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.

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
Airbnb officially opens up platform to hotel distribution
News / Distribution
Airbnb officially opens up platform to hotel distribution
By Kevin May | February 7, 2018
Airbnb is to allow hotels and other accommodation providers to list on the site for the first time through an official third party distribution network. Read More
Nordic Choice blockchain test Winding Tree
News / Technology
Q&A: How - and why - Nordic Choice Hotels is testing blockchain
By Mitra Sorrells | February 7, 2018
Could an open-source blockchain-based distribution system stimulate innovative solutions from travel industry startups, provide more choices to travelers, and drive more revenue to suppliers?  Read More
Google new nav bar hotel search
News / Online
Google simplifies travel search, leads for partners with new all-in-one mobile upgrade
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2018
Google is adding new features to its travel search functions to add ease and speed for mobile users. Read More
Online travel agency fightback: Tactics to lure direct bookings
Opinion / Distribution
Online travel agency fightback: Tactics to lure direct bookings
By Max Starkov - HEBS Digital | February 6, 2018
As the travel planning journey continues to become increasingly more complex, hoteliers need to be looking for more impactful ways to engage and retain their best potential guests. Read More
Bing Phocuswright digital travel marketing study
News / Online
What travel marketers need to know for digital engagement
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2018
Travel marketers should fine-tune digital strategies to attract new customers and reinforce loyalty among existing ones as they strive to prevail in the competitive landscape of online travel agencies,... Read More
phocuswright research otas
News / Distribution
Research Spotlight: OTAs, the big getting even bigger
By PhocusWire | February 5, 2018
Competition to online travel agencies no longer comes from fellow OTAs and traditional suppliers. Read More
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