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 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
Klook brings in $200M in funding, eyes expansion in Europe and the U.S.
News / Distribution
Klook brings in $200M in funding, eyes expansion in Europe and the U.S.
By Linda Fox | August 7, 2018
Klook has raised $200 million in Series D funding with plans to expand its tours and activities... Read More
Startup Stage MüvTravel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: MüvTravel uses AI to customize itineraries for independent travelers
By Mitra Sorrells | August 7, 2018
MüvTravel is an AI-powered platform to help independent travelers customize their entire trip,... Read More
Startups part 1 investors' perspective
News / Startups
Surveying the travel startup landscape, part 1: The investors’ perspective
By Mitra Sorrells | August 7, 2018
This month we're digging into the topic of startups, aiming to understand the challenges and... Read More
lufthansa-innovation-hub
News / Startups
The evolution of the Lufthansa Innovation Hub - internal projects, partnerships and investments
By Linda Fox | August 6, 2018
Founded in early 2014 as a standalone subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, the Innovation Hub has... Read More
Chill out: welcome to the startup... decelerator
Notated News / Startups
Chill out: welcome to the startup... decelerator
By Ranjani Ayyar - The Times Of India | August 1, 2018
Exponential growth, tracking metrics daily, chasing funding  and targets, putting in 20-hour... Read More
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From Our Partners
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
September 9, 2025
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
August 19, 2025
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