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.

VIDEO: TripStack - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: TripStack - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 8, 2019
A simple and cost-effective API provides the best LCC fares and virtual interlining to OTAs and... Read More
BTU Hotel blockchain booking platform
News / Startups
New hotel booking platform offers cryptocurrency rebates for travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | January 7, 2019
A new blockchain-based hotel booking platform launching today at CES promises to take no commission on... Read More
Startup Stage Trip Loop
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Trip Loop coordinates group travel, with and without internet
By Mitra Sorrells | January 2, 2019
Trip Loop consolidates information related to group travel, such as hotel reservations,... Read More
VIDEO: Arise Travel - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Arise Travel - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | January 2, 2019
Arise is a blockchain-based distributed network for hotels and the ecosystem of products and services... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Jubel combines high-tech and high-touch trip-planning
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Jubel combines high-tech and high-touch trip-planning
By Mitra Sorrells | December 28, 2018
Jubel combines artificial intelligence and travel specialists to create customized proposals -... Read More
VIDEO: Viselio - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Viselio - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 28, 2018
Viselio is a digital visa service, cutting the time to apply for a visa from several hours to just a... Read More
VIDEO: Amadeus For Developers on getting the right tools
From Our Partners / Startups
VIDEO: Amadeus For Developers on getting the right tools
By Kevin May | December 27, 2018
To create new travel experiences, innovators like startups and developers need to get connected to... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Bookaway wants to bring ground transportation online in developing countries
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Bookaway wants to bring ground transportation online in developing countries
By Linda Fox | December 24, 2018
Bookaway offers ground transportation options for travelers in developing countries where content is... Read More
VIDEO: uBingo Technology - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: uBingo Technology - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 24, 2018
This smart device and system activates hotel customers' in-house consumption ability and improves... Read More
VIDEO: SafeTravelRx - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: SafeTravelRx - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 20, 2018
Connecting travelers to on-demand assistance, transmitting location and medical information to... Read More
Sponsored Content
From Our Partners
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
September 9, 2025
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
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
August 19, 2025
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