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.

STARTUP STAGE: NextPlan wants to make custom vacation planning easy
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: NextPlan wants to make custom vacation planning easy
By Steven Lerner | December 10, 2019
NextPlan is a platform that providers travelers with a personalized and customizable vacation... Read More
An entrepreneur's vision on the turnaround needed at Expedia Group
News / Startups
An entrepreneur's vision on the turnaround needed at Expedia Group
By Alex Bainbridge - Autoura | December 9, 2019
Expedia Group's strategy is unlikely to shift immediately, but it's not too late to apply a new... Read More
VIDEO: Pilota - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Pilota - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 9, 2019
Pilota’s machine learning technology has the capabilities to accurately predict disruptions and... Read More
VIDEO: Questo - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Questo - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 6, 2019
Gamified walking tours can be played any time by solving clues in order to discover cities and... Read More
may mobility toyota funding
News / Startups
Toyota backs autonomous shuttle service May Mobility with $50M investment
By Steven Lerner | December 5, 2019
The Toyota Motor Corporation is leading a $50 million Series B round into autonomous... Read More
VIDEO: Gamitee - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Gamitee - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 5, 2019
This social solution for travel sites converts 5x better than the site baseline, translating to an... Read More
VIDEO: Pack Up + Go - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Pack Up + Go - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 4, 2019
Plan a three-day trip around the United States with this travel agency. The catch? Your destination is... Read More
VIDEO: Flymya - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Flymya - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 3, 2019
How do you run an OTA in Myanmar? Flymya knows and understands the challenges of operating in a unique... Read More
uplift-credit-suisse-credit-line
News / Startups
Uplift finalizes $250M credit line for travel payment service
By Linda Fox | December 2, 2019
The platform that allows travel brands to offer part-payments to users agrees to a $250... Read More
VIDEO: Setoo - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Setoo - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 29, 2019
Empowering e-businesses to turn insurance into products consumers love.... Read More
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 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
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