaging the silent traveler can improve the customer experience
By Russ Pedder - Rant & Rave | November 8, 2018
To target the silent traveler, brands need to encourage and empower customers to share honest, real-time feedback. To do this, brands should ensure it’s easy for customers to leave feedback, in their... Read More
TripAdvisor surpasses half of hotel sales on mobile, revenue per shopper climbs again
News / Online
TripAdvisor surpasses half of hotel sales on mobile, revenue per shopper climbs again
By Mitra Sorrells | November 8, 2018
TripAdvisor’s revenue grew 4% in the third quarter of 2018, to $458 million. Read More
Amadeus sees IT and distribution growth slow but revenue numbers still big
News / Distribution
Amadeus sees IT and distribution growth slow but revenue numbers still big
By Kevin May | November 7, 2018
Amadeus has hit over €3.5 billion in revenue for the first nine months of year for the second year in a row. Read More
SiteMinder new CEO
News / Technology
SiteMinder names tech industry veteran as CEO
By Mitra Sorrells | November 7, 2018
Hotel guest acquisition platform SiteMinder has appointed its first CEO.   Read More
hotel personalization websites
Opinion / Distribution
The six principles of personalization for hotel websites
By Frank Reeves - Avvio | November 6, 2018
To assist hoteliers and accommodation providers in building personalization into their websites, here are six key principles to follow. Read More
Webjet acquires Destinations of the World
News / Distribution
WebJet acquires Destinations of the World for $173M
By Mitra Sorrells | November 6, 2018
Australia-based WebJet has acquired Destinations of the World (DOTW) for $173 million, a move that significantly expands Webjet’s B2B accommodations supplier business, WebBeds.     Read More
STARTUP STAGE: BedLinker plots distribution for hotels and marketplace for travel agents
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: BedLinker plots distribution for hotels and marketplace for travel agents
By Linda Fox | November 2, 2018
Founded in December 2017, there are two parts to the startup: BedLinker, a B2B marketplace for travel agents, and BedAllocator, a distribution management system for leisure hotels. The company wants to... Read More
biometric-technology-airports
News / Technology
Biometric-led travel sees a boost as initiatives take off
By Linda Fox | November 1, 2018
Emirates is claiming a world first with the launch a “biometric path” for travelers at Dubai International Airport. It is one of a number of projects pushing the technology during 2018. Read More
Ctrip's plans for localization: A look at Trip.com one year in
News / Online
Ctrip's plans for localization: A look at Trip.com one year in
By Jill Menze | November 1, 2018
It’s been exactly one year since Ctrip purchased Trip.com - a strategic move by the Chinese online travel powerhouse to bring its services into local Asia Pacific markets. And the past 365 days have so... Read More
Poor support, lack of integration top list of hoteliers’ gripes about PMS
News / Technology
Poor support, lack of integration top list of hoteliers’ gripes about PMS
By Mitra Sorrells | November 1, 2018
Insufficient support from vendors tops the list of concerns expressed by hoteliers about their property management systems in a new study, The Future of Hotel Management Systems.     Read More
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