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.

Chinese web travel brand Mafengwo raises $133M
News / Online
Chinese web travel brand Mafengwo raises $133M
By Kevin May | December 12, 2017
Another major capital-raise heading to a Chinese online travel agency - this time it's $133 million in the pockets of Mafengwo. Read More
hilton new mobile hotel
News / Technology
Hilton unveils first mobile-focused hotel room
By Jill Menze | December 11, 2017
Much like Marriott’s “hotel room of the future,” Hilton has debuted what it’s billing as the first mobile-centric hotel room with its “Connected Room.” Read More
VIDEO: Breathing new life into distribution of hotels
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Breathing new life into distribution of hotels
By Kevin May | December 11, 2017
We are forever hearing that the hotel model is under threat from, well, basically everything and everyone. Read More
Evolving nature of travelers using online agencies
News / Online
Evolving nature of travelers using online agencies
By Jill Menze | December 8, 2017
While the bleisure traveler – someone who extends business trips into vacations – is on the rise, new statistics show that live events play a big factor in decision making. Read More
Goal for web travel brands should be the human touch
News / Technology
Goal for web travel brands should be the human touch
By Jill Menze | December 8, 2017
The holy grail for online travel agencies is how to recreate the experience of personal recommendations. Read More
Hotels should "adjust the model" in Airbnb battle
News / Online
Hotels should "adjust the model" in Airbnb battle
By Jill Menze | December 7, 2017
"Airbnb is coming for our kids," hospitality and nightclub legend Ian Schrager has cautioned the industry in a major speech this week. Read More
Expedia rolls out MICE tech tool to the US
News / Technology
Expedia rolls out MICE tech tool to the US
By Bernadette Giacomazzo | December 6, 2017
In an effort to streamline the booking process for hotels and meeting planners, Expedia is rolling out its automated MICE online booking engine in the United States. Read More
Amadeus ramps up hotel options with Expedia Affiliate Network deal
News / Distribution
Amadeus ramps up hotel options with Expedia Affiliate Network deal
By Kevin May | December 6, 2017
Amadeus claims to have 750,000 unique properties in its portfolio of hotels, thanks to a deal struck this week with the Expedia Affiliate Network. Read More
Business travelers take booking freedom, age differences ease
News / Technology
Business travelers take booking freedom, age differences ease
By Bernadette Giacomazzo | December 6, 2017
A new study on European business traveler preferences offers new insight on booking behaviors across age groups and country. Read More
Hoteliers must pressure OTAs in competition for direct bookings
From Our Partners / Distribution
Hoteliers must pressure OTAs in competition for direct bookings
By Patrick Bosworth - Duetto | December 4, 2017
At The Phocuswright Conference last month, I heard plenty of chatter from hoteliers about the major online travel agencies reporting rough quarterly results and the subsequent drops in share prices. Read More
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
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