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.

How travel booking is moving from search to intent
From Our Partners / Technology
How travel booking is moving from search to intent
By PhocusWire | July 22, 2026
Erez Bousso, founder and CEO of Move, speaks with Phocuswright’s Mitra Sorrells about intent-based travel commerce, AI booking infrastructure and how travel may move beyond traditional search. Read More
Research suggests tours are the most prepared for AI search
News / Technology
Research suggests tours are the most prepared for AI search
By Abby Crotty | July 21, 2026
An audit performed by Obvlo found that only 23 out of 100 travel brands were AI ready. Read More
EU digital ID initiatives gather momentum, user familiarity lags
News / Technology
EU digital ID initiatives gather momentum, user familiarity lags
By Linda Fox | July 20, 2026
By the end of 2026, countries in Europe must provide an EUDI Wallet to citizens. Are consumers and the travel industry ready? Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Expedia Group, Apaleo, Klook and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Expedia Group, Apaleo, Klook and more...
By PhocusWire | July 17, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Travel startup investors look beyond AI hype
News / Startups
Travel startup investors look beyond AI hype
By Abby Crotty | July 17, 2026
In the challenging funding environment, travel startups are demonstrating differentiation and value to attract investors. Read More
A market rewired: 10 structural shifts redefining APAC travel
News / Online
A market rewired: 10 structural shifts redefining APAC travel
By Phocuswright Research | July 14, 2026
Travel in APAC is shifting—and it's no longer focused on one direction. Read More
APAC hotel distribution sees slower growth as regional OTAs rise
News / Distribution
APAC hotel distribution sees slower growth as regional OTAs rise
By WiT | July 14, 2026
D-Edge's recent analysis shows booking growth cooling to 2.7%, Agoda pulling ahead of Booking.com and wholesalers more than tripling their market share in three years.   Read More
Hospitality’s agentic AI challenge is moving from creation to management
Opinion / Technology
Hospitality’s agentic AI challenge is moving from creation to management
By Cole Rubin - Conduit | July 13, 2026
Conduit CEO Cole Rubin outlines the next steps for hospitality operators as AI agents assume more responsibility. Read More
Why the booking layer is the real test for AI in travel
From Our Partners / Distribution
Why the booking layer is the real test for AI in travel
By PhocusWire | July 9, 2026
Mike Putman, founder and CEO of Custom Travel Solutions, discusses AI travel agents, direct supplier APIs, legacy distribution and why the booking step remains a critical challenge. Read More
Will AI commoditize the hospitality sector?
News / Technology
Will AI commoditize the hospitality sector?
By Morgan Hines | July 9, 2026
As AI tools become ubiquitous, technology could cease to be a differentiator, according to hospitality industry leaders. Read More
Mews cuts 15% of workforce as AI changes 'economics of hospitality'
News / Technology
Mews cuts 15% of workforce as AI changes 'economics of hospitality'
By Linda Fox | July 7, 2026
A spokesperson for the company said the cuts were across all teams and geographies, adding that customer-facing roles were largely unaffected. Read More
Amid $1B tech revamp, Marriott readies next steps in distribution
News / Technology
Amid $1B tech revamp, Marriott readies next steps in distribution
By BTN | July 7, 2026
Marriott International EVP and chief revenue and technology officer Drew Pinto discusses the hotel company's tech updates, its stance on corporate travel partners and more in conversation with BTN. Read More
Why hotel AI needs more than generic answers
From Our Partners / Technology
Why hotel AI needs more than generic answers
By PhocusWire | July 7, 2026
Juanjo Rodriguez, chief AI officer at Lighthouse, discusses hotel data, domain-specific AI, revenue management and why connected systems matter for hospitality’s next phase. Read More
Startup Stage: Hotel Splitter builds hotel booking platform around split stays
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Hotel Splitter builds hotel booking platform around split stays
By Cathy Walsh | July 6, 2026
The startup compares traditional hotel bookings with multi-hotel itineraries, aiming to reduce accommodation costs on longer city breaks.   Read More
Beyond the app: How wearable AI is rewiring the global travel tech stack
News / Technology
Beyond the app: How wearable AI is rewiring the global travel tech stack
By Alex Levin - L+R | July 6, 2026
Alex Levin, founding partner at L+R, argues that wearable artificial intelligence will replace mobile apps as the primary interface for travel, requiring the industry to rethink its technology... Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026