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.

Duve to launch ChatGPT tool for guest communications
News / Technology
Duve to launch ChatGPT tool for guest communications
By Linda Fox | March 27, 2023
The company, which plans to launch DuveAI in the second quarter of this year, says it will enable “hoteliers and hosts to interact with their guests like never before.” Read More
ota-marketing-spend-22
News / Online
Online travel giants spent more than $14B on marketing in '22
By Mitra Sorrells | March 27, 2023
Combined marketing spending by Booking Holdings, Expedia Group, Airbnb and Trip.com Group exceeded 2019 levels in 2022. Read More
travel talk roi hotel investment
News / Online
Travel Talk: How the ROI of hotel business is shifting
By PhocusWire | March 27, 2023
Jeffrey Weinstein, editor in chief of the recently launched Hotel Investment Today, speaks about how the hospitality sector has rebounded from the recession and what’s on the horizon.  Read More
amadeus-traveler-tribes-cwtl
From Our Partners / Online
Serving the hotel guest of the future
By Francisco Pérez-Lozao Ruter - Amadeus Hospitality | March 27, 2023
With the right data and an open, connected ecosystem, hoteliers can meet the needs of travelers across every step of their journey. Read More
Placemakr unlocks $65M for mixed-use hospitality concept
News / Startups
Placemakr unlocks $65M for mixed-use hospitality concept
By Linda Fox | March 21, 2023
Investment in the flexible-use property specialist comes from Highland Capital Partners, Harbert Growth Partners, Bernstein Management Corp., Camber Creek and Gaw Capital. Read More
citi-booking-platform-launch
News / Online
Citi’s new travel portal powered by Booking Holdings goes live
By Mitra Sorrells | March 21, 2023
The site includes supply from Booking.com – such as 1.4 million hotels around the world - and is powered by technology from Rocket Travel by Agoda, another of Booking Holdings’ brands. Read More
OYO creates accelerator to help India hoteliers expand
News / Distribution
OYO creates accelerator to help India hoteliers expand
By Linda Fox | March 21, 2023
The aim of the program, which plans to accept 30 hoteliers initially, is to help hoteliers expand more rapidly. Read More
Operto lands $25M, adds HotelTonight's Shank to board
News / Technology
Operto lands $25M, adds HotelTonight's Shank to board
By Linda Fox | March 20, 2023
The investment in the Canada-based startup was led by Centana Growth Partners with Thayer Ventures, FUSE, Blackpines Capital Partners and Derive Ventures also participating. Read More
SITA tests app to let travelers digitally cross border
News / Technology
SITA tests app to let travelers digitally cross border
By Mitra Sorrells | March 20, 2023
The program, managed by SITA and Indicio in partnership with Aruba Tourism Authority, is an extension of work the organizations began at the start of the pandemic to create a blockchain-based app to... Read More
travel-talk-travel-fully-back
News / Online
Travel Talk: Is travel fully back?
By PhocusWire | March 20, 2023
While most industry sectors have been rebounding, travel experts suggest areas where caution may be merited.     Read More
mastercard-sponsored-payment-trends
From Our Partners / Online
Cross-sector collaboration key to success for travel industry
By PhocusWire | March 20, 2023
 Hear from Mastercard about shifts in payment strategies and why cross-sector partnerships are so critical for the future. Read More
Jerne Startup Stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Jerne connects travel companies with social media creators
By Kathryn Walson | March 20, 2023
Jerne is an SaaS platform for creators and experience providers to manage their relationships, navigate commercial agreements and track affiliate sales and marketing ROI. Read More
pcw-social-influencers
News / Online
Influencers and social commerce in travel
By Robert Cole - Phocuswright | March 17, 2023
An in-depth Phocuswright report looks at how social marketing has evolved, how consumers interact with brands and nuanced differences for travel. Read More
despegar-q4-2022
News / Online
Despegar sees Latin America market recovery by year end
By Linda Fox | March 16, 2023
Despegar has launched packages functionality and redesigned its mobile app, which currently accounts for about half of bookings. Read More
Tripadvisor CMO talks travel marketing, membership, video
News / Online
Tripadvisor CMO talks travel marketing, membership, video
By Linda Fox | March 16, 2023
Tripadvisor's chief marketing officer John Boris, who joined the company in late 2022, shares more on the company's strategy as well as his thoughts on the state of travel marketing. Read More