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.

sawydays necessary evil
News / Online
Why small property owners see OTAs as a "necessary evil"
By Jill Menze | February 15, 2018
The codependent nature of small property owners and their booking partners has its upsides, but primarily, it’s viewed by the underdogs as a “necessary evil.” Read More
TripAdvisor earnings full year 2017
News / Online
TripAdvisor has revenue elsewhere to thank as hotel growth remains flat
By Mitra Sorrells | February 14, 2018
TripAdvisor turned in modest 5% growth in total revenue for 2017 but a notable 24% increase in revenue in its non-hotel category.    Read More
Duetto raises massive $80 million to push hotel tech platform
News / Technology
Duetto raises massive $80 million to push hotel tech platform
By Kevin May | February 14, 2018
Duetto can boast $143.2 million in funding rounds to date after landing a huge Series D investment of $80 million this week. Read More
Q&A: How blockchain is helping Webjet improve efficiency, cut costs for hotel bookings
News / Technology
Q&A: How blockchain is helping Webjet improve efficiency, cut costs for hotel bookings
By Mitra Sorrells | February 14, 2018
When Microsoft announced in November 2016 that it was working with Australia-based online travel agency Webjet to build a blockchain proof-of-concept solution, the term “blockchain” was still relatively... Read More
outdoorsy rv marketplace funds
News / Startups
Peer-to-peer RV marketplace Outdoorsy drives away with $25M
By Mitra Sorrells | February 13, 2018
Outdoorsy, a sharing economy startup connecting owners of recreational vehicles with interested renters, has raised $25 million in Series B funding. Read More
Hotels admit steep reliance on online travel agencies
News / Distribution
Hotels admit steep reliance on online travel agencies
By Kevin May | February 13, 2018
Hotels have a high dependency on online travel agencies to distribute their inventory, with almost every other channel deemed to be low on same scale. Read More
Blockhain travel loyalty programs
News / Technology
Decoding blockchain, part 2: Travel loyalty programs
By Mitra Sorrells | February 12, 2018
If we think of loyalty program rewards as a currency, it becomes easy to see why the current system is not ideal and why most programs are struggling to achieve their ultimate goal: to influence... Read More
Expedia splashed out record $5.3 billion on marketing in 2017
News / Online
Expedia splashed out record $5.3 billion on marketing in 2017
By Kevin May | February 12, 2018
Expedia Inc spent a record $5.3 billion on marketing in 2017 - a figure that continues to trouble investors amid its full year financial results. Read More
Travel ledger blockchain billing
News / Startups
Travel tech entrepreneur launches blockchain system for non-airline services
By Mitra Sorrells | February 12, 2018
A new blockchain-based travel billing and settlement platform is in the works.    Read More
quote of the week 9
News / Distribution
QOTW: Something about the beginning of a new battle
By PhocusWire | February 9, 2018
Quote from Airbnb in its plea to hotels. Read More
Alibaba pumps $486 million into Shiji hotel tech service
News / Technology
Alibaba pumps $486 million into Shiji hotel tech service
By Kevin May | February 8, 2018
Hotel and retail system provider Shiji Information Technology has landed a massive $486 million investment deal from Alibaba. Read More
Expedia ticks modest growth in 2017, now charting "new direction"
News / Online
Expedia ticks modest growth in 2017, now charting "new direction"
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2018
Expedia Inc.’s revenue increased 11% in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to a year prior – up to $2.32 billion – but the diverse online travel company still missed analysts’ expectations by $40... Read More
MakeMyTrip narrows losses amid revenue boost
News / Online
MakeMyTrip narrows losses amid revenue boost
By Kevin May | February 8, 2018
Indian online travel agency giant MakeMyTrip reduced losses and saw a significant jump in revenue in last quarter of 2017. Read More
Booking.com leads the way as top hotel channel
News / Distribution
Booking.com leads the way as top hotel channel
By Kevin May | February 7, 2018
Some 72 million reservations have been analysed to discover what are claimed to be top revenue-generating booking channels for hotels. Read More
Trivago ends first year on public markets with 37% revenue jump
News / Online
Trivago ends first year on public markets with 37% revenue jump
By Mitra Sorrells | February 7, 2018
Hotel metasearch platform Trivago says increased awareness of the brand and strategic TV advertising have helped push annual revenue above €1 billion in 2017 – the first time the Germany-based company... Read More
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