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.

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
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
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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
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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