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.

QOTW: Something about using your super powers
News / Startups
QOTW: Something about using your super powers
By PhocusWire | August 17, 2018
Quote from Tao Tao, co-founder and COO of GetYourGuide, in an article on PhocusWire this week.... Read More
Roomex 8M funding
News / Startups
Roomex locks in €8M to fuel product development and market expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | August 17, 2018
Dublin-based Roomex has raised €8 million series A funding to develop its hotel booking platform for... Read More
Taiwan startup FunNow raises 5 million
News / Startups
FunNow raises $5M to expand tours and activities in Southeast Asia and Japan
By Mitra Sorrells | August 16, 2018
FunNow, a Taiwan-based instant booking app for entertainment and leisure activities, has raised $5... Read More
Why mega-rounds of $100M are now commonplace
Notated News / Startups
Why mega-rounds of $100M are now commonplace
By Erin Griffith - New York Times | August 16, 2018
Startups raising $100 million or more from investors — known as a mega-round in Silicon Valley — used... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Vacaryx ticks high-touch and blockchain boxes for rental platform
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Vacaryx ticks high-touch and blockchain boxes for rental platform
By Mitra Sorrells | August 14, 2018
Vacaryx is a vacation rental platform that aims to add transparency to the booking process by... Read More
Startup bad boys somehow always make a return
Notated News / Startups
Startup bad boys somehow always make a return
By Erin Griffith - Wired | August 13, 2018
Travis Kalanick, Uber's founder and former CEO, wasn’t gone very long - just over a year, in fact.... Read More
Surveying the travel startup landscape, part 2: Front line tips from the founders
News / Startups
Surveying the travel startup landscape, part 2: Front line tips from the founders
By Mitra Sorrells | August 13, 2018
For the second piece in our series on startups, we go to the front lines to gather insights from three... Read More
Blacklane launches security-bypass services at 500 airports
News / Startups
Blacklane launches security-bypass services at 500 airports
By Mitra Sorrells | August 12, 2018
Private car service Blacklane is expanding its offerings in a new direction with the launch of... Read More
Handiscover 700K funding
News / Startups
Handiscover raises $700,000 to expand accessible accommodations platform
By Mitra Sorrells | August 10, 2018
Handiscover, a startup to help people find and book accessible hotel rooms and rental properties, has... Read More
Terry Jones interview startups
News / Startups
Q&A: Terry Jones on the challenges of creating a successful travel startup
By Mitra Sorrells | August 8, 2018
Terry Jones has had a long history in travel, including working as a travel agent, 24 years at... 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
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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
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