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.

This travel startup is pledging antiracism, diversity and inclusion – and wants founders to do the same
News / Startups
This travel startup is pledging antiracism, diversity and inclusion – and wants founders to do the same
By Jill Menze | August 19, 2020
London-based travel tech startup Pluto has outlined an extensive 10-point plan to become an... Read More
koala-timeshare-startup-stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Koala offers timeshare owners a marketplace to rent their properties
By Linda Fox | August 18, 2020
Brooklyn-based Koala is looking to disrupt the timeshare industry by creating a vacation rental... Read More
touropp-startup-stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: TourOpp offers both distribution and communication services for tour and activity operators
By Mitra Sorrells | August 12, 2020
The company has two offerings - an online travel agency selling tours and activities and an automated... Read More
splitty-acquires-cancelon
News / Startups
Hotel booking platform Splitty acquires assets of Cancelon
By Mitra Sorrells | August 11, 2020
Splitty says the deal will create a "distinctive OTA" with low expenses and high value for consumers.... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: GettinLocal offers mobile marketing for businesses targeting tourists
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: GettinLocal offers mobile marketing for businesses targeting tourists
By Mitra Sorrells | August 3, 2020
GettinLocal is an app to help consumers discover places to stay and eat and things to do in a specific... Read More
Spotta nets $1.2M to bring its hotel pest control tech to new markets
News / Startups
Spotta nets $1.2M to bring its hotel pest control tech to new markets
By Linda Fox | July 30, 2020
Spotta has raised a seed round to put towards expansion and the launch of new services.... Read More
intelak-dubai-innovation
News / Startups
New innovation hub created to spur growth in travel and tourism startups in Dubai
By Mitra Sorrells | July 23, 2020
The innovation hub is a joint effort of Emirates Group, Dubai Tourism, Accenture and Microsoft.... Read More
Beekeeper adds $10M to its Series B to fuel growth and product development
News / Startups
Beekeeper adds $10M to its Series B to fuel growth and product development
By Linda Fox | July 15, 2020
The extra investment brings the total for the round to $60 million, following the original injection... Read More
TAKE A SURVEY: Impact of COVID-19 on travel startups
News / Startups
TAKE A SURVEY: Impact of COVID-19 on travel startups
By PhocusWire | July 14, 2020
Phocuswright is conducting a survey of travel startups to understand the impact of the COVID-19 on... Read More
Koala adds €1.6M in seed funding to boost expansion and develop new products
News / Startups
Koala adds €1.6M in seed funding to boost expansion and develop new products
By Linda Fox | July 10, 2020
Travel insurance specialist Koala is bringing its first airlines and travel agencies on board... Read More
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