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.

Take a look: Summit and Launch innovators at Phocuswright Europe 2019
News / Startups
Take a look: Summit and Launch innovators at Phocuswright Europe 2019
By PhocusWire | May 13, 2019
At Phocuswright Europe, innovators battle for a shot at being crowned the EMEA Travel Innovator of the... Read More
angie-acquires-roxy-guest-tech
News / Technology
Angie takes over rival Roxy in guest room tech consolidation
By Linda Fox | May 13, 2019
Angie Hospitality acquires the assets of Roxy, a rival in the hotel guest room technology space.... Read More
hostfully-seed-funding
News / Technology
Hostfully brings in $1M in seed funding as it looks to grow team
By Linda Fox | May 8, 2019
The round was led by Precursor Ventures with MergeLane, Wharton Alumni Angels, Blue Startups and... Read More
tourlane-series-c
News / Startups
Tourlane quickly adds $47M, plans international expansion and product development
By Linda Fox | May 7, 2019
The business offers customers the expertise of travel agents combined with online booking - and... Read More
tours-activities-distribution
Interview / Distribution
STARTUP STAGE: Magpie wants to end content distribution woes in activities
By Linda Fox | April 29, 2019
The company was founded in November 2018 by former tour operator Christian Watts. The startup has... Read More
tripscout-2-million-investment
News / Startups
TripScout signals next phase of travel discovery app with $2.1M funding
By Kevin May | April 24, 2019
The investment is being led by Corazon Capital and includes participation from a number of other funds... Read More
startup-investment
News / Startups
Travel investors talk areas of focus, the right fit and U.S. funding
By Linda Fox | April 23, 2019
Thoughts from travel tech investors at an event in Ireland on what's hot and what they're looking for... Read More
Startup Stage Wanderift
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Wanderift brings a subscription model to air travel
By Mitra Sorrells | April 23, 2019
Founded in December 2017, Wanderift allows users to buy a subscription of either $369 per month for... Read More
Sounding Off: The Middle Eastern travel startup scene can learn from errors of others
Interview / Startups
Sounding Off: The Middle Eastern travel startup scene can learn from errors of others
By PhocusWire | April 19, 2019
The fledgling community in the Middle East must acknowledge how other startup "scenes" have evolved... Read More
business-travel-startup-unicorn-2
Opinion / Startups
Can startup unicorns fly in business travel?
By Jill Palmer - Click Travel | April 16, 2019
An influx of businesses describe themselves as fundamentally changing the model of business 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
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