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.

One job in hospitality that technology cannot replace
News / Technology
One job in hospitality that technology cannot replace
By Jeri Clausing - Travel Weekly | December 3, 2017
Even with the most advanced technology, there's still one role no good luxury or upscale hotel can do without: its concierge. Read More
asia-pacific-traveler-trends
From Our Partners / Online
Expedia Media Solutions on the Asia-Pacific traveler
By PhocusWire | November 29, 2017
The digital behaviour of travelers in China, Japan and Australia was the subject of a recent study by Expedia Media Solutions. Read More
homeaway-travel-mission2
News / Technology
VIDEO: HomeAway on new eras in technology
By Kevin May | November 29, 2017
One of the most thought provoking talks during The Phocuswright Conference came courtesy of John Kim, president of HomeAway. Read More
Social media and wellness: how hotels take advantage
News / Online
Social media and wellness: how hotels take advantage
By Jill Menze | November 28, 2017
As wellness-focused content rapidly grows via social media, the trend is also impacting both hotel revenues and guest experience. Read More
genius-mathematics
Opinion / Distribution
Booking.com Genius on metasearch - genius move, perhaps not for hotels
By Pablo Delgado - Mirai | November 28, 2017
With barely any opposition from hotels, Booking.com is taking big steps to continue growing and capturing sales for your hotel which are currently coming in through other channels, including your own... Read More
PCwire-studio-2017
News / Startups
VIDEO: PhocusWire PundIT Show - Episode 8
By Kevin May | November 27, 2017
With almost three days of activity on-stage and lots of gossip in the hallways, our three guests have plenty to summarise from The Phocuswright Conference. Read More
amadeus-report
Interview / Distribution
In The Big Chair - Luis Maroto of Amadeus
By Kevin May | November 27, 2017
Almost 20 years - the last six as global leader - have seen the former-Bertelsmann exec push the company into new areas and list on the public markets. He tells Kevin May how the company views the... Read More
guest-room-future
News / Technology
Tech giants enlisted for hotel room of the future
By Bernadette Giacomazzo | November 24, 2017
The IoT Guestroom Lab is part of Marriott's commitment to global sustainability. Read More
pundit-show-chairs
News / Startups
VIDEO: PhocusWire PundIT Show - Episode 7
By Kevin May | November 23, 2017
The penultimate outing of the special PundIT Shows at The Phocuswright Conference is a terrific episode. Read More
Airbnb takes aim at Marriott and other hotel chains
News / Online
Airbnb takes aim at Marriott and other hotel chains
By Bernadette Giacomazzo | November 23, 2017
Airbnb is on the warpath - with a number of hotel chains receiving letters from the company this week. Read More
stocks-travel
News / Online
VIDEO: What the heck happened to online travel stocks?
By Kevin May | November 22, 2017
It was obvious to anyone who was there that the mood changed considerably about half way through the event. Read More
Best Western Tech Improvements
News / Technology
Best Western says only smart tech will do
By Bernadette Giacomazzo | November 21, 2017
Chief digital officer Greg Adams shares the hotel franchise's plans for an improved tech infrastructure. Read More
pundit-show-microphone
News / Startups
VIDEO: PhocusWire PundIT Show - Episode 6
By Kevin May | November 20, 2017
Redeam was the talk of the show - at least the first half of it - at The Phocuswright Conference 2017. Read More
google-football
News / Online
Where are Google's travel search ambitions?
By Kevin May | November 17, 2017
It’s beginning to feel like a different era when Google bought ITA Software in 2010 for $700 million. Read More
fist-bumps
News / Startups
VIDEO: PhocusWire PundIT Show - Episode 5
By Kevin May | November 16, 2017
Fresh from selling Trip.com to Ctrip, Travis Katz joins the PundIT Show with two other luminaries to discuss various matters of state. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026