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: Touriosity wants to help tour operators increase direct bookings
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Touriosity wants to help tour operators increase direct bookings
By Jill Menze | January 4, 2021
The nonprofit OTA Touriosity aims to help tour and activity providers increase direct bookings... Read More
humanforest-ebike-startup
News / Startups
HumanForest crowdfunds £1.3M for e-bike push
By Linda Fox | December 30, 2020
HumanForest is launching its e-bike service in London in Spring 2021, with additional cities around... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: SmartNomad wants to make trip planning a one-click experience
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: SmartNomad wants to make trip planning a one-click experience
By Linda Fox | December 29, 2020
The New York-based company initially wants to offer the service to online travel agencies and... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Port provides remote guides for events and tours
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Port provides remote guides for events and tours
By Mitra Sorrells | December 24, 2020
Port enables users to visit destinations or attend business events or trade shows through live video... Read More
Hopin acquires Topi to drive hybrid events
News / Startups
Hopin acquires Topi to drive hybrid events
By Linda Fox | December 23, 2020
Topi's co-founders are joining Hopin to head up the development of hybrid and mobile products.... Read More
Navisteps raises $1M to develop its corporate travel technology
News / Startups
Navisteps raises $1M to develop its corporate travel technology
By Linda Fox | December 23, 2020
Singapore-based Navisteps will use its $1M in funding for market expansion in Asia.... Read More
Hot and not in travel startup funding during pandemic-stricken 2020
News / Startups
Hot and not in travel startup funding during pandemic-stricken 2020
By Linda Fox | December 18, 2020
Investments in travel startups slowed in 2020 but ground transportation and private accommodation... Read More
Transportation startup Bolt closes €150M funding round
News / Startups
Transportation startup Bolt closes €150M funding round
By Mitra Sorrells | December 18, 2020
The Estonia-based startup says it will use the funding to enhance the safety and quality of its... Read More
startup-stage-wknd-main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: WKND curates local weekend adventure packages
By Mitra Sorrells | December 15, 2020
 WKND is targeting millennials with what it calls a retreats-as-a-service platform that provides... Read More
finn-auto-series-a
News / Startups
Car subscription service Finn.auto lands €20m Series A
By Mitra Sorrells | December 8, 2020
The company has a sustainability focus - with a range of electric vehicles and offsets for each... Read More
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 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
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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