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.

VIDEO: Efectio Sleep - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Efectio Sleep - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | June 7, 2019
Helping hotel guests improve sleep quality and bring loyalty program gamification to a new level. No... Read More
investors-phocuswright-europe-2019-2
News / Startups
VIDEO: How investors decipher the fast-paced online travel landscape in Asia
By Linda Fox | June 5, 2019
The “Through the Lens of Investors” session at the Phocuswright Europe 2019 Conference threw a... Read More
VIDEO: Klazz - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Klazz - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | June 5, 2019
Language travel is reinvented by applying algorithmic solutions to match students with freelance... Read More
VIDEO: Travel Ledger - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Travel Ledger - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | June 4, 2019
Welcome to a new era of low-cost billing and payment in travel thanks to distributed ledger... Read More
VIDEO: Cruisewatch - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Cruisewatch - Battleground pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 31, 2019
Cruisewatch is transforming the way people find and book cruises through 360-degree online cruise... Read More
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
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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