Hot 25 Startups 2025

Mindtrip targets DMOs with AI visibility tool
News / Technology
Mindtrip targets DMOs with AI visibility tool
By Linda Fox | July 21, 2026
The Answer Intelligence solution enables DMOs to create content optimized for AI discovery, helping destinations to increase their visibility. 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
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
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: TSA, Google, Mindtrip and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: TSA, Google, Mindtrip and more...
By PhocusWire | July 2, 2026
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Sabre tech lead lifts curtain on company’s technological shift
News / Technology
Sabre tech lead lifts curtain on company’s technological shift
By Morgan Hines | June 25, 2026
Garry Wiseman shared about the company’s AI strategy and development, building trust and change management. Read More
Travel community reacts as ex-Sonder CEO raises $6M for Odessia
News / Finance
Travel community reacts as ex-Sonder CEO raises $6M for Odessia
By Morgan Hines | June 11, 2026
Some travel industry players were congratulatory, others poked holes in Odessia's model. Read More
iWander pushes consumer app amid rapid AI developments
News / Startups
iWander pushes consumer app amid rapid AI developments
By Linda Fox | June 9, 2026
iWander said the company felt it needed its own "playground"with technology developing so rapidly right now. Read More
AI-powered Mindtrip expands to Europe
News / Startups
AI-powered Mindtrip expands to Europe
By Morgan Hines | June 3, 2026
Mindtrip has signed contracts with two destination marketing organizations: Madeira Promotion Bureau and Norwegian Travel Cluster. Read More
Byway expands distribution through TUI retail partnership
Opinion / Distribution
Byway expands distribution through TUI retail partnership
By Cathy Walsh | March 24, 2026
The partnership reflects growing demand for non-flight options and brings overland travel to a broader retail audience. Read More
Travel Token Marketplace acquires Camino Network initiator Chain4Travel
News / Startups
Travel Token Marketplace acquires Camino Network initiator Chain4Travel
By Morgan Hines | February 27, 2026
Blockchain startup Chain4Travel was previously named a PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Startup for 2025. Read More
Africa-based Tripesa launches AI travel marketplace Roamio
News / Startups
Africa-based Tripesa launches AI travel marketplace Roamio
By Morgan Hines | January 26, 2026
With Roamio, Tripesa aims to eliminate middlemen, provide better prices and increase ancillary bookings while putting more money in the hands of small operators. Read More
Capital One Ventures, United Airlines Ventures invest in Mindtrip
News / Startups
Capital One Ventures, United Airlines Ventures invest in Mindtrip
By Morgan Hines | December 4, 2025
The new capital brings the AI-powered travel planning platform’s total funding to $22.5 million. Read More
Mindtrip launches B2B hotel tools
News / Technology
Mindtrip launches B2B hotel tools
By Morgan Hines | November 18, 2025
Mindtrip for Hotels gives guests tailored recommendations ahead of their stay. Read More
A snapshot of AI developments in travel in 2025
News / Technology
A snapshot of AI developments in travel in 2025
By Linda Fox | November 17, 2025
AI-focused launches and partnerships have been a weekly, sometimes daily, feature of travel tech news in 2025—and the pace is unlikely to let up. Read More
Where are they now? Revisiting the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025
News / Startups
Where are they now? Revisiting the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025
By Mileva Sapic | November 3, 2025
We're revisiting the Hot 25 Travel Startups roster for 2025, which includes several up-and-coming players in the travel tech space. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026