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.

itb-berlin-2023
From Our Partners / Online
ITB Berlin returns in-person for first time since 2019
By ITB Berlin | February 14, 2023
ITB Berlin returns to Messe Berlin March 7 to 9 with travel tech providers from more than 30 countries. Read More
TBO acquires 100 percent BookaBed
News / Online
TBO acquires 100% stake in Bookabed
By Kathryn Walson | February 14, 2023
Founded in 2004, Bookabed will remain under the leadership of CEO Karl Tyrrell CEO. Read More
travel Santorini
Opinion / Online
January bookings indicate growing traveler confidence for 2023
By Melanie Brown - Key Data | February 13, 2023
Vacation rental bookings made in the first three weeks of January saw a dramatic increase compared with 2022.  Read More
EV Hotels Crypto Ballroom
Interview / Technology
Q&A: EV Hotels’ vision to serve “technology travelers”
By Derek Catron | February 9, 2023
EV Hotels bills itself as the first smart hotel brand with experiences in crypto and NFT.   Read More
Trivago sees big opportunity in direct hotel booking
News / Online
Trivago sees big opportunity in direct hotel booking
By Linda Fox | February 8, 2023
Trivago says that the “value of metasearch has increased” in the current environment as consumers are more interested in comparing offers and searching for savings. Read More
travel searching with map
Opinion / Online
From AI to Google: 5 truths for travel marketers in 2023
By Jared Alster - Dune7 | February 8, 2023
Generative AI can be a friend - or a foe - and don't look for Google to be unseated as the top search engine for travelers. Read More
Mobile gross bookings projected to surge in NE Asia led by South Korea
News / Distribution
Mobile gross bookings projected to surge in NE Asia led by South Korea
By Phocuswright Research | February 7, 2023
South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau are preparing for a travel rebound with the rebuilding of air connectivity across Asia Pacific markets. Read More
makemytrip-q3-2023-earnings
News / Online
MakeMyTrip optimistic about future as India invests in airports, highways
By Mitra Sorrells | February 7, 2023
MakeMyTrip's gross bookings for the past quarter were valued at $1.74 billion, an increase of more than 64% year-over-year. Read More
Future traveler segments and the forces forging them
News / Technology
Future traveler segments and the forces forging them
By Linda Fox | February 7, 2023
A new Amadeus study defines different groups of travelers and gauges their attitudes toward travel in 2033. Read More
Increased business travel and spending anticipated in 2023
News / Distribution
Increased business travel and spending anticipated in 2023
By Linda Fox | February 6, 2023
Business travel spending is at 68% of pre-COVID levels for domestic bookings and 58% for international. Read More
autonomous-vehicles-go-car
News / Technology
Autonomous vehicles break into tours and attractions
By Kathryn Walson | February 6, 2023
GoCar is preparing to roll out self-driving electric vehicles, with a Las Vegas demonstration tentatively scheduled for March 10.   Read More
mirai-hotel-direct-op-ed
Opinion / Distribution
How much are hotels losing by not controlling prices?
By Pablo Sánchez - Mirai | February 3, 2023
Analysis by Mirai finds that hotels that reduce disparities and improve pricing compared to OTAs almost automatically get more impressions, clicks and direct bookings.   Read More
untours-foundation-reset-tourism
News / Startups
UnTours Foundation plans $10M investment for better tourism future
By Linda Fox | February 2, 2023
The foundation's partners include Expedia Group, TUI Care Foundation, Adventure Travel Trade Association, Flywire and B Tourism. Read More
mondee-acquires-orinter
News / Online
Mondee gains foothold in Brazil with Orinter acquisition
By Linda Fox | February 1, 2023
Mondee, which went public via special purpose acquisition company in July 2022, sees Brazil as a "natural expansion opportunity." Read More
traveler-wellbeing-technology
News / Technology
Traveler well-being and the shift to purposeful business travel
By Linda Fox | February 1, 2023
Three years from the start of the pandemic, there is talk beyond safety to more of a focus on traveler well-being in terms of mental, physical and emotional health. Read More