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.

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
entrada-insights-road-trip
News / Startups
With trade shows cancelled, travel tech startup takes its show on the road - literally
By Mitra Sorrells | June 16, 2020
With all industry trade shows cancelled, the founder of travel tech startup Entrada Insights is... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: TripAdmit wants to help activities suppliers sell online
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: TripAdmit wants to help activities suppliers sell online
By Linda Fox | June 15, 2020
The Ireland-based company gives tour and activity providers the technology to sell via their websites... Read More
Tickitto lands $700,000 from Seedcamp to build out event tickets service
News / Startups
Tickitto lands $700,000 from Seedcamp to build out event tickets service
By Kevin May | June 15, 2020
The core part of the business is an API that allows partners to access inventory, pricing and... Read More
global-startup-showcase-cover-2
News / Startups
VIDEO: Global Startup Showcase 2020
By PhocusWire | June 12, 2020
We bring together an expert panel of investors and startups to shed light on the future of... Read More
journera-series-b
News / Startups
Journera nabs $11.6 million to move its tech platform into growth stage
By Mitra Sorrells | June 10, 2020
Journera has raised $11.6 million in a Series B round led by Andreessen Horowitz and B Capital.... 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
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