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.

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
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
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