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.

STARTUP STAGE: SION wants to provide travel agents with clear picture of their earnings
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: SION wants to provide travel agents with clear picture of their earnings
By Linda Fox | June 9, 2020
SION officially launched in May but has decided to provide the service free of charge during the... Read More
Startups join forces to create digital services platform for rental accommodation and hotels
News / Startups
Startups join forces to create digital services platform for rental accommodation and hotels
By Linda Fox | June 3, 2020
SmartDigitalPlug was created by six startups to help small hotels and rental properties to digitize... Read More
Tripfuser lands £2.4M in funding, seeks further expansion
News / Startups
Tripfuser lands £2.4M in funding, seeks further expansion
By Linda Fox | May 29, 2020
Funding for the Australia-based company was led by the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria. Acting... Read More
cabana-3.5M-funding
News / Startups
Mobile hotel company Cabana raises $3.5M to expand fleet of camper vans
By Mitra Sorrells | May 29, 2020
Cabana says it is merging “van life with boutique hotel comfort,” at a rate of about $200 per night.... Read More
InPhocus, episode 12 - Right place, right time for a travel startup
News / Startups
InPhocus, episode 12 - Right place, right time for a travel startup
By PhocusWire | May 28, 2020
Some travel startups are using the current climate to shore up their strategy and take advantage of... Read More
bolt-funding
News / Startups
Transportation platform Bolt raises €100M to add new products, markets
By Mitra Sorrells | May 26, 2020
European transportation platform Bolt has raised €100 million on a $1.9 billion valuation.... Read More
LuggageHero crowd-sources €409,000 in funding, plots bag-storage expansion
News / Startups
LuggageHero crowd-sources €409,000 in funding, plots bag-storage expansion
By Jill Menze | May 19, 2020
The Copenhagen-based startup - one of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Startups for 2019 - reached its goal of... Read More
Travel startups look to find new stars among the industry-wide layoffs
News / Startups
Travel startups look to find new stars among the industry-wide layoffs
By Linda Fox | May 18, 2020
The headlines are full of layoffs, furloughs and hiring freezes across the travel and hospitality... Read More
VIDEO: New Reality With... Amir Amidi and Lio Chen of Plug And Play
News / Startups
VIDEO: New Reality With... Amir Amidi and Lio Chen of Plug And Play
By PhocusWire | May 15, 2020
The next guests on the New Reality With... series are Amir Amidi and Lio Chen, managing... Read More
travel-startups-beyond-2020
News / Startups
Travel startups on pent-up demand and opportunities in the "new normal"
By Linda Fox | May 15, 2020
Travel startups provide views on the shape of the recovery from the coronavirus outbreak and what's to... 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