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.

casai-funding
News / Startups
Casai lands $48M for its smart rental apartment platform
By Linda Fox | October 15, 2020
Investment in the Mexico-based company includes a partnership with TriplePoint Capital for a debt... Read More
amex-gbt-30secondstofly
News / Startups
American Express GBT acquires 30SecondsToFly to boost corporate traveler experience
By Linda Fox | October 13, 2020
American Express GBT says the acquisition of 30SecondsToFly will enable it to offer more self-service... Read More
Thayer Ventures creates offshoot to raise $175M via an IPO
News / Startups
Thayer Ventures creates offshoot to raise $175M via an IPO
By Kevin May | October 12, 2020
The IPO move for the subsidiary will give it the opportunity to merge or acquire businesses that would... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Revyoos is the first aggregator for short-term rental reviews
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Revyoos is the first aggregator for short-term rental reviews
By Jill Menze | October 8, 2020
Revyoos automates review collection from multiple channels and platforms including Airbnb, Booking,... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: BOUNTE helps hotels manage the lost-and-found process
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: BOUNTE helps hotels manage the lost-and-found process
By Jill Menze | October 5, 2020
BOUNTE is a cloud-based smartphone app that uses geolocation and AI image recognition to record, log... Read More
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
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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
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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