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.

Turning visitor data into intelligence for travel marketing
From Our Partners / Online
Turning visitor data into intelligence for travel marketing
By PhocusWire | July 15, 2025
This new five-part video series from Zartico provides expert insights for travel marketers on how to effectively use visitor intelligence to drive growth. Read More
Instagram's Google integration: A game changer for travel marketing
Opinion / Online
Instagram's Google integration: A game changer for travel marketing
By Mario Gavira | July 15, 2025
Mario Gavira discusses Instagram's Google integration, calling the implications "profound" amid the visual storytelling era. Read More
Industry leaders on the future of digital identity and AI agents
News / Technology
Industry leaders on the future of digital identity and AI agents
By Abby Crotty | July 14, 2025
During a session at Phocuswright Europe 2025, industry leaders discussed the impact of digital identity wallets and how AI will come into play. Read More
European hotels show interest in AI but gaps remain
News / Technology
European hotels show interest in AI but gaps remain
By Abby Crotty | July 11, 2025
A survey of over 1,500 European hotels confirmed there is interest in AI, but uptake is stalled by practical challenges. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Mindtrip, Civitatis, Tripadvisor and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Mindtrip, Civitatis, Tripadvisor and more...
By PhocusWire | July 11, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Keeping an eye on the long-tail of luxury travel
News / Technology
Keeping an eye on the long-tail of luxury travel
By Linda Fox | July 11, 2025
"Aspiring" luxury travelers, who make up 35% of the luxury market, are the segment to watch according to COMO Hotels. Read More
Turning AI potential into smart deployment in travel
From Our Partners / Technology
Turning AI potential into smart deployment in travel
By PhocusWire | July 9, 2025
Wenrix chief strategy officer Rob Brown explains what it takes to move from AI experimentation to scalable execution. Read More
Startup Stage: Kismet wants to bring hotels to conversational search
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Kismet wants to bring hotels to conversational search
By Abby Crotty | July 9, 2025
Kismet, founded just last year, wants to help hotels leverage AI to boost sales. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Uli Pillau of Apaleo
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Uli Pillau of Apaleo
By Abby Crotty | July 9, 2025
Uli Pillau, CEO and founder of Apaleo, shares his thoughts on the latest AI initiatives, the hospitality industry tech stack and more. Read More
Sabre closes $1.1 billion sale of hospitality business
News / Technology
Sabre closes $1.1 billion sale of hospitality business
By Abby Crotty | July 8, 2025
Sabre said it will use profits from the sale to pay down debt, optimize its portfolio and foster long-term growth. Read More
4 ways travel companies can build resilience
Opinion / Online
4 ways travel companies can build resilience
By Emily Weiss - Accenture | July 7, 2025
Accenture's Emily Weiss lays our four areas where travel leaders should focus their time, effort and resources in order to build resilience. Read More
AI for hoteliers: What we heard at HITEC 2025
News / Technology
AI for hoteliers: What we heard at HITEC 2025
By Abby Crotty | July 7, 2025
Industry professionals shared their thoughts on how AI is being used in the hotel sector—and why hoteliers are hesitant to really dive in. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Casago, SITA, Duetto and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Casago, SITA, Duetto and more...
By PhocusWire | July 3, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Startup Stage: StaySaavy wants to ensure guests don't overpay for hotel stays
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: StaySaavy wants to ensure guests don't overpay for hotel stays
By Abby Crotty | July 2, 2025
Powered by artificial intelligence, StaySaavy monitors hotel prices in real time and rebooks travelers' accommodations if the price drops. Read More
Hospitality tech leaders talk investment, incumbents and AI
News / Technology
Hospitality tech leaders talk investment, incumbents and AI
By Linda Fox | July 2, 2025
The leaders of hospitality tech companies Hostaway, Lighthouse and Mews discussed growth strategies and technology developments during a session at Phocuswright Europe 2025. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026