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 Gaffl main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: GAFFL connects solo travelers to plan trips, split costs
By Mitra Sorrells | March 1, 2019
GAFFL, or, Get a Friend for Life, is intended to help solo travelers find others planning similar... Read More
China series part 3 startups
News / Startups
China, part 3: The state of the travel startup ecosystem
By Mitra Sorrells | February 19, 2019
William Bao Bean of SOSV, Lio Chen of Plug & Play and Margaret Feng of Ctrip's Oasis Lab talk to us... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Refundit automates VAT refund for travelers, retailers and governments
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Refundit automates VAT refund for travelers, retailers and governments
By Mitra Sorrells | February 15, 2019
Refundit automates the VAT, or value-added tax, refund process for tourists visiting the European... Read More
virtual-car-rental
News / Startups
Virtuo revs up with €20M in funding for expansion of car-rental app across Europe
By Linda Fox | February 13, 2019
Mobile app-based car-rental startup Virtuo adds €20 million in funding. Balderton Capital and others... Read More
2nd Address 10 million funding
News / Startups
2nd Address raises $10M for long-term rental platform for business travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2019
2nd Address, an Airbnb-style platform for business travelers, has raised $10 million to expand.... Read More
Festicket adds $4.6M to expand festival travel packages platform
News / Startups
Festicket adds $4.6M to expand festival travel packages platform
By Linda Fox | February 5, 2019
Festicket adds a further $4.6 million in funding, hot on the heels of its recent $10.5 million Series... Read More
Startup Stage Finalrentals
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Finalrentals digitizes vehicle price comparison and booking in UAE
By Mitra Sorrells | February 5, 2019
Dubai-based Finalrentals is digitizing price comparison and booking for short- and long-term car... Read More
Bag-storage service LuggageHero bags $1.45M to expand in U.S. and Europe
News / Startups
Bag-storage service LuggageHero bags $1.45M to expand in U.S. and Europe
By Jill Menze | February 4, 2019
LuggageHero - named one of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Startups for 2019 - has raised $1.45 million to expand... Read More
Zeelo accelerates development of on-demand coach service with £4.25M funding
News / Startups
Zeelo accelerates development of on-demand coach service with £4.25M funding
By Linda Fox | February 1, 2019
On-demand coach platform Zeelo drives off with funding of £4.25 million from ETF Partners.... Read More
oyo-rooms-indonesia
News / Distribution
OYO sees rapid growth Indonesia, commits $50M to expansion in the Philippines
By Linda Fox | January 31, 2019
OYO continues its rapid expansion with a ramp up in Indonesia and launch in the Philippines.... 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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