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: CertiStay certifies the safety and security of vacation rentals
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: CertiStay certifies the safety and security of vacation rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | November 11, 2019
CertiStay, backed by a team that includes industry veteran Terry Jones, provides safety and... Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - Outside forces may correct travel startup growth
News / Startups
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - Outside forces may correct travel startup growth
By PhocusWire | November 1, 2019
The figures are extraordinary, in many respects - there was a 55% increase year-over-year ($5.7... Read More
singapore-tourism-accelerator
News / Startups
Singapore Tourism Board opens accelerator to improve the visitor experience
By Linda Fox | October 31, 2019
Singapore Tourism has announced the first cohort of startups for its accelerator which has been set up... Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Tedd Evers
Interview / Startups
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Tedd Evers
October 30, 2019
Continuing our series chatting to execs participating in the Phocuswright Conference in November, meet... Read More
STARTUP STAGE:  Wheel the World wants to make travel more accessible
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Wheel the World wants to make travel more accessible
By Linda Fox | October 24, 2019
As part of its bid to open up travel in more destinations, the company carries out accessibility... Read More
The search for genuine "disruption" in the travel industry
Opinion / Startups
The search for genuine "disruption" in the travel industry
By Peter Matthews - Nucleus | October 24, 2019
Now traditional business models have been turned on their heads by the likes of Uber, Airbnb, Amazon... Read More
State of travel startups: Almost $20B raised in funding over ten years
News / Startups
State of travel startups: Almost $20B raised in funding over ten years
By Kevin May | October 15, 2019
Phocuswright's annual State of Startups Report, which has tracked the digital travel startup landscape... Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Erik Blachford
Interview / Startups
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Erik Blachford
By PhocusWire | October 15, 2019
In a series of interviews with executives participating in the event in Florida in November,... Read More
Corporate investors in travel: Deciphering strategy and knowing the limits
News / Startups
Corporate investors in travel: Deciphering strategy and knowing the limits
By Mitra Sorrells | October 15, 2019
Execs from Amadeus Ventures, AccorHotels and Singapore Airlines join a panel at WebInTravel, moderated... Read More
tripabrood-startup
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: TripAbrood wants to be smart with family trip planning
By Linda Fox | October 14, 2019
TripAbrood is using artificial intelligence to build a virtual assistant to help book family... Read More
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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