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.

Hipmunk adds $15M to its coffers with new funding round
News / Online
Hipmunk adds $15M to its coffers with new funding round
By Kevin May | June 12, 2012
More funding news for travel startups with US-based air and hotel search service Hipmunk capturing a new round of financing to the tune of $15 million from Institutional Investment Partners. Read More
Are large hotel chains on the back foot when it comes to providing technology for guests?
News / Online
Are large hotel chains on the back foot when it comes to providing technology for guests?
By Viewpoints | June 12, 2012
For many years all that people wanted when they went on holiday was a comfortable bed in a nice, quiet, reasonably-priced place that was well located for whatever it was they wanted to do whilst... Read More
Tnooz-ITB Academy webinar VIDEO: Hotels and mobile – What is next?
Webinars / Online
Tnooz-ITB Academy webinar VIDEO: Hotels and mobile – What is next?
By Kevin May | June 7, 2012
Not many hoteliers or other travel brands would want to be labelled pirates - but that is exactly what the late Steve Jobs often said when describing disruption. Read More
China opens up again as state-owned TravelSky inks hotel distribution deal with Abacus
News / Online
China opens up again as state-owned TravelSky inks hotel distribution deal with Abacus
By Kevin May | June 7, 2012
Further evidence that the Chinese government-backed TravelSky is looking outward for partners with news that it has signed a hotel distribution deal with Abacus. Read More
How to optimise travel websites by watching how customers behave online
News / Online
How to optimise travel websites by watching how customers behave online
By Viewpoints | June 6, 2012
Travel is about choice. Where do you want to go today? What kind of experience do you want? Who do you want to take with you? Read More
Why do consumers follow or like travel brands in social media? For the discounts, alas
News / Online
Why do consumers follow or like travel brands in social media? For the discounts, alas
By Kevin May | June 6, 2012
Social media gurus (is that term trademarked now?) are often telling the industry that the social world is all about engagement with customers and creating communities, etc. Read More
Credit card safety and cyber attacks in travel - everyone must take responsibility
News / Online
Credit card safety and cyber attacks in travel - everyone must take responsibility
By Stephen Joyce | June 5, 2012
Cyber attacks and data breaches are on the rise, with some reports showing that restaurants, retail, and hospitality were top targets for criminals for the fourth year in a row. Read More
Philips gives augmented reality view of hotel rooms
News / Online
Philips gives augmented reality view of hotel rooms
By Kevin May | May 31, 2012
Maybe this is one of the novel ideas to emerge in the mix of hotels and technology: an application that gives property owners a view of what hi-tech entertainment-focused rooms will look like. Read More
What is driving the online impulse hotel buyer? [INFOGRAPHIC]
News / Online
What is driving the online impulse hotel buyer? [INFOGRAPHIC]
By Kevin May | May 30, 2012
Listen to the likes of Hotel Tonight in the US and Blink Booking in Europe and they will tell you that you the same-day booking via mobile model is becoming a major force. Read More
How to pre-open a hotel [Part Two of Two - distribution, revenue management, sales]
News / Online
How to pre-open a hotel [Part Two of Two - distribution, revenue management, sales]
By Patrick Landman | May 30, 2012
In the first part of this article we discussed tips for pre-opening a hotel, focussing on PR, the website and SEO. Read More
What Else? Thistle-Guoman joy, Rixos-TrustYou, Wego India, RateTiger changes
News / Online
What Else? Thistle-Guoman joy, Rixos-TrustYou, Wego India, RateTiger changes
By PhocusWire | May 30, 2012
Thistle and Guoman feel mobile bounty, Rixos signs with TrustYou, Wego launches in India, RateTiger strengthens management roles... What else is happening in travel tech around the world. Read More
Social media-loving Ibiza clubbers can now pay at their hotel using fingerprints
News / Online
Social media-loving Ibiza clubbers can now pay at their hotel using fingerprints
By Kevin May | May 29, 2012
Lavished with praise and envy in equal measure by some last year for its RFID tag-driven, social media frenzy for clubbers, Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel is at it again. Read More
Asia hotel prices - May to July 2012
News / Online
Asia hotel prices - May to July 2012
By PhocusWire | May 28, 2012
Data trends on cheapest hotel rates as well as median rate for three months of three, four and five star hotels across some of the major cities in Asia. Read More
How to pre-open a hotel [Part One of Two - social media and digital marketing]
News / Online
How to pre-open a hotel [Part One of Two - social media and digital marketing]
By Patrick Landman | May 23, 2012
The pre-opening phase of a new hotel is both a big challenge and a great opportunity at the same time. Read More
Last night a DJ saved my... hotel?
News / Online
Last night a DJ saved my... hotel?
By Kevin May | May 21, 2012
While some hotel chains focus on Facebook and other social media channels for promotions, W Hotels is taking a different approach by making use of its entertainment offering. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026