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.

Amazon's options for disrupting online travel: try or buy
Opinion / Online
Amazon's options for disrupting online travel: try or buy
By Max Starkov - HEBS Digital | April 11, 2018
Will it or won't it - the subject of Amazon’s potential to disrupt the travel industry is back in vogue once more. Read More
Sabre aims to break down walls as it "reimagines" business of travel
News / Technology
Sabre aims to break down walls as it "reimagines" business of travel
By Jill Menze | April 11, 2018
Sabre president and CEO Sean Menke has a new vision for how tech will reimagine the business of travel. Read More
EAN Points Loyalty Program report 2
News / Distribution
Experiences and products - not financial rewards - drive customer loyalty for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | April 10, 2018
The key to long-term loyalty for travel brands comes from creating memorable experiences based on superior products and personalized service.   Read More
VIDEO: Business travel, supplier technology and customer ownership
News / Technology
VIDEO: Business travel, supplier technology and customer ownership
By Kevin May | April 10, 2018
There is an ongoing discussion around the idea that suppliers are gaining more control of the customer as they often have the ability to handle the tech interface. Read More
Airbnb tests eliminating guest fees in new pilot program
News / Online
Airbnb tests eliminating guest fees in new pilot program
By Jill Menze | April 9, 2018
Airbnb is asking select hosts to join a pilot program that removes guest fees from listings. Read More
Hotels Network $3.7M funding
News / Online
Spanish hotel technology company secures $3.7M to spur growth
By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2018
The Hotels Network, a Barcelona-based hotel technology company, has raised $3.7 million from investors in the United States and Europe.   Read More
AI series part 2 Watson
News / Technology
AI analysis, part 2: Watson's world
By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2018
It’s been more than seven years since IBM’s Watson computer entered the spotlight by beating two acclaimed – and human – competitors on the quiz show Jeopardy!   Read More
Online review management study
News / Online
Hotels that request guest feedback earn more positive reviews
By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2018
Accomodations can improve their online reputation by proactively asking guests to post reviews. Read More
Cosmopolitan AI chatbot loyalty
News / Technology
How AI can be used to enhance loyalty programs
By Mitra Sorrells | April 6, 2018
Since the Cosmopolitan at Las Vegas introduced it’s virtual concierge chatbot in January 2017, more than 20,000 guests have interacted with her sassy persona dubbed “Rose” - for everything from requests... Read More
MakeMyTrip Flipkart partnership
News / Distribution
MakeMyTrip boosts distribution with Flipkart partnership
By Mitra Sorrells | April 5, 2018
Less than a month after buzz circulated that Amazon could make a move into travel – again – one of its biggest e-commerce competitors is doing just that. Read More
Eye tracking Palace Resorts Expedia Group Media Solutions2
News / Technology
How this marketing campaign uses eye tracking technology to gauge traveler interest
By Mitra Sorrells | April 5, 2018
All-inclusive luxury brand Palace Resorts wants its guests to experience a worry-free vacation “without lifting a finger,” and now it is using eye tracking technology to translate that concept to a new... Read More
tripadvisor sponsored placements
News / Online
Hotels can now buy sponsored listings on TripAdvisor
By Jill Menze | April 4, 2018
Hotels jostling for visibility on TripAdvisor can now buy their way to the top through the platform’s Sponsored Placements offering. Read More
In The Big Chair - Tobias Ragge of HRS
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Tobias Ragge of HRS
By Kevin May | April 3, 2018
The founder's son, Tobias Ragge has run HRS for 10 years, with a particular emphasis on pushing it into new markets around the world and, more recently, concentrating on its core corporate travel... Read More
wrapup april 2 2018
Notated News / Technology
Amadeus, Hotelbeds, Interjet and more news briefs today...
By PhocusWire | April 2, 2018
Amadeus adds tours from Bookingkit… Hotelbeds group succeeds through its API… Interjet signs deal with Sabre… Philippine Airlines works toward five-star rating… Peakwork introduces new solutions… Read More
travel influencer marketing report
News / Online
The state of influencer marketing for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | March 29, 2018
Photos, blog posts and other content shared by social media influencers can be an effective way for brands to communicate with consumers – particularly since surveys have found that between one-third to... Read More
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