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: TRILL turns Instagram content into bookable travel experiences
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: TRILL turns Instagram content into bookable travel experiences
By Jill Menze | June 8, 2018
With TRILL, users can turn their Instagram content into bookable experiences. By using the platform,... Read More
Startup Stage Vivere Travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Vivere uses AI to curate inspirational content
By Mitra Sorrells | May 30, 2018
 Working with IBM Watson technology, Vivere uses artificial intelligence to easily organize and... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: DeepBlu aims to be the Airbnb of diving
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: DeepBlu aims to be the Airbnb of diving
By Kevin May | May 22, 2018
The company is not just another activity content site, but has a marketplace and other tools to give... Read More
How to scale in high-growth online travel
Opinion / Startups
How to scale in high-growth online travel
By Bob Milne - Vacasa | May 22, 2018
Ten years ago, I would have told you that maintaining operational stability while growing at this rate... Read More
Life House hotel funding $40M
News / Startups
Tech-driven boutique brand Life House launches with $40M and plans to bypass OTAs
By Mitra Sorrells | May 22, 2018
A new hotel brand has secured $40 million in funding to develop its boutique hotel product and... Read More
VIDEO: Investors explain the Asia Pacific travel phenomenon
News / Startups
VIDEO: Investors explain the Asia Pacific travel phenomenon
By PhocusWire | May 21, 2018
There's something refreshing about listening to investors and other financial folk who consider their... Read More
Startup Stage VacationRenter
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: VacationRenter aims to solve the industry's inventory fragmentation
By Mitra Sorrells | May 14, 2018
Two ex-Googlers created the vacation rental search engine that consolidates listings from sites... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Tripcents brings idea-save-pay process to trip planning
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Tripcents brings idea-save-pay process to trip planning
By Kevin May | May 11, 2018
Founded in mid-2017, Tripcents has a different take on the trip planning model by tapping into one of... Read More
QOTW: Something about customer discovery at travel startups
News / Startups
QOTW: Something about customer discovery at travel startups
By PhocusWire | May 4, 2018
Quote from Richard Holden of Google.... Read More
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Lin Xu says people have it wrong about investors
Interview / Startups
Phocuswright Europe 2018 Preview: Lin Xu says people have it wrong about investors
By PhocusWire | May 4, 2018
Here is she discusses the misconceptions people have about the investment community, her love of tours... 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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Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More