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.

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
southeast asia part 2 investors entrepreneurs
News / Startups
Southeast Asia, part 2: Investors, entrepreneurs look to specialized solutions in complex region
By Mitra Sorrells | October 14, 2019
For the second piece in our series on Southeast Asia we hear from some of the region's most active... Read More
Sounding Off: Big opportunities for travel startups must carry a warning
Interview / Startups
Sounding Off: Big opportunities for travel startups must carry a warning
By PhocusWire | October 11, 2019
Dangling the glories of others in front of startups is a powerful, motivating force for any new... Read More
Malaysia's Zouba wants to become a meta-book marketplace for destination products
News / Startups
Malaysia's Zouba wants to become a meta-book marketplace for destination products
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WebInTravel | October 10, 2019
Malaysia-based GoQuo is launching Zouba, a “meta-book marketplace” for destination products.... Read More
Startup Stage Flugy
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Flugy crowdsources private flights to exotic destinations
By Mitra Sorrells | October 9, 2019
Flugy charters private planes to destinations voted on by its members (who each pay a $25 membership... Read More
The Future Of Travel Experience: A view from mega-investor Andreessen Horowitz
Interview / Startups
The Future Of Travel Experience: A view from mega-investor Andreessen Horowitz
By Jeff Katz - Journera | October 8, 2019
Jeff Katz talks to one of the biggest names in venture capital and a major investor in travel... 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
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Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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