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: 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
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
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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