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.

PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, Agoda, BizTrip AI and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Airbnb, Agoda, BizTrip AI and more...
By PhocusWire | May 8, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Expedia Group hits record Q1 profitability amid AI overhaul
News / Finance
Expedia Group hits record Q1 profitability amid AI overhaul
By Morgan Hines | May 7, 2026
CEO Ariane Gorin shared concrete examples of how AI has driven performance across the business. Read More
Trivago files antitrust suit against Google
News / Online
Trivago files antitrust suit against Google
By Morgan Hines | May 6, 2026
The company has raised concerns about Google’s use of its dominance in search to direct travelers away from other metasearch platforms. Read More
Journey acquires experiences platform Epicurate
News / Finance
Journey acquires experiences platform Epicurate
By Cathy Walsh | May 6, 2026
The deal adds dining, wellness and other services to Journey’s loyalty platform for independent hotels and short-term rentals. Read More
CEO Spotlight: Gonzalo Estebarena of Despegar
Interview / Online
CEO Spotlight: Gonzalo Estebarena of Despegar
By Linda Fox | May 6, 2026
Despegar's CEO Gonzalo Estebarena discusses the Prosus acquisition, internal and external AI developments and growth plans. Read More
Smartness raises €47M Series B for lodging AI growth
News / Finance
Smartness raises €47M Series B for lodging AI growth
By Cathy Walsh | May 5, 2026
The Italy-based lodging technology provider aims to expand across Europe through organic growth and acquisitions. Read More
Top-level takeaways on the Italy travel market
News / Online
Top-level takeaways on the Italy travel market
By Phocuswright Research | May 5, 2026
Even amid geopolitical uncertainty, Italy’s broad appeal, strong domestic alternatives and ongoing digitalization continue to support long-term growth. Read More
How travel companies are approaching agentic AI
News / Technology
How travel companies are approaching agentic AI
By Mark Frary | May 5, 2026
Travel companies are exploring how AI agents can support internal workflows and operational tasks, while setting limits on autonomy for customer-facing tools. Read More
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
The Phocuswright Conference 2026