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.

Three ways to tackle attractions with online personalization
Opinion / Online
Three ways to tackle attractions with online personalization
By Alex Bainbridge - DestinationCTO | November 30, 2017
The last month has been rather busy in the world of tours and activities, with three significant... Read More
Travel startup investments rise (but low level deals fall)
News / Startups
Travel startup investments rise (but low level deals fall)
By Kevin May | November 30, 2017
Travel technology and online startups have raised a massive $15 billion since 2013 across 1,300 deals... Read More
PCwire-studio-2017
News / Startups
VIDEO: PhocusWire PundIT Show - Episode 8
By Kevin May | November 27, 2017
With almost three days of activity on-stage and lots of gossip in the hallways, our three guests have... Read More
pundit-show-chairs
News / Startups
VIDEO: PhocusWire PundIT Show - Episode 7
By Kevin May | November 23, 2017
The penultimate outing of the special PundIT Shows at The Phocuswright Conference is a terrific... Read More
El Al startup venture wing joins forces with Lufthansa
News / Technology
El Al startup venture wing joins forces with Lufthansa
By Bernadette Giacomazzo | November 20, 2017
Cockpit Innovations and Lufthansa have formed a strategic partnership to identify and cultivate... Read More
pundit-show-microphone
News / Startups
VIDEO: PhocusWire PundIT Show - Episode 6
By Kevin May | November 20, 2017
Redeam was the talk of the show - at least the first half of it - at The Phocuswright Conference 2017.... Read More
light-bulbs-startups
News / Startups
VIDEO: Modern life lessons for travel startups
By Kevin May | November 20, 2017
Joel Cutler was once described, rather grandly, as the godfather of online travel capital.... Read More
hand shake
News / Startups
Flight Centre Travel Group's new startup partnership; Virtuoso's call for travel tech companies
By Bernadette Giacomazzo | November 17, 2017
Good news for startup travel tech companies, as two giants in the travel tech industry announce... Read More
fist-bumps
News / Startups
VIDEO: PhocusWire PundIT Show - Episode 5
By Kevin May | November 16, 2017
Fresh from selling Trip.com to Ctrip, Travis Katz joins the PundIT Show with two other luminaries to... Read More
Startup and emerging hotel apps: a trend for 2018 and beyond?
News / Online
Startup and emerging hotel apps: a trend for 2018 and beyond?
By Bernadette Giacomazzo | November 8, 2017
This year’s Phocuswright Conference Summit showed a growing trend in hotel apps – but is that a sign... Read More
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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
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