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: OccasionGenius - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: OccasionGenius - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 29, 2019
Gain access to a premium database of upcoming events to capture and engage the experiential consumer.... Read More
Read between the lines of travel startup funding to prepare for the future
Opinion / Startups
Read between the lines of travel startup funding to prepare for the future
By Simon Ferguson - Travelport | November 28, 2019
Travelport's Simon Ferguson says Phocuswright's startup funding report tells the story of the travel... Read More
VIDEO: MagicStay - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: MagicStay - Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 28, 2019
Several hundred thousand apartments worldwide can be booked for corporate stays directly in the SBT.... Read More
VIDEO: TroopTravel - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: TroopTravel - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 28, 2019
100 travelers. 15 origins. Where do we meet? See how to use Big Data to plan corporate meetings and... Read More
When should travel startups hire a CMO?
News / Startups
When should travel startups hire a CMO?
By Steven Lerner | November 27, 2019
Two experts in venture capital, Chris Hemmeter and William Bao Bean, explain why travel startups... Read More
Leavy.co $14 million seed round
News / Startups
Leavy completes $14M seed round, launches travel app for millennials
By Steven Lerner | November 27, 2019
Funding will be used to develop a mobile app that rewards members for renting out their homes while... Read More
VIDEO: Exosonic - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Exosonic - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 27, 2019
Exosonic is bringing supersonic transport back by muting the sonic boom. ... Read More
VIDEO: Beachy - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Beachy - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 27, 2019
This software solution integrates beach, pool and F&B operations, increasing revenue and delivering an... Read More
VIDEO: Airalo - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Airalo - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 26, 2019
Get pain-free travel and stay connected without changing SIM cards or renting a Wi-Fi device.... Read More
VIDEO: 30SecondsToFly - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: 30SecondsToFly - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2019
By PhocusWire | November 26, 2019
Claire, the AI partner for large TMCs, offers traveler-centric conversational commerce for higher... Read More
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Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More