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.

Phocuswright Europe 2026: Navigating the new era
News / Online
Phocuswright Europe 2026: Navigating the new era
By PhocusWire | May 4, 2026
The Barcelona conference will examine how artificial intelligence, distribution shifts and changing traveler expectations are reshaping travel strategy. Read More
Hyatt talks up internal AI uses cases, efficiency
News / Technology
Hyatt talks up internal AI uses cases, efficiency
By Linda Fox | April 30, 2026
Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian discussed the opportunity for AI to make the company more efficient and more effective in Q1 2026 earnings. Read More
DirectBooker announces hotel partners, ChatGPT app
News / Distribution
DirectBooker announces hotel partners, ChatGPT app
By Linda Fox | April 30, 2026
DirectBooker, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Startup for 2026, has also launched an app in ChatGPT and a connector in Claude. Read More
Hospitality's tech crossroads: Staying human in an increasingly digital industry
From Our Partners / Technology
Hospitality's tech crossroads: Staying human in an increasingly digital industry
By PhocusWire | April 30, 2026
Find out how hotels and travel agencies can adopt technology without losing the human relationships at the core of hospitality. Read More
Ixigo launches three ChatGPT apps
News / Technology
Ixigo launches three ChatGPT apps
By Cathy Walsh | April 30, 2026
The India-based online travel company has added ChatGPT apps across ixigo, AbhiBus and ConfirmTkt, allowing users to search and compare travel options in a conversational interface. Read More
Uber adds hotels, leans on loyalty to drive bookings
News / Technology
Uber adds hotels, leans on loyalty to drive bookings
By Morgan Hines | April 29, 2026
Uber is pushing to become a super app as it expands to offer hotels, voice booking and more. Read More
Hilton to bring app to more AI platforms
News / Distribution
Hilton to bring app to more AI platforms
By Linda Fox | April 29, 2026
Hilton unveiled an Anthropic-powered AI trip planner in March. Read More
Travel by B Corp launches citizen science toolkit for travel companies
News / Online
Travel by B Corp launches citizen science toolkit for travel companies
By Cathy Walsh | April 29, 2026
Developed with Nova School of Business and Economics, the guide outlines how travel brands can structure guest participation in scientific research. Read More
Booking Holdings’ play to keep travelers in ecosystem with AI
News / Finance
Booking Holdings’ play to keep travelers in ecosystem with AI
By Morgan Hines | April 28, 2026
The company shared strong Q1 results, AI updates and its outlook on the conflict in the Middle East. Read More
Travel loyalty has a customer measurement problem—payments data is the fix
News / Online
Travel loyalty has a customer measurement problem—payments data is the fix
By Prashant Shah - Galileo Financial Technologies | April 27, 2026
Prashant Shah, VP of product management at Galileo Financial Technologies, argues travel loyalty programs must use payments data beyond credit cards to identify and retain high-value customers. Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Virgin Atlantic, GetYourGuide, ATPCO and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Virgin Atlantic, GetYourGuide, ATPCO and more...
By PhocusWire | April 24, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
How the 2026 Middle East conflict is reshaping travel demand
From Our Partners / Online
How the 2026 Middle East conflict is reshaping travel demand
By John Matson, Propellic | April 23, 2026
Find out how search data can help travel sellers know what to do next. Read More
Hotels risk invisibility as AI reshapes travel discovery
News / Technology
Hotels risk invisibility as AI reshapes travel discovery
By Cathy Walsh | April 23, 2026
Research points to a gap in hotel AI visibility, driven by fragmented data, thin content and inconsistent signals across the web. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Jeremy Sampson of The Travel Foundation
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Jeremy Sampson of The Travel Foundation
By Linda Fox | April 22, 2026
Jeremy Sampson of The Travel Foundation shares where the industry is with its sustainability attitudes and efforts. Read More
What it takes to make AI work at scale in travel
From Our Partners / Technology
What it takes to make AI work at scale in travel
By Gaëlle Bristiel, Amadeus | April 21, 2026
As AI reaches an inflection point in travel, success will depend on reliable execution, neutral orchestration and systems built to operate accurately at scale. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026