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.

davincits-group-booking-hotels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Davinci TS wants to bring group hotel bookings into the 21st century
By Linda Fox | December 19, 2018
Davinci TS is a platform for the booking and management of group bookings in hotels. It aims to... Read More
VIDEO: TripElephant - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: TripElephant - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 17, 2018
TripElephant is a digital search marketing optimization tool. It creates, manages and optimizes search... Read More
Travel startup investments 2018 - a year in review
News / Startups
Travel startup investments 2018 - a year in review
By Kevin May | December 14, 2018
Despite the powerful presence of established players, many of which have seemingly cornered various... Read More
VIDEO: Perfect Price - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Perfect Price - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 14, 2018
The dynamic pricing platform that uses AI and machine learning to maximize profitability in an... Read More
VIDEO: Airside Mobile - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Airside Mobile - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 13, 2018
Airside's new privacy-by-design, consumer-centric ID platform offers a faster path to deploying... Read More
VIDEO: Rentals United - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Rentals United - Summit pitch runner-up at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 12, 2018
The vacation rental industry is drawing off new tech such as this advanced automation platform,... Read More
WhyHotel 10 million series A
News / Startups
Pop-up hotel concept WhyHotel raises $10M, plans U.S. expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | December 11, 2018
A startup that manages units in new luxury apartment buildings as temporary hotels has raised $10... Read More
VIDEO: Vivere - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Vivere - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 10, 2018
Vivere.travel transforms your vacation vision into reality. A personalized, interest-based, visual... Read More
Tourlane 24 million series b
News / Startups
Tourlane raises $24M for agent-led trip tool, plans to nearly double staff
By Mitra Sorrells | December 7, 2018
Berlin-based Tourlane, which offers online booking of custom itineraries planned by travel... Read More
VIDEO: Sleepbox - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Sleepbox - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 7, 2018
Sleepbox is a technology-driven micro-hotel providing frictionless, autonomous, affordable, private... Read More
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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