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.

VIDEO: Hotelmize - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Hotelmize - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 12, 2019
Increase hotel sales profit margins by utilizing advanced AI prediction algorithms and capital market... Read More
WhyHotel Series B Funding
News / Startups
WhyHotel nabs $20M in funding - eyes expansion, business travel market
By Steven Lerner | December 11, 2019
The pop-up hotel concept plans to use the Series B round to expand nationally and grow its presence... Read More
Travel startup investments 2019 - a year in review
News / Startups
Travel startup investments 2019 - a year in review
By Steven Lerner | December 11, 2019
Investors were pouring money into travel startups in 2019. Here's where that money went.  ... Read More
VIDEO: Flyiin - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Flyiin - Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 11, 2019
The airline DirectConnect platform enables retailers to build a differentiating flight booking... Read More
VIDEO: Timeshifter- Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Timeshifter- Summit pitch Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | December 10, 2019
Jet lag is history! Explore how the latest sleep and circadian neuroscience can help travelers arrive... Read More
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
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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
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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