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.

kiw.zuri-unmanned-flights
News / Distribution
Kiwi.com invests in Zuri to help develop unmanned civilian flights
By Linda Fox | April 15, 2019
Virtual interlining specialist Kiwi.com has backed the unmanned flight concept that uses vertical... Read More
Middle East, part 2: The travel startup scene
News / Startups
Middle East, part 2: The travel startup scene
By Mitra Sorrells | April 15, 2019
For part two in our series on the Middle East we explore the startup ecosystem with input from... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Gomingo wants to bring down commission rates for accommodation providers
Interview / Distribution
STARTUP STAGE: Gomingo wants to bring down commission rates for accommodation providers
By Linda Fox | April 11, 2019
Gomingo aims to bring down commission rates for hotels and other accommodation providers by offering... Read More
Klook boosts Series D with an additional $225M in funding
News / Startups
Klook boosts Series D with an additional $225M in funding
By Linda Fox | April 9, 2019
Tours and activities platform Klook has added $225 million to its Series D, bringing its funding total... Read More
flight-centre-upside
News / Technology
Flight Centre Travel Group acquires 25% stake in corporate travel service Upside
By Linda Fox | April 8, 2019
The strategic investment makes Flight Centre the largest individual shareholder in Upside.... Read More
Startup Stage Miles
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Miles is a universal transportation rewards program
By Mitra Sorrells | April 3, 2019
Miles is a loyalty platform that automatically rewards consumers for their daily movement, such as... Read More
amadeus-ventures-startups
News / Technology
Amadeus says traveler needs are ripe for innovation
By Linda Fox | April 2, 2019
Amadeus Ventures is focusing on the traveler experience in the hope that innovation can improve... Read More
plum guide funding
News / Startups
The Plum Guide nabs £14M to expand curated vacation rentals platform to more cities
By Jill Menze | March 21, 2019
The "Michelin Guide for vacation rentals" plans to have 12,000 verified homes across its network... Read More
Sounding Off: Innovation in travel is only in the eye of the beholder
Interview / Startups
Sounding Off: Innovation in travel is only in the eye of the beholder
By PhocusWire | March 8, 2019
It's time to stop worrying about who is apparently providing the "innovation" and concentrate on... Read More
Ground transportation part 1 investors
News / Startups
Ground innovation, part 1: The investment path
By Mitra Sorrells | March 4, 2019
In part one in our ground transportation theme series, we talk to investors about startups in the... 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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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