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 hoteliers can adapt to survive the AI discovery shift
News / Technology
How hoteliers can adapt to survive the AI discovery shift
By Morgan Hines | July 29, 2026
As travelers swap traditional search for generative engines, hospitality brands must restructure data layers and content. Read More
The travel startup funding deals and acquisitions that stood out in Q2
News / Finance
The travel startup funding deals and acquisitions that stood out in Q2
By Linda Fox | July 28, 2026
The appetite for travel startup funding was limited in Q2, with more activity in mergers and acquisitions. Read More
TravelAI acquires Sonder brand, relaunches Sonder.com
News / Online
TravelAI acquires Sonder brand, relaunches Sonder.com
By Abby Crotty | July 27, 2026
Last November, Sonder announced a wind down of operations and filed for bankruptcy after Marriott ended its licensing agreement with the STR specialist. Read More
Hospitality executives on foundations before AI, industry readiness
News / Online
Hospitality executives on foundations before AI, industry readiness
By Linda Fox | July 27, 2026
Executives from Cendyn HomeToGo and Penta Hotels discussed the impact of AI on hospitality marketing at Phocuswright Europe 2026. Read More
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: American Airlines, Spotnana, Hostaway and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: American Airlines, Spotnana, Hostaway and more...
By PhocusWire | July 24, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Google fined €890M by European regulator in DMA breaches
News / Online
Google fined €890M by European regulator in DMA breaches
By Linda Fox | July 23, 2026
In its decision, the commission said the search giant gives its own services more prominence in search by using, for example, “enhanced visuals and filters.” Read More
Visiting Media, HotelPORT partner to help hotels improve content across digital channels
News / Online
Visiting Media, HotelPORT partner to help hotels improve content across digital channels
By Abby Crotty | July 23, 2026
The companies plan to audit OTA listings, brand websites, event content and immersive experiences to identify opportunities for improvement.   Read More
Aer Lingus employee wins AI challenge with hotel concierge for standby flyers
News / Technology
Aer Lingus employee wins AI challenge with hotel concierge for standby flyers
By PhocusWire | July 23, 2026
An Aer Lingus digital product manager won RouteStack’s AI build challenge with StandByStay, a hotel concierge for airline employees flying standby. Read More
13% is the number that explains why OTAs need hotels to keep working
News / Online
13% is the number that explains why OTAs need hotels to keep working
By Phocuswright Research | July 23, 2026
This report is part of the U.S. Travel Market Report 2026 series, which includes matching essentials on airlines, hotels, car rental, cruise and packaged travel. Read More
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