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.

What happens to travel startup funding during an economic downturn?
News / Startups
What happens to travel startup funding during an economic downturn?
By Steven Lerner | March 19, 2020
During an economic downturn, startups should go back to basics and focus on positive unit economics.... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Aeroband is developing a blockchain platform for apps serving aviation
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Aeroband is developing a blockchain platform for apps serving aviation
By Linda Fox | March 13, 2020
Malta-based Aeroband is seeking to sign a contract with a major airline within a year and hopes for... Read More
VIDEO: Taptrip on partnerships, consumer tech and distribution giants
News / Startups
VIDEO: Taptrip on partnerships, consumer tech and distribution giants
By Linda Fox | March 12, 2020
Corporate travel tech startup Taptrip joins PhocusWire in the studio at Travel Technology Europe.... Read More
journera launches journeyvision
News / Startups
Journera launches JourneyVision to assist hotels with personalization
By Jill Menze | March 12, 2020
By combining data from hotel, air, ground and other relevant reservations, JourneyVision helps... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Freddy is changing city tours with augmented reality
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Freddy is changing city tours with augmented reality
By Steven Lerner | March 10, 2020
Freddy is an interactive augmented reality travel map, city guide and game designed for parents and... Read More
Perseverance, prudence - and slight pivots - are key to travel startup success during coronavirus
News / Startups
Perseverance, prudence - and slight pivots - are key to travel startup success during coronavirus
By Mitra Sorrells | March 9, 2020
Investors from Plug and Play and HV Holtzbrinck Ventures and the founder of startup Stride Travel... Read More
cover image getlost
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: GetLost wants to make cheap on-demand travel a reality
By Steven Lerner | March 6, 2020
GetLost connects last-minute travelers with exclusively negotiated cheap deals on empty airline seats.... Read More
The key to innovation in APAC's travel startup scene? Empowering female founders
Opinion / Startups
The key to innovation in APAC's travel startup scene? Empowering female founders
By Stephanie Strunk - Amadeus Ventures | March 5, 2020
For all the achievements of startups in Asia, female leaders remain underrepresented in the region.... Read More
Lanes & Planes lands $10M to expand customer base, develop corporate travel tech
News / Startups
Lanes & Planes lands $10M to expand customer base, develop corporate travel tech
By Linda Fox | March 3, 2020
The round was led by Battery Ventures, with DN Capital and Connect Ventures, an existing investor,... Read More
Goodbooker-startup-stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: GoodBooker wants to end homelessness with every hotel booked
By Steven Lerner | March 3, 2020
For every hotel room booked on its platform, GoodBooker gives funding to leading homeless charities... Read More
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