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 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
STARTUP STAGE: Boom wants to revolutionize property management with AI
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Boom wants to revolutionize property management with AI
By Morgan Hines | February 19, 2025
Boom alleviates the burden of manual operations for property managers by automating guest... Read More
Hospitality revenue management provider RoomPriceGenie receives $75M for expansion
News / Startups
Hospitality revenue management provider RoomPriceGenie receives $75M for expansion
By Morgan Hines | February 18, 2025
Along with the funding, RoomPriceGenie announced that Chas Scarantino will become the company's CEO as... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Mendel wants to be the go-to corporate travel platform for Latin America
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Mendel wants to be the go-to corporate travel platform for Latin America
By Morgan Hines | February 13, 2025
Founded in 2021 and based in Mexico City, the company provides a corporate travel platform that... Read More
Superlogic receives $13.7M to transform customer engagement
News / Startups
Superlogic receives $13.7M to transform customer engagement
By Morgan Hines | February 7, 2025
The round was led by Powerledger and included participation from 10SQ, Nima Capital, Sangha Capital,... Read More
Moove acquires urban mobility provider Kovi
News / Startups
Moove acquires urban mobility provider Kovi
By Morgan Hines | January 29, 2025
Moove launched in Nigeria in 2020 and is now headquarted in Dubai, with operations in 19 cities across... Read More
Sponsored Content
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
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