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.

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
Finding a unique voice in travel technology
Opinion / Technology
Finding a unique voice in travel technology
By Chad Callaghan - Sabre | March 27, 2018
The increasing and widespread adoption of voice technology is already beginning to establish its place as a major factor in travel. Read More
Tourlane $8.5M funding
News / Startups
Tourlane raises $8.5M to expand custom trip-planning platform
By Mitra Sorrells | March 23, 2018
Berlin-based Tourlane has secured $8.5 million to expand its service that combines the customized offerings of a traditional travel agent with the ease of online booking. Read More
TRVL raises $3.7 million, appoints ex-Expedia exec as CEO
News / Startups
TRVL raises $3.7 million, appoints ex-Expedia exec as CEO
By Kevin May | March 23, 2018
A juggling of senior roles and a $3.7 million cap-raise for TRVL, the Netherlands-based hotel booking platform with a twist. Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Q&A with Skyscanner's Filip Filipov
Interview / Online
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Q&A with Skyscanner's Filip Filipov
By PhocusWire | March 21, 2018
Ahead of the event, Filipov shares his thoughts on the biggest opportunity in online travel, what advice he'd give to new businesses and what's next for metasearch. Read More
Amazon’s multifaceted – and likely inevitable – path into travel
News / Online
Amazon’s multifaceted – and likely inevitable – path into travel
By Mitra Sorrells | March 21, 2018
It’s becoming clear that it’s no longer a question of “if” but rather of “when” and "how” Amazon will try to disrupt the travel industry.... again. Read More
hotelscombined-business-travel
News / Online
Hotelscombined targets corporate travel with new metasearch strategy
By Kevin May | March 21, 2018
Self-proclaimed "quiet achiever" of the travel metasearch engines, Hotelscombined, is shifting gears slightly with a new strategy to enter the world of corporate travel. Read More
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