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.

Terry Jones interview startups
News / Startups
Q&A: Terry Jones on the challenges of creating a successful travel startup
By Mitra Sorrells | August 8, 2018
Terry Jones has had a long history in travel, including working as a travel agent, 24 years at American Airlines, launching and serving as CEO of Travelocity, helping to found Kayak and - most recently... Read More
Startup Stage MüvTravel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: MüvTravel uses AI to customize itineraries for independent travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | August 7, 2018
MüvTravel is an AI-powered platform to help independent travelers customize their entire trip, including transportation, accommodations and activities.     Read More
Airbnb for Work bookings triple, drive "significant" growth for Homes business
News / Online
Airbnb for Work bookings triple, drive "significant" growth for Homes business
By Jill Menze | August 6, 2018
Airbnb is reporting a sizable increase in bookings via its corporate travel platform - so much so that Airbnb for Work is now “one of the most significant growth drivers” for the company’s Homes sector. Read More
Research Spotlight: Changing attitudes of travelers with families
News / Online
Research Spotlight: Changing attitudes of travelers with families
By Jill Menze | August 6, 2018
The travel industry has invested hefty resources into understanding millennial traveler behavior, including where they go, who they go on trips with and how much they’re willing to spend. Read More
VIDEO: CitizenM on the unhappy marriage of tech and hotel companies
News / Distribution
VIDEO: CitizenM on the unhappy marriage of tech and hotel companies
By PhocusWire | August 6, 2018
Lauded for its fiercely independent style, both aesthetically and strategically, CitizenM was considered one of the go-to hotel brands for how things can be done differently. Read More
In The Big Chair - Layton Han of ADARA
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair - Layton Han of ADARA
By Mitra Sorrells | August 3, 2018
Founded in 2009 ADARA analyzes data to help clients understand travelers’ behavior, patterns and trends to create more effective marketing and engagement strategies. The company has 15 offices across... Read More
RateGain dances away with acquisition of DHISCO
News / Technology
RateGain dances away with acquisition of DHISCO
By Kevin May | August 2, 2018
Hotel distribution service DHISCO is now part of the RateGain family following an acquisition of the company for an undisclosed fee. Read More
Can FOMO help capture hotel bookings?
Opinion / Online
Can FOMO help capture hotel bookings?
By Mike Ford - SiteMinder | August 2, 2018
Around 69% of millennials experience FOMO, and 60% make reactive purchases because of it. In other words, they’ll buy just because they feel they might miss out - even at hotels. Read More
melia-international-bluetooth-bracelets
News / Technology
Melia trials guest wristbands for locks and payments at resorts
By Linda Fox | August 2, 2018
Melia International Hotels is trialling wristbands making payment easy for guests at a number of resort hotels in Magaluf in Majorca. Read More
Under-30 traveler survey
News / Online
What under-30 travelers want when researching, booking and experiencing trips
By Mitra Sorrells | August 2, 2018
Younger travelers – those under 30 years old – represented 23% of all international arrivals in 2017, creating a market valued at more than $280 billion.  Read More
Travel and the complex world of native comparison search
Opinion / Online
Travel and the complex world of native comparison search
By Brett Tabano - MediaAlpha | August 2, 2018
Companies that solely utilize display advertising for performance marketing need to complement this strategy with native comparison search ads. It differs in that it's specific to one particular product... Read More
Amadeus in talks for major deal to acquire TravelClick
News / Technology
Amadeus in talks for major deal to acquire TravelClick
By Kevin May | August 2, 2018
Amadeus has signalled its intent to further challenge rival Sabre in the hotel technology arena with a potential deal to buy TravelClick. Read More
TripAdvisor Q2 earnings 2018
News / Online
TripAdvisor’s non-hotel revenue slows but remains bright spot in Q2 earnings
By Mitra Sorrells | August 1, 2018
TripAdvisor reports non-hotel segment revenue grew 22% year-over-year – from $98 million to $120 million - a sizable increase but a deceleration from the first quarter when it posted gains of 36% over... Read More
mobile-travel-apps-clevertap
News / Technology
More than half of travel apps deleted after a month
By Linda Fox | August 1, 2018
Travel apps face a range of problems, such as user fatigue and infrequency of engagement, according to new research. Read More
Evolution warning: Are hotel owners in danger of becoming the new taxi drivers?
Opinion / Distribution
Evolution warning: Are hotel owners in danger of becoming the new taxi drivers?
By Peter O’Connor - Essec Business School | August 1, 2018
Just as the taxi industry responded to new competition by trying to manipulate governments in their favor, hotel chains are ganging up on travel industry innovators such as Airbnb and online travel... Read More
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