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: Aloja wants to help tour and activity operators boost earnings
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Aloja wants to help tour and activity operators boost earnings
By Abby Crotty | August 19, 2025
Aloja was founded by CEO Daniel Pino and chief technology officer Daniel Cabra, the team behind... Read More
Holiday Tribe raises $3 million to expand AI, supplier networks
News / Startups
Holiday Tribe raises $3 million to expand AI, supplier networks
By Abby Crotty | August 14, 2025
Last September, Holiday Tribe raised $650,000. Since that time, the company said it has more than... Read More
India-based Elivaas raises $10.4 million for expansion
News / Startups
India-based Elivaas raises $10.4 million for expansion
By Abby Crotty | August 12, 2025
The luxury vacation rental platform currently operates in 30 Indian destinations, with the latest... Read More
Startup Stage: Tickadoo wants to reinvent how travelers discover experiences
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Tickadoo wants to reinvent how travelers discover experiences
By Abby Crotty | August 12, 2025
Tickadoo uses AI to present travelers with experience recommendations based on their preferences.... Read More
How has AI changed travel investors’ mindset?
News / Startups
How has AI changed travel investors’ mindset?
By Morgan Hines | August 12, 2025
A subtle chaos is coloring the funding environment as investors separate the AI winners from the... Read More
Fora acquires AI startup Legends
News / Startups
Fora acquires AI startup Legends
By Abby Crotty | August 7, 2025
Legends and Fora, both PhocusWire Hot 25 Startups, said the deal will help bring Legends' tools to a... Read More
Faye extends insurance to more verticals, builds out platform
News / Startups
Faye extends insurance to more verticals, builds out platform
By Linda Fox | July 30, 2025
Travel insurance provider Faye has launched a product for OTAs and reached $100 million in sales three... Read More
TakeUp scores $11M to advance revenue optimization for independent hotels
News / Startups
TakeUp scores $11M to advance revenue optimization for independent hotels
By Linda Fox | July 29, 2025
TakeUp says its technology uses causal inference AI models to continuously fine-tune pricing based on... Read More
Startup Stage: Hotelwise wants to help Canadian travelers find the right hotel
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Hotelwise wants to help Canadian travelers find the right hotel
By Abby Crotty | July 29, 2025
Hotelwise was founded earlier this year by Andres Collart who previously founded Trip Ninja.... Read More
Travel startup funding and M&A trends in Q2 2025
News / Startups
Travel startup funding and M&A trends in Q2 2025
By Linda Fox | July 29, 2025
Headlines surrounding tariffs, political uncertainty and global conflict may have tempered travel... Read More
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Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More