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 Guide121
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Guide121 wants to bring a "playlist" mentality to travel
By Mitra Sorrells | May 30, 2019
Guide121 provides users what it calls a “playlist,” which is a suggested sequence of destinations,... Read More
VIDEO: NannyBag - Battleground pitch runner-up at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: NannyBag - Battleground pitch runner-up at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 30, 2019
Changing the way people travel with a luggage solution for every destination. ... Read More
mindsay-chatbot-funding
News / Startups
Mindsay adds $10M in Series A funding to expand chatbot service
By Linda Fox | May 29, 2019
Paris-based chatbot startup also took on a brand name after starting out as Destygo.... Read More
VIDEO: GuruWalk - Battleground pitch runner-up at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: GuruWalk - Battleground pitch runner-up at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 28, 2019
The revolution of "pay-what-you-want" walking tours - find out why travelers love this concept so... Read More
ctrip-high-income-travelers
News / Online
Ctrip sees huge potential in customized travel for growing affluent segment
By Linda Fox | May 24, 2019
Research from Ctrip and COTRI reveals the potential in the growing high-net income traveler segment.... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: CultureMee helps business travelers avoid costly culture mistakes
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: CultureMee helps business travelers avoid costly culture mistakes
By Linda Fox | May 23, 2019
CultureMee provides engaging content including videos and culture models to business travelers to help... Read More
VIDEO: Questo - Battleground pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Questo - Battleground pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 23, 2019
A mobile app for city exploration games in which users solve clues for discovering new places and... Read More
Skylark Travel raises $4M to build its high-touch platform for luxury travelers
News / Startups
Skylark Travel raises $4M to build its high-touch platform for luxury travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | May 22, 2019
Skylark Travel, a hybrid online-offline agency, has raised a $4 million seed round.... Read More
VIDEO: Setoo - Battleground pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Setoo - Battleground pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 22, 2019
Empowering e-businesses to turn insurance into products consumers love and providing a new insurance... Read More
Startup Stage Frontdesk
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Frontdesk manages short-term rentals in urban apartment communities
By Mitra Sorrells | May 14, 2019
 Founded in 2017, Frontdesk develops and manages short-term rental suites around the United... Read More
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From Our Partners
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