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.

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
CEO interview Nor1 Jason Bryant
Interview / Online
In The Big Chair - Jason Bryant of Nor1
By Mitra Sorrells | September 11, 2018
Founded in 2004, Nor1 provides data-driven pricing and merchandising products used by hotels and resorts in more than 100 countries. The company is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices around... Read More
criton-startup-stage-travel-3
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Criton drags and drops app tools into hotels
By Kevin May | September 11, 2018
With 28 full-time employees and expansion to London, Criton is ambitious with its plan to give hotels the tools to create their own mobile applications. Read More
Offline part 2 agency technology
News / Technology
Back in the offline world, part 2: Travel agency technology
By Mitra Sorrells | September 10, 2018
For part two in this month’s series on the offline travel market, we look at the technology that is supporting the work of traditional agents and how it has evolved over the years.   Read More
hoteltonight-desktop
News / Online
HotelTonight ends mobile-only strategy with desktop addition
By Linda Fox | September 10, 2018
HotelTonight has launched a desktop version of its hotel booking service - prompted, it says, by feedback from customers. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Arise's distributed network wants to help hotels bypass intermediaries
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Arise's distributed network wants to help hotels bypass intermediaries
By Jill Menze | September 6, 2018
Winner of the Phocuswright’s 2018 Battleground competition, Arise’s blockchain-based technology is designed to help hotels bypass travel intermediaries to connect directly to distribution partners. Read More
Guest Experience report
News / Online
Upsell conversion, mobile communication top list of opportunities for hoteliers
By Mitra Sorrells | September 5, 2018
A new survey of hoteliers in the United States, Canada, Western Europe and Southeast Asia has found the majority are missing the opportunity to generate revenue through upselling.   Read More
How travel agents are working differently with technology
News / Technology
How travel agents are working differently with technology
By Mary Pat Sullivan - TravelAge West | September 5, 2018
Travel agents have had quite a longstanding relationship with technology. Read More
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