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.

Hot 25 Startups 2020: SkyLads
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: SkyLads
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Designed to give digital media buyers an advantage, Skylads leverages artificial intelligence to... Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: SnapTravel
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: SnapTravel
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
SnapTravel has developed an AI-powered chatbot that sources through thousands of hotels to find the... Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Tastemakers
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: Tastemakers
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Tastemakers Africa is revolutionizing African travel with authentic and amazing tours hosted by... Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: TravelBank
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: TravelBank
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
Over 20,000 organizations leverage TravelBank to simplify the employee booking experience, automate... Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2020: WhyHotel
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2020: WhyHotel
By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019
WhyHotel blurs the line between hospitality and home by offering newly built luxury vacant apartments... Read More
Welcome to the Hot 25 Startups for 2020
News / Startups
Welcome to the Hot 25 Startups for 2020
By PhocusWire / Voyager HQ | November 18, 2019
We're excited to highlight the next wave of companies that have shown potential to break through in... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Whispr wants to help frontline staff with voice guidance
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Whispr wants to help frontline staff with voice guidance
By Linda Fox | November 15, 2019
The company was recently accepted into IAG's Hangar 51 accelerator and has begun work with maintenance... Read More
Refundit pockets $9.8M for its digital VAT refund service
News / Startups
Refundit pockets $9.8M for its digital VAT refund service
By Linda Fox | November 15, 2019
Amadeus Ventures led the round, with participation also coming from Portugal Ventures and a... Read More
startup-stage-cruise-director
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: CruiseDirector creates new online platform for booking no-fee luxury cruises
By Mitra Sorrells | November 13, 2019
CruiseDirector is an online platform for travelers to book luxury ocean, river, yacht and expedition... Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Chris Hemmeter
Interview / Startups
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Chris Hemmeter
By PhocusWire | November 12, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November,... 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
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Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
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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