Travel Startups and Innovation News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the startups in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more.

Startups are a powerful force driving innovation across the travel industry—from AI-driven personalization and fintech solutions to next-gen mobility and booking platforms. PhocusWire delivers the most relevant travel startups and innovation news, spotlighting emerging companies that are rethinking the way people search, book, and experience travel.

Emerging travel startups and innovations driving the industry forward

Our coverage highlights breakthrough ideas, early-stage funding rounds, and strategic partnerships that bring fresh energy to the travel ecosystem. Whether it's reshaping trip planning, optimizing operations, or solving pain points across the journey, travel startups are challenging incumbents and building the future of travel with agility and purpose.

The AI-native edge: What travel can learn from AI-driven companies
News / Startups
The AI-native edge: What travel can learn from AI-driven companies
By Phocuswright Research | November 3, 2025
 Travel companies can get a preview of Phocuswright's report "The AI-Native Edge: Travel Startups... 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... Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024
By Mileva Sapic | October 27, 2025
Our Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024 have grown and undergone major transformations, including... Read More
Startup Stage: Flataway wants to help STR companies reduce OTA dependence
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Flataway wants to help STR companies reduce OTA dependence
By Abby Crotty | October 23, 2025
Using Flataway's AI-powered platform, property managers can create their own direct booking websites... Read More
The Middle East travel startup atmosphere is buzzing
News / Startups
The Middle East travel startup atmosphere is buzzing
By Morgan Hines | October 22, 2025
As the Middle East sees rapid travel growth, its startup environment is characterized by ambition and... Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
By Mileva Sapic | October 20, 2025
Many of our Hot 25 Startups for 2023 have undergone major transformations, including significant... Read More
Revolut acquires Swifty to build AI concierge for customers
News / Startups
Revolut acquires Swifty to build AI concierge for customers
By Linda Fox | October 14, 2025
Swifty, which launched in 2023, uses LLMs and a conversational interface to help plan and book... Read More
Arbio secures $36M in funding to expand rental management platform
News / Startups
Arbio secures $36M in funding to expand rental management platform
By Linda Fox | October 14, 2025
The funding will be put towards acquisitions, developing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and... Read More
Walkway secures $1.65M in pre-seed funding
News / Startups
Walkway secures $1.65M in pre-seed funding
By Abby Crotty | October 13, 2025
B2B SaaS startup Walkway will use the funding to build data and AI-powered products, according to CEO... Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
By Mileva Sapic | October 13, 2025
As we build up to unveiling the PhocusWire Hot Travel Startups for 2026, we are checking in with some... Read More
Sponsored Content
From Our Partners
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
September 9, 2025
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
August 19, 2025
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his thoughts on the importance of balancing AI... Read More
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
May 6, 2025
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More