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.

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
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
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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