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: Strabe wants to streamline business travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Strabe wants to streamline business travel
By Mitra Sorrells | January 30, 2019
Founded in 2017, Strabe is intended to help corporate agents streamline the booking and travel process... Read More
Every innovator pitch from The Phocuswright Conference 2018 - all in one place
News / Startups
Every innovator pitch from The Phocuswright Conference 2018 - all in one place
By PhocusWire | January 25, 2019
Every pitch was recorded on video and almost every innovator later joined PhocusWire in our studio for... Read More
New model hotel op-ed Gulati
News / Startups
When it comes to guest personalization, price is only one piece of the puzzle
By Valerie Castillo - TrustYou | January 23, 2019
A new hotel brand, Life House, is currently testing an algorithmic pricing system based on customer... Read More
Startup Stage SBC Travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: SBC Travel launches crypto-friendly hotel booking platform
By Mitra Sorrells | January 23, 2019
SBC Travel is a new online travel agency that accepts cryptocurrency. It is launching with an... Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Giving innovators the tools required to create brilliant new travel apps
News / Startups
WEBINAR REPLAY! Giving innovators the tools required to create brilliant new travel apps
By PhocusWire | January 18, 2019
To create new travel experiences, innovators like startups and developers need to get connected to... Read More
VIDEO: PerfectStay - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: PerfectStay - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 18, 2019
Big brands can fully realize their potential for packaged travel sales with this B2B travel operator.... Read More
Polarsteps walks away with €3M investment round
News / Startups
Polarsteps walks away with €3M investment round
By Kevin May | January 16, 2019
INKEF Capital has backed the Netherlands-based company - an app that helps travelers track and share... Read More
From investors to incubators - a look inside the vast travel startup ecosystem
News / Startups
From investors to incubators - a look inside the vast travel startup ecosystem
By Kevin May | January 15, 2019
A five-year examination of the sector reveals a wide array of incubators, investors and communities... Read More
VIDEO: Zuzu Hospitality Solutions - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Zuzu Hospitality Solutions - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 14, 2019
Zuzu shows how a people-centric approach delivers revenue maximization from its pricing and... Read More
VIDEO: AllSeated - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: AllSeated - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 10, 2019
Genuine virtual reality that provides venues with a claim to have the highest ROI in the history of... 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
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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