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.

Folio lands $14M to fuel growth
News / Startups
Folio lands $14M to fuel growth
By Linda Fox | July 18, 2025
Folio plans to put the funds towards fast implementation of its technology for hotels.... Read More
Startup Stage: Pink Notebook offers visual-first, social travel planning
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Pink Notebook offers visual-first, social travel planning
By Morgan Hines | July 16, 2025
Pink Notebook aims to create a curated discovery process supported by private collaboration,... Read More
IndiGo Ventures kicks off with first investment
News / Startups
IndiGo Ventures kicks off with first investment
By Linda Fox | July 10, 2025
IndiGo Ventures is backing startups in aviation and related businesses including sustainability and... Read More
Startup Stage: Kismet wants to bring hotels to conversational search
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Kismet wants to bring hotels to conversational search
By Abby Crotty | July 9, 2025
Kismet, founded just last year, wants to help hotels leverage AI to boost sales.... Read More
Startup Stage: StaySaavy wants to ensure guests don't overpay for hotel stays
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: StaySaavy wants to ensure guests don't overpay for hotel stays
By Abby Crotty | July 2, 2025
Powered by artificial intelligence, StaySaavy monitors hotel prices in real time and rebooks... Read More
Startup Stage: Whereo helps hotels drive revenue from experiences
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Whereo helps hotels drive revenue from experiences
By Linda Fox | June 23, 2025
Newly launched aggregator Whereo helps travelers discover hotels' unique offers and experiences.... Read More
Apaleo—EMEA Travel Innovation Award Winner at Phocuswright Europe 2025
Interview / Startups
Apaleo—EMEA Travel Innovation Award Winner at Phocuswright Europe 2025
By PhocusWire | June 12, 2025
As of February, 662 innovators had taken the stage at Phocuswright, raising a combined total of $12.4... Read More
Introducing the winners of the 2025 Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Introducing the winners of the 2025 Global Startup Pitch
By PhocusWire | June 11, 2025
Nine travel tech startups will now travel to Singapore for showcase presentations at WiT Singapore in... Read More
Travel eSIM provider Kolet attracts investment from Expedia, Apple vets
News / Startups
Travel eSIM provider Kolet attracts investment from Expedia, Apple vets
By Abby Crotty | June 10, 2025
The funding will be used to enhance Kolet's mobile app, simplify eSIM installation for first-time... Read More
Startup Stage: Tukio wants to simplify African safari booking and planning
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Tukio wants to simplify African safari booking and planning
By Abby Crotty | June 6, 2025
Tukio wants to improve transparency and simplify the planning and booking process for African safaris.... Read More
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