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 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
crowdfunding-mr&mrssmith-travel
News / Startups
Established travel brands see crowdfunding as mechanism to boost loyalty
By Linda Fox | September 20, 2018
Mr & Mrs Smith and Much Better Adventures discuss why they decided to go down the crowdfunding route.... Read More
Make It Social hones group check-out experience, sees growth in travel and ticketing
News / Online
Make It Social hones group check-out experience, sees growth in travel and ticketing
By Linda Fox | September 19, 2018
Make It Social has gone back to basics and revamped its social check-out technology... Read More
tripcreator-8-million-funding
News / Startups
TripCreator lands $8M in funding, plans New York move
By Linda Fox | September 14, 2018
TripCreator, a trip planning service, has raised $8 million in funding from venture capitalists and... Read More
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Eric Gnock Fah
Interview / Startups
In the green room at Phocuswright with... Eric Gnock Fah
By Phocuswire | September 14, 2018
Led by Eric Gnock Fah and a fellow colleague from the investment banking sector, Klook entered the... Read More
Is the travel industry ready for a new wave of disruption?
News / Startups
Is the travel industry ready for a new wave of disruption?
By PhocusWire | September 13, 2018
"Disruption" has become an ever-present word in the popular vernacular when talking about changes in... 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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Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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