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.

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
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
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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
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Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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