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.

Luxury B2B travel platform The Luxurist launches in U.S., Europe
News / Startups
Luxury B2B travel platform The Luxurist launches in U.S., Europe
By Morgan Hines | January 29, 2025
The Luxurist is a platform to connect travel advisors with luxury hotels around the world, backed by... Read More
Naboo lands €20M for corporate events platform
News / Startups
Naboo lands €20M for corporate events platform
By Linda Fox | January 29, 2025
The France-based company plans to expand beyond Europe and provide a customizable, white-label... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: GeoVero helps hotels gather guest feedback
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: GeoVero helps hotels gather guest feedback
By Linda Fox | January 27, 2025
The U.S.-based startup, which was founded in early 2024, aims to help hotels turn satisfied guests... Read More
Landfolk expands into Italy with acquisition of Danitalia
News / Startups
Landfolk expands into Italy with acquisition of Danitalia
By Linda Fox | January 24, 2025
Landfolk, launched by former Airbnb executives in 2021, said Danitalia was a good fit for the company.... Read More
Whether to seek venture capital or private equity for your STR startup
Opinion / Startups
Whether to seek venture capital or private equity for your STR startup
By Shahar Goldboim - Boom | January 24, 2025
CEO of Boom, Shahar Goldboim, finds that the best decisions when it comes to funding come from... Read More
Tryp.com looks to U.K. and Germany for expansion
News / Startups
Tryp.com looks to U.K. and Germany for expansion
By Linda Fox | January 23, 2025
Denmark-based Tryp.com has forged media partnerships with U.K. and German television outlets to help... Read More
Amadeus Ventures invests in meetings tech startup Hivr.ai
News / Startups
Amadeus Ventures invests in meetings tech startup Hivr.ai
By Linda Fox | January 21, 2025
Germany-based hivr.ai, which was founded in 2020, uses artificial intelligence to help hotels... Read More
4 ways generative AI will impact travel startups
News / Startups
4 ways generative AI will impact travel startups
By Phocuswright Research | January 21, 2025
Generative artificial intelligence has the potential to be so disruptive in the coming years, which... Read More
Purple Elephant Ventures raises $4.5M to build travel technology in Africa
News / Startups
Purple Elephant Ventures raises $4.5M to build travel technology in Africa
By Morgan Hines | January 15, 2025
Purple Elephant Ventures aims to make Africa a leading player in regenerative tourism, focused on... Read More
A new era for travel startup investing
News / Startups
A new era for travel startup investing
By Phocuswright Research | January 7, 2025
According to a Phocuswright report, generative AI is expected to transform the travel industry and how... 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
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