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.

Questo adds €300,000 in funding to expand self-guided tours
News / Startups
Questo adds €300,000 in funding to expand self-guided tours
By Linda Fox | July 7, 2020
Romania-based Questo wants to offer tours in 100 cities by the end of 2020.... Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Jamie Wong and Erik Blachford of Narrative Fund
News / Startups
VIDEO: New Reality With... Jamie Wong and Erik Blachford of Narrative Fund
By PhocusWire | July 3, 2020
The next guests on the New Reality With... series are Jamie Wong and Erik Blachford,... Read More
How one startup used the downtime to improve life for travel buyers and suppliers
News / Startups
How one startup used the downtime to improve life for travel buyers and suppliers
By Linda Fox | June 29, 2020
The team at vintage car tour company Nowaday has spent the downtime created by COVID-19 to build an... Read More
Sounding Off: Risky startup investments now have a new risk attached
Interview / Startups
Sounding Off: Risky startup investments now have a new risk attached
By PhocusWire | June 26, 2020
Startups have to contend with surviving the crisis, but they must also climb a hill in terms of the... Read More
phocuswright-battleground-panel
News / Startups
Startups, investors see opportunities and challenges as travel industry struggles with COVID, diversity issues
By Mitra Sorrells | June 26, 2020
During Phocuswright's Battleground: The Americas event, a panel of startup founders and investors... Read More
How the crisis changed fundraising for travel startups
News / Startups
How the crisis changed fundraising for travel startups
By Linda Fox | June 24, 2020
Some travel startups have secured funding despite pandemic, but the process has been far from... Read More
NextRetreat lands €600,000 to build team travel service
News / Startups
NextRetreat lands €600,000 to build team travel service
By Linda Fox | June 23, 2020
Slovakia-based NextRetreat helps teams find the right destination and accommodation for their... Read More
Phocuswright Battleground: The Americas - runners and riders, free tickets
News / Startups
Phocuswright Battleground: The Americas - runners and riders, free tickets
By PhocusWire | June 17, 2020
This online event is dedicated to bringing promising travel innovators into the limelight to... Read More
akia-funding-contactless
News / Startups
Hotel tech startup gets $1M to develop contactless communication tools
By Mitra Sorrells | June 17, 2020
 Akia, founded in 2018 by former Facebook engineers, has received capital to expand its... Read More
Wingly soars with €3M in funding, expands into commercial aviation
News / Startups
Wingly soars with €3M in funding, expands into commercial aviation
By Linda Fox | June 16, 2020
Wingly will extend its flight-sharing platform to small aviation operators following a round led... 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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Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More