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.

AI trip planner Mindtrip acquires travel guide platform Thatch
News / Startups
AI trip planner Mindtrip acquires travel guide platform Thatch
By Morgan Hines | March 12, 2025
In a post addressed to creators and travelers Monday, Thatch said its content has migrated to... Read More
British Airways-parent IAG plans €200M investment in airline innovation
News / Startups
British Airways-parent IAG plans €200M investment in airline innovation
By Morgan Hines | March 11, 2025
The corporate venture branch will invest the funding over the next five years, focused primarily on... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Arcube helps fliers convert loyalty points to ancillaries
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Arcube helps fliers convert loyalty points to ancillaries
By Morgan Hines | March 11, 2025
Arcube's platform also works to analyze a passenger’s travel history, market data and other factors to... Read More
Conversational AI provider Kleio receives €3M in funding
News / Startups
Conversational AI provider Kleio receives €3M in funding
By Morgan Hines | March 7, 2025
The 2024-founded company will use the new capital to drive adoption, increase the range of skills its... Read More
Startup Stage: Walkway helps activity providers grow through its AI-powered platform
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Walkway helps activity providers grow through its AI-powered platform
By Linda Fox | March 3, 2025
Walkway helps experience providers price with confidence, track competitors, understand the market and... Read More
AI travel software provider Maya raises €1M
News / Startups
AI travel software provider Maya raises €1M
By Morgan Hines | February 27, 2025
The funding, which included investors such as Lighthouse, will be used to fuel global growth and... Read More
Less than 10% of airlines have invested in startups
News / Startups
Less than 10% of airlines have invested in startups
By Morgan Hines | February 25, 2025
A new report from Lufthansa Innovation Hub found airlines tend to be conservative when it comes to... Read More
Startup Stage: Dazhboards wants to drive efficiency for tour operators
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Dazhboards wants to drive efficiency for tour operators
By Linda Fox | February 24, 2025
Dazhboards is connecting directly with tours and activities booking systems to streamline processes... Read More
Global Startup Pitch from Phocuswright/WiT returns for fourth year
News / Startups
Global Startup Pitch from Phocuswright/WiT returns for fourth year
By WiT | February 21, 2025
Last year's 10 Global Startup Pitch winners were plucked from more than 200 entries.... Read More
Superlogic, Open Network Exchange launch Bookit rewards platform
News / Startups
Superlogic, Open Network Exchange launch Bookit rewards platform
By Morgan Hines | February 20, 2025
The artificial intelligence-powered platform is meant to provide “elite access” to experiences that go... Read More
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From Our Partners
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
September 9, 2025
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
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
August 19, 2025
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
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