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.

VIDEO: Smooss - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Smooss - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
By PhocusWire | November 26, 2020
Smooss helps travel companies increase revenue and improve customer experience with its solutions... Read More
HiJiffy lands €1M in seed funding, plans growth of guest communication tech in core markets
News / Startups
HiJiffy lands €1M in seed funding, plans growth of guest communication tech in core markets
By Linda Fox | November 26, 2020
    The investment is led by Portugal Ventures and the company plans to use the funds to... Read More
VIDEO: BeRightBack - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: BeRightBack - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
By PhocusWire | November 25, 2020
Billed as the Netflix of travel, BeRightBack is the world's first travel subscription service that... Read More
VIDEO: Jason Calacanis on travel, pandemics and investing
News / Startups
VIDEO: Jason Calacanis on travel, pandemics and investing
By Kevin May | November 24, 2020
Outspoken, controversial, driven and, ultimately, extremely successful - Jason Calacanis has been a... Read More
VIDEO: Volara - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Volara - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
By PhocusWire | November 24, 2020
The travel and hospitality communications platform for the post-pandemic era.... Read More
VIDEO: Air Doctor - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Air Doctor - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
By PhocusWire | November 23, 2020
Air Doctor is a digital platform that provides a global medical network of physicians and makes it... Read More
startup-stage-colibra-main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Colibra pays for flight delays and cancellations
By Mitra Sorrells | November 18, 2020
Colibra processes claims under Europe's flight compensation rule, which covers all flights within and... Read More
VIDEO: Vouch - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Vouch - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2020
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2020
Vouch builds digital concierges to help hotels enable guests to access information and services... Read More
Welcome to the Hot 25 Startups for 2021
News / Startups
Welcome to the Hot 25 Startups for 2021
By PhocusWire | November 16, 2020
Our Hot 25 this year is a collection of companies that have survived the onset of the global pandemic... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Travevel is a social platform designed to give back
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Travevel is a social platform designed to give back
By Jill Menze | November 16, 2020
The startup, set to launch later this month, will use 10% of all profits to provide living essentials... Read More
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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