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.

Top reasons why startups end up in the deadpool
News / Startups
Top reasons why startups end up in the deadpool
By Kevin May | February 16, 2018
The travel industry is littered with the remains of startups that came and went quicker than you can... Read More
Battling external forces: How a startup competes in the tours market
News / Online
Battling external forces: How a startup competes in the tours market
By Jill Menze | February 14, 2018
The travel industry has yet to see a clear frontrunner emerge in the tours and attractions space. Be... Read More
outdoorsy rv marketplace funds
News / Startups
Peer-to-peer RV marketplace Outdoorsy drives away with $25M
By Mitra Sorrells | February 13, 2018
Outdoorsy, a sharing economy startup connecting owners of recreational vehicles with interested... Read More
Cool Cousin guide app blockchain
News / Startups
Local guide app Cool Cousin pivots to blockchain
By Mitra Sorrells | February 13, 2018
When Nadav Saadia and his co-founders launched “Cool Cousin” in 2016, they were aiming to create a new... Read More
Matchmaking attractions app weeds out big-box and "locally mainstream" tours
News / Startups
Matchmaking attractions app weeds out big-box and "locally mainstream" tours
By Jill Menze | February 13, 2018
With Kolu, the app’s co-founders are harnessing the power of three to put their spin on the local... Read More
Travel ledger blockchain billing
News / Startups
Travel tech entrepreneur launches blockchain system for non-airline services
By Mitra Sorrells | February 12, 2018
A new blockchain-based travel billing and settlement platform is in the works.   ... Read More
Busbud raises 11M for expansion
News / Startups
Bus travel platform Busbud races ahead with $11M investment
By Mitra Sorrells | January 31, 2018
Busbud, a Montreal-based booking platform for intercity bus tickets, is keen on expansion following... Read More
American Express buys Mezi chatbot
News / Startups
AmEx buys Mezi, embraces "do-it-for-me" model
By Mitra Sorrells | January 30, 2018
American Express has acquired artificial intelligence-powered assistant Mezi, which co-founder and CEO... Read More
Cabify ride app funding
News / Startups
Ride-sharing app Cabify secures $160M funding
By Mitra Sorrells | January 24, 2018
A new round of funding and new app features are positioning Madrid-based ride-hailing service Cabify... Read More
Travelport suspends startup accelerator program
News / Startups
Travelport suspends startup accelerator program
By Kevin May | January 24, 2018
Travelport is ending its Accelerator program for travel startups, just short of three years since its... Read More
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