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.

The AI cost trap: Why travel's big bet is getting expensive
News / Technology
The AI cost trap: Why travel's big bet is getting expensive
By Matthew Parsons | April 21, 2026
AI can improve efficiency in travel, but rising costs are complicating the value equation. Read More
Fliggy launches FlyAI developer platform for AI-powered travel applications
News / Technology
Fliggy launches FlyAI developer platform for AI-powered travel applications
By Cathy Walsh | April 20, 2026
The platform gives developers access to live travel data and a way to earn commissions from AI-driven bookings. Read More
Hyatt opens up ChatGPT to employees
News / Technology
Hyatt opens up ChatGPT to employees
By Linda Fox | April 20, 2026
Employees across finance, marketing and operations can access the artificial intelligence (AI) platform's capabilities to improve the customer experience. Read More
Startup Stage: First Wave AI automates hotel guest communications and revenue intelligence
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: First Wave AI automates hotel guest communications and revenue intelligence
By Cathy Walsh | April 20, 2026
The startup offers an AI platform that manages guest interactions across channels while providing staff support and operational insights. Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Omio, Mews, Spotnana and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Omio, Mews, Spotnana and more...
By PhocusWire | April 17, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
The biggest AI skills gap hotel teams can't afford to ignore
News / Technology
The biggest AI skills gap hotel teams can't afford to ignore
By Florian Montag - Apaleo | April 17, 2026
Florian Montag, SVP of revenue at Apaleo, argues that hotels must close the AI skills gap to adopt agentic AI successfully. Read More
Timeshifter raise brings jet lag app’s total funding to $5.3M
News / Online
Timeshifter raise brings jet lag app’s total funding to $5.3M
By Morgan Hines | April 16, 2026
The raise should speed the company’s expansion to healthcare and shift work but it remains committed to the jet lag vertical. Read More
Hotels are learning that ease is the new amenity
From Our Partners / Online
Hotels are learning that ease is the new amenity
By Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter, Amadeus Hospitality | April 16, 2026
New Amadeus research shows how traveler expectations are shifting toward ease, personalization and wellbeing—and what that means for hotels investing in AI and guest experience. Read More
SiteMinder links hotel inventory to AI booking channels via MCP
News / Technology
SiteMinder links hotel inventory to AI booking channels via MCP
By Cathy Walsh | April 15, 2026
Platform updates connect supplier and intermediary channels to AI-powered booking environments. Read More
Hoteliers feel pressure to transform as technology evolves
News / Technology
Hoteliers feel pressure to transform as technology evolves
By Morgan Hines | April 15, 2026
In its “Travel Dreams 2026” report, Amadeus explores hoteliers’ challenges, investment areas and more. Read More
Travelgate boosts offering with acquisition of AO UK
News / Technology
Travelgate boosts offering with acquisition of AO UK
By Linda Fox | April 14, 2026
AO U.K. offers AO Campaign combining product information management, digital asset management and master data management into one tool. Read More
The indulgent explorer: What drives premium travel decisions
News / Online
The indulgent explorer: What drives premium travel decisions
By Phocuswright Research | April 14, 2026
These travelers prioritize unique, hard-to-replicate experiences while carefully balancing cost, indulgence and overall trip value. Read More
Agentic commerce in travel: Preparing for the industry’s next big shift
From Our Partners / Technology
Agentic commerce in travel: Preparing for the industry’s next big shift
By Michelle Bruno | April 14, 2026
The report provides a look at how agentic AI is reshaping travel commerce and what travel merchants must do to prepare for the next phase of AI-driven discovery, booking and payment. Read More
AI reshapes luxury travel—but human expertise remains essential
News / Technology
AI reshapes luxury travel—but human expertise remains essential
By Marisa Garcia | April 14, 2026
AI is reshaping luxury travel through behind-the-scenes efficiency and personalization, but human expertise and high-touch service remain central. Read More
Almosafer adds AI travel planning with ChatGPT app
News / Technology
Almosafer adds AI travel planning with ChatGPT app
By Morgan Hines | April 10, 2026
Almosafer joins the list of travel brands that have launched ChatGPT apps as it continues its AI efforts. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026