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: 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
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
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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
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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
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