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 Chozun
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Chozun offers blockchain system for experiences and loyalty
By Mitra Sorrells | May 3, 2018
Australian entrepreneurs Teresa Truda and Zia Word pivoted the focus of their app to Chinese outbound... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Stay22 targets event accommodation
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Stay22 targets event accommodation
By Kevin May | April 30, 2018
The event services platform has $750,000 in its back pocket after a recent funding round, helping with... Read More
Guesty $20M funding
News / Startups
Guesty raises nearly $20M to grow rental property management platform
By Mitra Sorrells | April 25, 2018
Guesty, a cloud-based system to simplify management of vacation rental properties across multiple... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Tripfuser takes on planning and tours
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Tripfuser takes on planning and tours
By Kevin May | April 24, 2018
The company is live in seven countries, has 38 employees and includes a number of core elements... Read More
Culture Trip brings in $80M to build online travel agency
News / Startups
Culture Trip brings in $80M to build online travel agency
By Kevin May | April 24, 2018
Who said travel content sites were dead in an age dominated by large players such as TripAdvisor and... Read More
Turo adds rental agencies new funding
News / Startups
Car-share startup Turo adds rental agencies to expand globally
By Mitra Sorrells | April 17, 2018
San Francisco-based peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace Turo is adding vehicles from independent car... Read More
Six trends for travel startups to consider
News / Startups
Six trends for travel startups to consider
By Kevin May | April 16, 2018
Fifteen startups have joined the popular Welcome City Lab, part of the Paris & Co network of services... Read More
CarTrawler Splyt ride hailing partnership
News / Technology
CarTrawler puts ride-hailing into airline mobile apps
By Mitra Sorrells | April 12, 2018
CarTrawler, the technology platform that powers car rentals, chauffeurs, taxis and other ground... Read More
TravelPerk captures $21 million to boost corporate booking tool
News / Startups
TravelPerk captures $21 million to boost corporate booking tool
By Kevin May | April 11, 2018
A series B round of $21 million has come to Travelperk from a group of new and existing investors in... Read More
Uber acquires Jump Bikes
News / Startups
Uber targets bike-sharing with purchase of Jump Bikes
By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2018
Uber is expanding its ride options with the purchase of Jump Bikes, a dockless, electric bike-sharing... 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