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: Baarb - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Baarb - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 3, 2018
This enterprise B2B platform is helping global travel brands deliver hyper-relevant search results... Read More
VIDEO: Futurestay - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Futurestay - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | November 30, 2018
The smartest way to connect vacation rentals to everything - channels, guests, payments and their own... Read More
lufthansa-yilu-b2b-platform
News / Distribution
Lufthansa releases B2B travel platform Yilu from stealth mode
By Linda Fox | November 29, 2018
Lufthansa Group has launched Yilu, a B2B startup that grew out of its innovation hub.... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Pebblar helps travelers create itineraries with DIY collaborative tool
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Pebblar helps travelers create itineraries with DIY collaborative tool
By Jill Menze | November 29, 2018
Pebblar offers travelers a visual workspace to map and create itineraries. Think the functions of... Read More
VIDEO: Teckst - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Teckst - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | November 29, 2018
Teckst empowers travel brands to text with their customers in real time using flexible CRM... Read More
VIDEO: Situm Indoor Positioning - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Situm Indoor Positioning - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | November 28, 2018
Indoor navigation technology for the traveler. Indoor workforce and asset-tracking technology to boost... Read More
Startup Stage Bacarai
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Bacarai wants to automate online sales of group air travel
By Mitra Sorrells | November 27, 2018
Bacarai is creating a marketplace to bring group airfare online and add efficiencies – and upsell... Read More
VIDEO: JetBlue Tech Ventures on a new focus for airlines
News / Startups
VIDEO: JetBlue Tech Ventures on a new focus for airlines
By Kevin May | November 21, 2018
With a string of investments under its wing, JetBlue Technology Ventures has become a pioneer in the... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Domio is targeting group travel with tech-forward apartment-hotels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Domio is targeting group travel with tech-forward apartment-hotels
By Jill Menze | November 19, 2018
Domio targets group travelers with spacious, tech-forward homes in urban markets. In addition to its... Read More
state of startups 2018
News / Startups
Research Spotlight: The state of travel startups 2018
By PhocusWire | November 16, 2018
The number of travel startups being founded has slowed in recent years, while the market has shifted... 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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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