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-keyocoin
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: KeyoCoin helps independent travel companies through universal rewards program
By Linda Fox | October 10, 2018
KeyoCoin is a blockchain-based travel rewards cryptocurrecy and platform that aims to get independent... Read More
CrowdRiff 9 million series A
News / Startups
CrowdRiff raises $9M to grow its visual content marketing platform
By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2018
Toronto-based CrowdRiff, an artificial intelligence-powered visual content management and marketing... Read More
travel-appeal-funding
News / Startups
Travel Appeal adds €3M in funding to bring its data science sauce to more travel businesses
By Linda Fox | October 4, 2018
Travel Appeal has raised €3 million in funding for develop its technology and speed up expansion.... Read More
Startup Stage Plum Guide
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: The Plum Guide wants to be the Michelin Guide for vacation rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | October 3, 2018
Founded in 2016, the Plum Guide is a curated collection of vacation rentals that meet its rigorous... Read More
Russian airline group S7 earmarks $50M for startups
News / Startups
Russian airline group S7 earmarks $50M for startups
By Linda Fox | October 2, 2018
Russia-based S7 Group, which already includes an airline and space program, is turning its attention... Read More
Startup Stage Pitched
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Pitched wants to be the Airbnb of camping
By Mitra Sorrells | October 1, 2018
Ontario-based Pitched is modeled after Airbnb – allowing Canadian property owners to rent their land... Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Erik Blachford
Interview / Startups
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Erik Blachford
By PhocusWire | September 28, 2018
The former president and CEO of Expedia, and later of IAC Travel, is now a prominent figure in venture... Read More
AccorHotels leads €5M investment in Travelsify AI analytics platform
News / Technology
AccorHotels leads €5M investment in Travelsify AI analytics platform
By Mitra Sorrells | September 27, 2018
AccorHotels has led a €5 million round in Travelsify, a content analytics platform that uses... Read More
Ctrip Splyt ride hailing partnership
News / Startups
Ctrip adds Splyt’s global ride-hailing to its mobile app
By Mitra Sorrells | September 27, 2018
Ctrip customers can now use the online travel agency’s app to book transportation in more than 1,000... Read More
Startup Stage FlyGRN
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: FlyGRN combines flight booking with automatic carbon offsetting
By Mitra Sorrells | September 21, 2018
FlyGRN uses a portion of the commission it receives for flight bookings to support carbon offsetting... Read More
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Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
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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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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