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.

iomob-interview-pic
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Iomob - Battleground winner interview Travel Technology Europe 2020
By PhocusWire | March 2, 2020
Iomob has built an enterprise grade Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform for major travel and... Read More
Jubel act II
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE - ACT II: Jubel reveals its recent challenges and success with hiring
By Steven Lerner | February 28, 2020
Trip-planning platform Jubel discusses its progress and challenges over the past year.... Read More
Golden shots and wild cards - how IAG brings startups through Hangar 51
News / Startups
Golden shots and wild cards - how IAG brings startups through Hangar 51
By Linda Fox | February 26, 2020
In the coming weeks, British Airways parent company IAG will enter the fifth year of its Hangar 51... Read More
Wildebeest cover
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Wildebeest helps global travel and tourism brands grow organically
By Steven Lerner | February 25, 2020
Wildebeest is an agency that helps travel technology startups, tour operators and tourism boards... Read More
Airbnb house list
News / Startups
Airbnb tops lists of marketplace startups, ResortPass among fastest-growing
By Steven Lerner | February 24, 2020
 Travel startups were well-represented in the Marketplace 100, which identifies the largest and... Read More
Sounding Off: Startups should think big but think realistically
Interview / Startups
Sounding Off: Startups should think big but think realistically
By PhocusWire | February 21, 2020
Before heading down the startup path with aspirations of disruption, hold onto the vision, but open... Read More
bacarai act II cover
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE - ACT II: Bacarai reflects on past year's challenges, new funding expedition
By Steven Lerner | February 21, 2020
Bacarai discusses its new vice president of technology, the launch of new funding rounds and future... Read More
Lessons learned from a failed travel loyalty startup
News / Startups
Lessons learned from a failed travel loyalty startup
By Steven Lerner | February 20, 2020
Without the cooperation or support of hotels, airlines, banks or credit card companies, developing a... Read More
toristy-tours-activities
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Toristy wants to make it easier for travelers to find local experiences
By Linda Fox | February 19, 2020
Toristy recently received a funding round, which it will devote towards speeding up its white label... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Amenitiz helps independent hotels tackle a digital world
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Amenitiz helps independent hotels tackle a digital world
By Steven Lerner | February 18, 2020
Amenitiz is an all-in-one platform that allows independent hoteliers and vacation rental owners to... 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