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: 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
pcw-2018-tours-activities
News / Distribution
VIDEO: Funding, search bias and a need for independent tech providers for activities
By Linda Fox | December 5, 2018
Tours and activities execs took to the Center Stage at The Phocuswright Conference to talk investment,... Read More
SnapTravel 21.2 million Series A
News / Startups
SnapTravel adds $13.2M to develop its text- and voice-based travel assistant
By Mitra Sorrells | December 5, 2018
Toronto-based SnapTravel has closed a $21.2 million Series A funding round, adding $13.2 million in... Read More
VIDEO: ConnexPay - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: ConnexPay - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 5, 2018
ConnexPay is transforming how travel companies accept cards & pay for travel to save millions of... Read More
Homerez 6 million euro investment
News / Startups
Homerez raises €6M, aims to become European leader in vacation rental services
By Mitra Sorrells | December 4, 2018
Paris-based vacation rental management startup Homerez has raised €6 million to accelerate its growth... Read More
VIDEO: Skylark - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Skylark - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 4, 2018
What's the future of luxury travel? It's what we all want: convenience, transparency, value, service... Read More
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