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.

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
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
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