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.

Uplift adds $68M credit line for travel payments service
News / Startups
Uplift adds $68M credit line for travel payments service
By Linda Fox | January 11, 2021
Uplift sees pent-up demand for travel later in 2021 and is also looking to expand to other sectors.... Read More
VIDEO: Experts on the state of travel innovation
News / Startups
VIDEO: Experts on the state of travel innovation
By PhocusWire | January 8, 2021
The Phocuswright Conference 2020's dragons give their take on the biggest trends, promising players... Read More
startup-stage-rebound-travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Rebound Travel has a cash-retention solution for travel suppliers
By Mitra Sorrells | January 8, 2021
The company, one of PhocusWire's Hot 25 Startups for 2021, is founded by Tobias Wessels, a former... Read More
Kyte drives off with $9M in seed funding
News / Startups
Kyte drives off with $9M in seed funding
By Linda Fox | January 7, 2021
Kyte recently expanded its car-rental at your doorstep service to Washington and will accelerate... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: The Tarzan Way wants to celebrate the uniqueness of every traveler
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: The Tarzan Way wants to celebrate the uniqueness of every traveler
By Jill Menze | January 6, 2021
The India-based startup wants to revamp the traveler experience by making it more streamlined and... Read More
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
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