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 a travel startup is balancing a fine line between surviving and carrying on
News / Startups
How a travel startup is balancing a fine line between surviving and carrying on
By Linda Fox | April 20, 2020
The U.K. government has pledged £250 million to help startups impacted by coronavirus. But it takes... Read More
Riding high to laying low - travel startups in a coronavirus world
Opinion / Startups
Riding high to laying low - travel startups in a coronavirus world
By Pete Comeau - Phocuswright  | April 17, 2020
The state of travel startups will be completely upended in the coming months. It's time to ask... Read More
Wanda Maps turns focus to help businesses and consumers through coronavirus
News / Startups
Wanda Maps turns focus to help businesses and consumers through coronavirus
By Linda Fox | April 14, 2020
The former-trip recommendation startup is now putting its efforts into collecting and sharing local... Read More
Eddy Travels tops up pre-seed funding with €600,000
News / Startups
Eddy Travels tops up pre-seed funding with €600,000
By Linda Fox | April 8, 2020
The investment was led by Practical Capital, with Open Circle Capital, Techstars Toronto and angel... Read More
wit-virtual-investors-coronavirus
News / Startups
There are no winners in all this, only survivors, say investors
By Marissa Trew - WiT | April 6, 2020
AT WiT Virtual, two venture capitalists shared their perspectives on how the travel and startup... Read More
coronavirus destroys startup funding
News / Startups
Funding for travel startups was plentiful - then came coronavirus
By Steven Lerner | April 1, 2020
Entrepreneur Souzana Theodoridou explains how a funding deal for travel experience platform Grekaddict... Read More
Travel venture funding is not over - startups just need to be smarter and prepared
Opinion / Startups
Travel venture funding is not over - startups just need to be smarter and prepared
By Partners at Ennea Capital | March 30, 2020
An overview of the current investor sentiment and impact on startup funding in the short and medium... Read More
startups hibernation mode
News / Startups
Should travel startups go into “hibernation mode” during the coronavirus?
By Steven Lerner | March 30, 2020
Venture capitalists weigh in on how travel startups could survive the economic fallout from COVID-19.... Read More
startups-coronavirus-decisions
News / Startups
Confronted by crisis, travel startups weigh difficult - and personal - decisions
By Jill Menze | March 24, 2020
Not only are startups equipped with fewer resources, funds and time, but also, the close-knit nature... Read More
How to survive the coronavirus as a travel startup
Opinion / Startups
How to survive the coronavirus as a travel startup
By Voyager HQ | March 19, 2020
Voyager HQ compiled tips from entrepreneurs in its network on how startups can withstand the... Read More
Sponsored Content
From Our Partners
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
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
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
August 19, 2025
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his thoughts on the importance of balancing AI... Read More
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