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.

STARTUP STAGE: Local Purse offers live video shopping for travelers
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Local Purse offers live video shopping for travelers
By Jill Menze | February 22, 2021
Local Purse connects travelers with experienced local guides for live video cultural shopping... Read More
uplift-ventures-500k
News / Startups
Jet-lag app creator Uplift Ventures closes $500K angel round
By Mitra Sorrells | February 19, 2021
Uplift Venture says it will use the money to develop the app and also a new solution for night shift... Read More
Questo unlocks $1.5M in funding, targets tours in more U.S. cities
News / Startups
Questo unlocks $1.5M in funding, targets tours in more U.S. cities
By Linda Fox | February 18, 2021
Questo is aiming for 200 cities by the end of 2021, growing from over 100 where it currently has games... Read More
startup-stage-travis
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Travis is a visual, collaborative platform for trip planning
By Mitra Sorrells | February 18, 2021
Travis is an Australia-based startup launched in January 2020 to help users find and share travel... Read More
FantasticStay attracts €1.3M investment, plans expansion and vacation rental tech development
News / Startups
FantasticStay attracts €1.3M investment, plans expansion and vacation rental tech development
By Linda Fox | February 16, 2021
Rental technology startup FantasticStay acquired rival Vreasy last year and plans expansion following... Read More
BusUp accelerates away with $6M in funding
News / Startups
BusUp accelerates away with $6M in funding
By Linda Fox | February 11, 2021
BusUp is looking to expand in the U.S. and sees growing demand for commuter mobility services from... Read More
Lufthansa Innovation Hub spins off mobility startup RYDES, Porsche acquires stake
News / Startups
Lufthansa Innovation Hub spins off mobility startup RYDES, Porsche acquires stake
By Linda Fox | February 11, 2021
Lufthansa Group and Porsche are now minority stakeholders in the startup, with Porsche’s... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Imagine Experiences wants to bring unique tours to locals and tourists
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Imagine Experiences wants to bring unique tours to locals and tourists
By Linda Fox | February 11, 2021
The company has put together a network of expert tour guides to help design fresh ideas to attract... Read More
getaway-42M-funding
News / Startups
Certares leads $42M Series C for cabin-rental platform Getaway
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2021
Getaway says it had 150% year-over-year growth in 2020 and plans to rapidly expand.... Read More
Go2Joy raises $2.3M in Series A+ round
News / Startups
Go2Joy raises $2.3M in Series A+ round
By Linda Fox | February 8, 2021
Vietnam-based hotel booking specialist Go2Joy plans to use its Series A+ funding for sales and... Read More
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