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.

InPhocus, episode 24 - What a first 12 months for this travel startup
News / Startups
InPhocus, episode 24 - What a first 12 months for this travel startup
By PhocusWire | October 2, 2020
We talk to TripDoodler's CEO about the last 12 months as a travel startup founder, her thoughts on... Read More
Investors ponder the travel startup landscape and being contrarian backers
News / Startups
Investors ponder the travel startup landscape and being contrarian backers
By Linda Fox | September 29, 2020
Investments in travel companies currently are nowhere near the scale of 2019 - for obvious reasons.... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Sightseek aims to create the gig economy for travel advisors
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Sightseek aims to create the gig economy for travel advisors
By Jill Menze | September 28, 2020
Users create a story of their latest trip with a single tap, then browse a TikTok-style feed or... Read More
startup-stage-trip-approve
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Trip Approve wants to streamline business travel management
By Mitra Sorrells | September 16, 2020
Trip Approve is a subscription service for companies to access low rates, understand where they... Read More
Sounding Off: For travel startups to survive, they must reduce spend
Interview / Startups
Sounding Off: For travel startups to survive, they must reduce spend
By PhocusWire | September 11, 2020
Re-examining business models and running skeleton organizations - alongside expectations of ongoing... Read More
15 vital points for travel startups to consider in their mid-pandemic strategy
News / Startups
15 vital points for travel startups to consider in their mid-pandemic strategy
By Kevin May | September 8, 2020
Insert a near-shutdown of the industry due to COVID-19 this year and you can multiply the existing... Read More
startup-stage-jurny
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Jurny provides contactless tech solutions for hotels and short-term rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | September 3, 2020
The company launched in June, has raised more than $4.9 million and has 370 units on its platform and... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Travizory creates a contactless experience through mobile and biometrics
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Travizory creates a contactless experience through mobile and biometrics
By Linda Fox | August 25, 2020
Travizory is a platform that uses biometric and mobile technologies to remove much of the... Read More
startup-stage-zonder
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Zonder creates a shareable, gamified digital journal of a user’s travels
By Mitra Sorrells | August 21, 2020
Zonder is an app that automatically logs places users visit and things that they do, with a... Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2020 preview: Out of Office with... Sean Seton-Rogers
Interview / Startups
Phocuswright Europe 2020 preview: Out of Office with... Sean Seton-Rogers
By PhocusWire | August 20, 2020
In a series of interviews with executives participating in the online event in September, PhocusWire... Read More
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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
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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
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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