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.

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News / Startups
VIDEO: Singapore Airlines on digital innovation, internal buy-in and prioritizing projects
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2019
Singapore Airlines' Jerome Thil talks to PhocusWire at the World Aviation Festival 2019 on recent... Read More
beyond pricing series a funding
News / Startups
Beyond Pricing bags $42.5M to develop pricing tech for short-term rentals
By Jill Menze | September 26, 2019
Beyond Pricing - one of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Startups for 2019 - has raised a $42.5 million Series A... Read More
WAF-jetblue-tech-ventures
News / Startups
VIDEO: JetBlue Tech Ventures on investment pillars, larger checks and non-travel entrepreneurs
By Linda Fox | September 20, 2019
JetBlue Technology Ventures has 24 startups in the portfolio that are seeking to address pain points... Read More
avantstay-short-term-rentals
News / Startups
AvantStay locks in $20M in funding, looks to expand short-term rental portfolio
By Linda Fox | September 18, 2019
AvantStay is looking to bring in more properties for its short-term rentals for groups concept... Read More
davincits-startup-funding
News / Startups
Davinci Travel System looks to expansion following €2.1M in funding
By Linda Fox | September 13, 2019
The Prague-based startup specializing in group bookings tech for hotels has announced funding of €2.1... Read More
startup stage padlifter main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Padlifter wants to connect vacation rental service providers
By Mitra Sorrells | September 6, 2019
Padlifter is a marketplace to connect vacation rental hosts with providers of services such as... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Sherpa wants to shake up walking tours with AR avatar guides
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Sherpa wants to shake up walking tours with AR avatar guides
By Linda Fox | September 4, 2019
Sherpa was founded earlier this year to bring augmented reality avatar guides to walking tours. The... Read More
CEO interview TripActions Ariel Cohen headshot
Interview / Startups
In The Big Chair - Ariel Cohen of TripActions
By Mitra Sorrells | August 29, 2019
TripActions is only four years old, but the company is definitely playing in the big leagues, valued... Read More
Startup Stage: Anyplace wants to make flexible-term housing as easy to book as hotels
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Anyplace wants to make flexible-term housing as easy to book as hotels
By Jill Menze | August 27, 2019
Anyplace is a B2C marketplace where travelers can book fully furnished accommodations on a monthly... Read More
travellocal-funding
News / Online
TravelLocal brings broadcaster Channel 4 on board for Series A funding
By Linda Fox | August 23, 2019
TravelLocal is getting airtime from Channel 4 as it brings the U.K. broadcaster on for its Series A... Read More
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