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.

marriott home rental
News / Distribution
Marriott enters home-rental market with new trial program
By Danny King - Travel Weekly | April 24, 2018
Marriott International on Monday debuted a home-rental trial program with UK-based Hostmaker. Read More
HRS AI for corporate travel
News / Technology
How AI is changing corporate travel management
By Mitra Sorrells | April 24, 2018
Corporate travel is big – really big – business. According to a July 2017 report from the Global Business Travel Association, global business travel spend approached $1.3 trillion in 2016, and it’s... Read More
Culture Trip brings in $80M to build online travel agency
News / Startups
Culture Trip brings in $80M to build online travel agency
By Kevin May | April 24, 2018
Who said travel content sites were dead in an age dominated by large players such as TripAdvisor and long-standing niche sites already in the market? Read More
Ctrip and AccorHotels expand partnership to enhance services for Chinese travelers
News / Distribution
Ctrip and AccorHotels expand partnership to enhance services for Chinese travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | April 23, 2018
The more than 300 million registered users that book trips through online travel agency Ctrip will now have more personalized options and service from AccorHotels.  Read More
AI series part 4 marketing
News / Technology
AI analysis, part 4: Digital marketing
By Mitra Sorrells | April 23, 2018
According to the Salesforce’s 2017 “State of Marketing” report, artificial intelligence is the leading technology where marketers expect the most growth in the next two years.  Read More
Nor1 buys texting platform Stay Delightful to boost ancillary sales
News / Technology
Nor1 buys texting platform Stay Delightful to boost ancillary sales
By Jill Menze | April 20, 2018
Hospitality merchandising technology company Nor1 has acquired Stay Delightful, a mobile-messaging platform. Read More
airbnb event planning tool
News / Online
Airbnb makes foray into events with meeting planner tool
By Jill Menze | April 19, 2018
Airbnb is out to conquer yet another corner of the travel market with the launch of a new tool for meeting and event planners. Read More
Aruba blockchain Winding Tree3
News / Technology
Can blockchain help a tiny, travel-dependent island reinvent its economy?
By Mitra Sorrells | April 18, 2018
On the tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba – population just over 100,000 – tourism is the foundation of the economy, contributing about 88% of its gross domestic product and accounting for 90% of its... Read More
Marriott ramps up tours and activities, new loyalty program plays a role
News / Online
Marriott ramps up tours and activities, new loyalty program plays a role
By Kevin May | April 18, 2018
Plenty of attention on Marriott this week as it introduces a new loyalty package - but other efforts to coincide with the launch illustrate a maturing of another sector. Read More
phocuswright europe 2018 citizenm hotels
Interview / Distribution
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Q&A with CitizenM Hotels' Michael Levie
By PhocusWire | April 17, 2018
Ahead of the event, he discusses the importance of data, what it means to be a mobile traveler and more. Read More
Pegasus ambitious on its return to the fold
News / Technology
Pegasus ambitious on its return to the fold
By Kevin May | April 16, 2018
Hotel computer reservation and technology provider Pegasus predicts a rosier future ahead after putting a turbulent few years behind it. Read More
AI series part 3 Hopper
News / Technology
AI analysis, part 3: The brains behind Hopper
By Mitra Sorrells | April 16, 2018
In part three, we talk to Fred Lalonde, founder and CEO of Hopper. Read More
sabre synxis property hub
News / Technology
Sabre sharpens tools for hoteliers with new guest-focused property hub
By Jill Menze | April 16, 2018
Sabre’s newly outlined vision to reshape the business of travel includes not only solutions for its airline customers, but also for hoteliers. Read More
Banishing the pricing monster that the industry created
Opinion / Technology
Banishing the pricing monster that the industry created
By Klaus Kohlmayr - IDEAS | April 13, 2018
Creating differentiation and building guest loyalty is more complex than ever for hotel brands. Read More
In The Big Chair – Noreen Henry of WayBlazer
Interview / Technology
In The Big Chair – Noreen Henry of WayBlazer
By Mitra Sorrells | April 12, 2018
Hotel brands, travel tech providers, airline vacation packaging groups and others use Wayblazer’s AI-powered recommendation engine to help travelers find the best destinations and products. Read More
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