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.

Technology and travel are driving forward together
From Our Partners / Technology
Technology and travel are driving forward together
By Richard Gayle - Travel Forward | July 31, 2018
There is a compelling argument that the travel industry invented ecommerce. Read More
Sabre scores another sub-$1B revenue quarter
News / Distribution
Sabre scores another sub-$1B revenue quarter
By Kevin May | July 31, 2018
Sabre has recorded almost $1 billion in revenue for the second quarter in a row, giving it $1.97 billion for the first six months of 2018. Read More
Reimagining customer experience, part 4: Hospitality happenings
News / Technology
Reimagining customer experience, part 4: Hospitality happenings
By Mitra Sorrells | July 30, 2018
Deloitte recently surveyed more than 6,600 hotels guests who have collectively stayed at 25 brands across different hotel tiers to find out what makes a great hotel experience.   Read More
amadeus-halfyear-2018
News / Distribution
Amadeus reports revenue and profit growth for first half of 2018
By Linda Fox | July 27, 2018
Amadeus has reported gains in revenue and profit for the first six months of 2018. Read More
fornova-hotels-metasearch
Opinion / Online
What hotels need to know about evolving metasearch distribution trends
By Fornova | July 27, 2018
Metasearch engines hold the promise of helping hotels increase their share of direct bookings. For any hotel or chain to pursue a direct booking strategy, the MSE channel needs careful planning and... Read More
How hotel operators can leverage technology to retain more customers
Opinion / Technology
How hotel operators can leverage technology to retain more customers
By Mark McGregor - Signavio | July 27, 2018
Process management or process modeling is one the most underrated applications that can be utilized to enhance the experience of travel. Read More
AccorHotels abandons Air France-KLM deal, earlier buys kick in
News / Distribution
AccorHotels abandons Air France-KLM deal, earlier buys kick in
By Linda Fox | July 26, 2018
AccorHotels backs away from plan to acquire a minority stake in Air-France KLM. Read More
tripadvisor hospitality sector report
News / Online
Online reputation, bookings top of mind for travel business owners
By Jill Menze | July 26, 2018
Travel businesses are overwhelmingly concerned about their online reputations, as well as how well they’re equipped to meet a mobile audience, a new study from TripAdvisor shows. Read More
travel-payments-amadeus
News / Technology
Payment innovation slow in travel but consumer demand is driving change
By Linda Fox | July 26, 2018
Travel companies are slow to invest in payment innovation despite demand from consumers for wider options. Read More
WayBlazer shutting down
News / Online
WayBlazer closes shop, cites lack of funds and time
By Mitra Sorrells | July 26, 2018
WayBlazer, which offered artificial intelligence-powered search, discovery and shopping for travel websites and apps, is shutting down. Read More
travel-payments-evolution
Opinion / Technology
How online payment trends are impacting the travel industry
By Morten Larsen - Booking.com | July 25, 2018
The world of online payments is undergoing a rapid transformation. Whereas once customers had scant options - primarily credit cards and bank transfers - to make bookings over the internet, they now... Read More
virtual-reality-tours
News / Technology
Virtual reality is still finding its space at the customer experience table
By Linda Fox | July 25, 2018
Virtual reality hasn't gone mainstream, but barriers to content creation are coming down so it could still build momentum in travel. Read More
Lola adds desktop book on behalf
News / Online
With latest updates, Lola aims to solve the pain points for business travel managers
By Mitra Sorrells | July 24, 2018
The Lola travel platform is making what might seem like an unusual move - shifting from a mobile-only strategy to now offering a desktop version of its travel management app. Read More
nordic choice hotel room
Interview / Technology
Q&A: Nordic Choice Hotels on how innovation drives the customer experience
By Nordic Choice Hotels & ALICE | July 24, 2018
ALICE co-founder and president Alex Shashou sat down with Nordic Choice head of business Christian Lunden to discuss innovation at Nordic Choice properties and how the influence of other industries... Read More
How AccorHotels uses biometrics to unlock travelers' wants and needs
News / Technology
How AccorHotels uses biometrics to unlock travelers' wants and needs
By Linda Fox | July 24, 2018
Le Club AccorHotels is looking to gain deeper insight on customers through Seeker, an initiative that uses biometrics to track responses and get closer to what travelers want. Read More
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