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.

How organic search is becoming ineffective for hotels on Google
News / Online
How organic search is becoming ineffective for hotels on Google
By Kevin May | May 23, 2018
Most conversations that involve digital marketing and the efforts of hotels and online travel agencies to gain exposure usually revolve around advertising. Read More
Nordic Choice projection mapping
News / Technology
How projection mapping allows guests to customize hotel room décor
By Mitra Sorrells | May 23, 2018
Hotel rooms without windows – either because they are interior rooms or they are located under ground level – are not uncommon in some parts of the world, particularly in crowded cities where available... Read More
Ctrip takes revenue boost from Chinese outbound travelers
News / Distribution
Ctrip takes revenue boost from Chinese outbound travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | May 23, 2018
Ctrip, China’s largest online travel agency, posted strong financial results for the first quarter of 2018.   Read More
VIDEO: Google on its progress in travel so far (read: substantial)
News / Online
VIDEO: Google on its progress in travel so far (read: substantial)
By PhocusWire | May 22, 2018
Google has lots of folk in a senior leadership positions who have some degree of responsibility for its focus on travel. Read More
Life House hotel funding $40M
News / Startups
Tech-driven boutique brand Life House launches with $40M and plans to bypass OTAs
By Mitra Sorrells | May 22, 2018
A new hotel brand has secured $40 million in funding to develop its boutique hotel product and proprietary technology platform.    Read More
VIDEO: Airbnb on moving forward as a company
News / Online
VIDEO: Airbnb on moving forward as a company
By PhocusWire | May 18, 2018
Airbnb has joined the ranks of brands in the industry that can generally fill a room whenever one of their executive comes along to speak. Read More
power paradox pcw
News / Technology
The Phocuswright Conference 2018: Introducing the Power Paradox
By PhocusWire | May 17, 2018
Travel’s biggest have never been bigger. So much market power for so few. This status quo is unprecedented. Dominance defines the state of things. Read More
the shared hotel room
Opinion / Technology
Why hotel rooms belong to guests - not hoteliers
By David Goldstone - DigiValet | May 17, 2018
Airbnb and other “shared economy” businesses have raised the bar for travel providers who wish to deliver personalized, truly local experiences for guests. For hotels, the new environment means a... Read More
VIDEO: The secrets behind Secret Escapes
News / Online
VIDEO: The secrets behind Secret Escapes
By Kevin May | May 17, 2018
Secret Escapes is the runaway success story from the plethora of travel brands that emerged at the turn of the decade with the idea of online discounted hotel sales. Read More
Only three in ten French hotel bookings will be direct by 2022
News / Distribution
Only three in ten French hotel bookings will be direct by 2022
By Kevin May | May 16, 2018
Hotel bookings in France are dominated by third party sites - and growth of the direct channel is tipped to slow over the next five years. Read More
ADARA CYI framework
News / Online
ADARA launches new personalization framework for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | May 16, 2018
Enterprise travel data solution provider ADARA has created a new framework to hep brands deliver personalized experiences to their customers. Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Maud Bailly on a revolution in habits
Interview / Distribution
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Maud Bailly on a revolution in habits
By PhocusWire | May 15, 2018
Ahead of Phocuswright Europe, she outlines the need for "responsible personalization," what the role of a CDO entails and AccorHotels' plans for the future. Read More
Travelport digital engagement
News / Technology
Technology is driving "tidal wave of change" for booming travel industry
By Mitra Sorrells | May 15, 2018
The combination of strong economies around the world and rapid developments in technology are causing significant, fundamental changes in the business of travel.   Read More
Online travel agencies and their use of "voodoo science"
Opinion / Distribution
Online travel agencies and their use of "voodoo science"
By Max Starkov - HEBS Digital | May 15, 2018
It was always going to be mildly controversial when the European Technology and Travel Services Association (ETTSA) released its report last week into direct hotel bookings. Read More
Security series part 2 GDPR
News / Technology
Unlocking travel security, part 2: The looming GDPR deadline
By Mitra Sorrells | May 14, 2018
The European Parliament approved GDPR in 2016 and gave companies two years to prepare their systems and policies for compliance.  Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026