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 TransferTravel generic
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: TransferTravel.com wants to be the "eBay" of travel
By Mitra Sorrells | July 18, 2018
TransferTravel.com is a peer-to-peer marketplace designed to help people sell their unwanted tickets... Read More
Startup Stage Avionero
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Avionero aims to bring flexibility to flight search
By Mitra Sorrells | July 11, 2018
Avionero is a flight search and price comparison site that uses artificial intelligence to help users... Read More
lufthansa-innovation-lab-asia-pacific
News / Startups
Lufthansa targets Asia Pacific hotspots for tech innovation
By Kevin May | July 5, 2018
Lufthansa Group's Innovation Hub is expanding to the Far East in a bid to capture some of the buzz and... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Sleepbox's micro-hotels house travelers in urban areas
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Sleepbox's micro-hotels house travelers in urban areas
By Jill Menze | July 5, 2018
Sleepbox's portable micro-hotels are designed for travelers stuck in an airport or looking for a cheap... Read More
OAG Plug and Play partnership
News / Startups
OAG partners with Plug and Play to spur innovation for travel
By Mitra Sorrells | June 28, 2018
OAG, a global provider of air travel data, has partnered with Plug and Play, a startup accelerator and... Read More
VIDEO: Asia Pacific as a new global hub for travel startups
News / Startups
VIDEO: Asia Pacific as a new global hub for travel startups
By PhocusWire | June 25, 2018
A lot of investment has flowed into travel startups from Asia Pacific in recent years - with the... Read More
Startup Stage ViaHero
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: ViaHero pairs travelers with local experts who plan their trips
By Mitra Sorrells | June 25, 2018
ViaHero is a trip planning service that connects travelers with locals to plan personalized trip... Read More
VIDEO: Under the hood of travel startups
News / Startups
VIDEO: Under the hood of travel startups
By PhocusWire | June 14, 2018
Routehappy recently sold to ATPCO - a deal seen by most as a decent exit for a company that had been... Read More
Startup Stage SeeVoov
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: SeeVoov drives travel bookings through tagged videos
By Mitra Sorrells | June 12, 2018
 SeeVoov provides tagged video content to help travelers select destinations, accommodations and... Read More
PODCAST: PundIT Show #14
News / Startups
PODCAST: PundIT Show #14
By Kevin May | June 8, 2018
Something a little different for episode 14 of the PundIT Show - a one-on-one with Voyager HQ boss... 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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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