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.

EaseMyTrip acquires majority stake in hotel booking business cheQin
News / Online
EaseMyTrip acquires majority stake in hotel booking business cheQin
By Linda Fox | January 27, 2023
The deal strengthens EaseMyTrip’s hotel channels and puts it in a “great position to give its customers a wide range of innovative hotel booking options.”  Read More
WhereToStay.com acquisition
News / Online
Viadi Group acquires majority interest in WhereToStay.com
By Kathryn Walson | January 27, 2023
The WhereToStay.com team will continue to operate from its Texas headquarters, with support from Switzerland-based Viadi in scaling up the business. Read More
amexgbt-restructure-multinational-sme
News / Distribution
Amex GBT restructures to focus on multinationals and smaller businesses
By Michael B. Baker - BTN | January 27, 2023
The company says the move will "accelerate growth" and "drive consistency" with the Amex GBT eyeing a "significant opportunity to grow our business." Read More
tw-alis-tech-challenge
News / Startups
Hotel tech innovators present solutions for cleaning rooms, digital tipping
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | January 26, 2023
During the ALIS Tech Challenge at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit, several companies pitched new hotel technology solutions to address the industry's labor challenges. Read More
in room voice assistant technology
News / Technology
The evolution of in-room voice tech in hospitality
By Kathryn Walson | January 25, 2023
Voice assistants help short-staffed hotels by answering routine questions that the front desk would otherwise have to answer. They can also boost revenue by upselling spa services or future bookings,... Read More
Grazzy lands $4.25M for hospitality payment and tipping platform
News / Startups
Grazzy lands $4.25M for hospitality payment and tipping platform
By Linda Fox | January 24, 2023
The investment from Next Coast Ventures and Tuesday Capital brings the company’s total seed round to $6.8 million. Read More
davos-world-economic-forum-23
Opinion / Online
Davos and the travel industry: 5 takeaways
By Jeffrey Katz - Journera | January 24, 2023
Journera CEO Jeffrey Katz shares the travel-related topics and trends from the World Economic Forum's Davos event. Read More
How travel brands can activate first-party data
Opinion / Online
How travel brands can activate first-party data
By Dave Goulden - Sojern | January 23, 2023
Travel companies need to prepare for cookies going away and learn to use first-party data in sophisticated ways to create a personalized customer experience. Read More
coras-fida-token-launch
News / Technology
Coras aims to reinvent travel loyalty with launch of new DeFi token
By Mitra Sorrells | January 23, 2023
Unlike traditional loyalty points, the Fida tokens are transferable, interoperable, provide instant liquidity and never expire. Read More
mydigitaloffice-acquisition
News / Technology
MyDigitalOffice acquires business intelligence solution InTouch Data
By Derek Catron | January 20, 2023
Australia-based InTouch, founded in 2001, offers a user-friendly platform that captures a hotel's revenue streams in one place and helps owners and operators make profitable decisions. Read More
Akia funding round
News / Online
Hospitality communication tech provider Akia secures $6M
By Kathryn Walson | January 20, 2023
Akia says its two-way communication platform, powered by artificial intelligence, helps hotelsp enhance guest engagement, while its process automation system increases staff efficiency and drives... Read More
onda-funding
News / Startups
South Korean hospitality tech startup raises $10M
By Derek Catron | January 20, 2023
Onda provides an integrated sales platform and property management system for hotels and vacation rentals. Read More
Roomnet innovation lab
News / Technology
Roomnet launches innovation lab to develop hotel tech
By Kathryn Walson | January 20, 2023
Roomnet's new lab is dedicated to testing and integrating cutting-edge technology that it says will shape the hotels of the future. Read More
uber-studio-pc-22
News / Online
Uber on its future plans for travel products
By Mitra Sorrells | January 19, 2023
Uber’s head of growth and new products for travel and airports, Loren Kosloske, discusses the company’s future plans related to multi-modality, flights and hotels.   Read More
Save now buy later travel
News / Online
Could “save now buy later” take off in travel?
By Kathryn Walson | January 19, 2023
With SNBL, a traveler creates an account to save toward a goal - such as a trip - and their savings are boosted by financial incentives and discounts from supplier partners.  Read More