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.

What products need development, according to Expedia Group
News / Technology
What products need development, according to Expedia Group
By Morgan Hines | June 24, 2025
Shilpa Ranganathan, chief product officer of Expedia Group, said there are three areas that could benefit from more development, product-wise. Read More
Hotels grapple with ‘secondary OTAs’ for pricing control
News / Distribution
Hotels grapple with ‘secondary OTAs’ for pricing control
By Matthew Parsons | June 24, 2025
There's been a “channel shift” back to the OTAs and other digital avenues, but hotels are starting to lose control of their rates. Read More
Travel industry veteran Alex Zoghlin appointed CEO of Duetto
News / Online
Travel industry veteran Alex Zoghlin appointed CEO of Duetto
By Morgan Hines | June 23, 2025
David Woolenberg is stepping down as CEO of Duetto, with Alex Zoghlin appointed to the role, effective immediately. Read More
Startup Stage: Whereo helps hotels drive revenue from experiences
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Whereo helps hotels drive revenue from experiences
By Linda Fox | June 23, 2025
Newly launched aggregator Whereo helps travelers discover hotels' unique offers and experiences. Read More
Sophisticated scams are on the rise: How travel brands can secure trust
News / Technology
Sophisticated scams are on the rise: How travel brands can secure trust
By Morgan Hines | June 23, 2025
The list of cyber threats to travel brands such as phishing, credential stuffing and nation state attacks is growing as artificial intelligence advances. Read More
Visit Group acquires hospitality tech provider GODO
News / Technology
Visit Group acquires hospitality tech provider GODO
By Linda Fox | June 19, 2025
Visit Group said the deal boosts its presence in the Nordic region and speeds up its strategy to create a platform that helps hotels and experiences drive direct sales, cost efficient distribution and... Read More
Hotels prioritize direct bookings but lack data clarity, report finds
News / Distribution
Hotels prioritize direct bookings but lack data clarity, report finds
By Abby Crotty | June 18, 2025
The 2025 report included data from 21,000 anonymous survey respondents, representing over 700 hotel brands across 310 cities. Read More
Where travel brands go wrong with loyalty
News / Online
Where travel brands go wrong with loyalty
By Morgan Hines | June 18, 2025
Loyalty experts weigh in on how programs could be improved in the travel industry, AI, blockchain, personalization and more. Read More
Agilysys, Duetto, Zucchetti North America and more hospitality news from HITEC 2025
News / Technology
Agilysys, Duetto, Zucchetti North America and more hospitality news from HITEC 2025
By PhocusWire | June 17, 2025
At HITEC 2025, technology companies unveiled their latest innovations for the hospitality industry, including several integrating artificial intelligence. Read More
Exoticca unveils AI-powered SmartFare technology
News / Technology
Exoticca unveils AI-powered SmartFare technology
By Linda Fox | June 17, 2025
Exoticca said the technology can filter 6.5 million flights daily by factors including duration, layovers and price, to find the best option for travelers. Read More
DerbySoft launches flight technology solution
News / Technology
DerbySoft launches flight technology solution
By Morgan Hines | June 17, 2025
Jason Sui, who co-founded PKFare which was acquired by DerbySoft last year, will take the reins as divisional CEO for flights at DerbySoft. Read More
Greg O'Hara on AI freeing up time and wishing NDC would happen
News / Online
Greg O'Hara on AI freeing up time and wishing NDC would happen
By Abby Crotty | June 17, 2025
Certares founder and senior managing director Greg O'Hara shared his candid opinions on the travel industry in an executive interview at Phocuswright Europe 2025. Read More
Sabre Hospitality extends AI to booking engine
News / Technology
Sabre Hospitality extends AI to booking engine
By Linda Fox | June 16, 2025
Sabre Hospitality is helping hotels to improve communications with guests and boost conversions by integrating its Concierge.AI tool with its SynXis booking engine. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amex GBT, Sabre, Accelya and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Amex GBT, Sabre, Accelya and more...
By PhocusWire | June 13, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry.   Read More
Breaking down experiences in the travel sector
News / Online
Breaking down experiences in the travel sector
By Abby Crotty | June 13, 2025
Industry leaders from Amadeus, Booking.com and Hyatt weighed in on strategies, challenges and best practices surrounding experience sales. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026