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.

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
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
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