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: Next generation on what excites them in travel tech
News / Startups
VIDEO: Next generation on what excites them in travel tech
By Kevin May | December 12, 2017
It's usually the people at the top of big companies that get all the attention, both in terms of... Read More
Silicon Valley should not be complacent about China
Notated News / Startups
Silicon Valley should not be complacent about China
By Minh-Ha Nguyen - Fortune | December 11, 2017
Chinese tech companies have become innovation leaders in some key areas in technology, with truly... Read More
Booking.com Sustainable Tourism
News / Startups
Booking.com expands startup plan for sustainable tourism
By Bernadette Giacomazzo | December 8, 2017
Booking.com is to extend its Booking Booster Program into a second year, aimed at funding startups... Read More
VIDEO: Solving a genuine multi-billion dollar problem in travel
News / Technology
VIDEO: Solving a genuine multi-billion dollar problem in travel
By Kevin May | December 6, 2017
There are a number of comments that often float about during travel startup pitch events - many of... Read More
Where angel investors should place their bets in travel
News / Startups
Where angel investors should place their bets in travel
By Chris Hemmeter - Thayer Ventures | December 6, 2017
The retreat of angel and seed stage funding is not just a travel tech phenomena. But that doesn't mean... Read More
Tech rental ecosystem grows: MyVR lands $6.1M
News / Startups
Tech rental ecosystem grows: MyVR lands $6.1M
By Kevin May | December 6, 2017
MyVR is the latest company to capitalize on the emerging sub-network of services around providing... Read More
It sucks to launch a travel startup (but you still should)
News / Startups
It sucks to launch a travel startup (but you still should)
By Jenny Silber - VoyagerHQ | December 4, 2017
Starting a company in the travel industry is hard. 96% of travel companies fail in the first 5 years... Read More
Early-stage VC funding is imploding, and no one will talk about it
Notated News / Startups
Early-stage VC funding is imploding, and no one will talk about it
By Victor Basta - TechCrunch | December 1, 2017
Amid record amounts of capital raised by VCs worldwide, there has been a quiet, barely noticed... Read More
Startups and model shifts - every PundIT Show so far
News / Startups
Startups and model shifts - every PundIT Show so far
By Kevin May | December 1, 2017
We hosted eight of the initial run of PhocusWire PundIT Shows over the course of almost three days at... Read More
Despegar raises $254 million from IPO
News / Startups
Despegar raises $254 million from IPO
By Bernadette Giacomazzo | December 1, 2017
Latin America-focused online travel agency Despegar will use the proceeds from its recent public... 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
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his thoughts on the importance of balancing AI... Read More
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