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.

Diving trips platform Zublu adds $1M in seed funding
News / Startups
Diving trips platform Zublu adds $1M in seed funding
By Linda Fox | April 29, 2020
The round was led by Wavemaker Partners, with Mana Impact, She1k and angel investors also... Read More
FAST FACTS: The state of travel startups - winners when the industry recovers
News / Startups
FAST FACTS: The state of travel startups - winners when the industry recovers
By PhocusWire | April 27, 2020
Insert a near shut-down of the industry due to COVID-19 into the complex world of running a travel... Read More
road-travel-coronavirus-startup
News / Startups
How a trip-planning startup pivoted its model to jump on road-trip trend
By Mitra Sorrells | April 27, 2020
The company had been working on partnerships with automotive and airlines companies, but is now... Read More
What COVID-19 means for a travel startup focused on sustainability
News / Startups
What COVID-19 means for a travel startup focused on sustainability
By Jill Menze | April 22, 2020
For Jet-Set Offset, the coronavirus crisis is signaling a heightened awareness of the environmental... Read More
itilite-13m-series-b
News / Startups
Business travel startup Itilite raises $13M to accelerate international expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | April 21, 2020
Greenoaks Capital and Vy Capital led the Series B round, with participation from Matrix Partners India... Read More
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
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