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.

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
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
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 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
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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