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.

STARTUP STAGE: Mapify's social travel platform lets users discover and plan trips
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Mapify's social travel platform lets users discover and plan trips
By Linda Fox | October 25, 2018
Founded about 18 months ago, Mapify is a mobile-first platform that aims to improve the trip planning... Read More
OYO launches Indonesia, OYO Living brand
News / Startups
OYO launches in Indonesia, will invest $100 million and reach 35 cities
By Mitra Sorrells | October 24, 2018
Indian hospitality startup OYO has launched in Indonesia, starting with 30 properties operated under... Read More
Smartvel gets funding boost for its destination content technology
News / Startups
Smartvel gets funding boost for its destination content technology
By Linda Fox | October 24, 2018
Destination content technology company Smartvel has received $1.05 million in funding for further... Read More
mapify-seed-funding
News / Startups
Mapify plots expansion following $1.3M in funding
By Linda Fox | October 22, 2018
Social travel site Mapify gets $1.3 million in seed funding.... Read More
SevenRooms gets voice tech boost from Amazon Alexa Fund
News / Startups
SevenRooms gets voice tech boost from Amazon Alexa Fund
October 22, 2018
SevenRooms has received investment from Amazon’s Alexa fund to develop voice-enabled technology... Read More
Vertoe stores up $1.85M in seed funding to expand storage platform
News / Startups
Vertoe stores up $1.85M in seed funding to expand storage platform
By Linda Fox | October 18, 2018
New York-based Vertoe raises seed funding for its luggage storage business.... Read More
VIDEO: The high-profile investor view on tours and activities
News / Startups
VIDEO: The high-profile investor view on tours and activities
By Kevin May | October 17, 2018
He's one of the prominent members of the investment community in travel (and countless other sectors),... Read More
Common mistakes of startups entering travel
News / Startups
Common mistakes of startups entering travel
By Jill Menze | October 16, 2018
Startups angling to break into travel can’t win without knowledge of the so-called travel funnel.... Read More
TravelPerk quickly adds $44M round, plans rapid expansion of business travel tech
News / Startups
TravelPerk quickly adds $44M round, plans rapid expansion of business travel tech
By Linda Fox | October 15, 2018
TravelPerk has announced $44 million in Series C funding, just seven months after it attracted a... Read More
phocuswright-preview-2018-jonne-de-leeuw
Interview / Startups
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Jonne de Leeuw
By PhocusWire | October 15, 2018
The fund led a $17 million round to back Tiqets, now its principal participates in an executive... Read More
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