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.

Travel investors on the next innovation wave
News / Startups
Travel investors on the next innovation wave
By Linda Fox | July 29, 2024
Travel investors from Lakestar, Roch Ventures and Eight Roads discuss the latest trends in travel... Read More
Travlr acquires majority stake in ReZme and launches subscription product
News / Startups
Travlr acquires majority stake in ReZme and launches subscription product
By Mitra Sorrells | July 29, 2024
ReZme will now focus on its JoinCherry extension as a B2B, white-label product, which Travlr said will... Read More
Meet the 18 finalists of the Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch 2024
News / Startups
Meet the 18 finalists of the Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch 2024
By PhocusWire | July 26, 2024
Judges selected these startups from a crop of nearly 200 entries received for the global competition... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Wanderboat wants to be an AI-companion for travel planning
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Wanderboat wants to be an AI-companion for travel planning
By Mileva Sapic | July 25, 2024
Founded in 2023, Wanderboat provides an AI-augmented forum for users to discover new ideas, post their... Read More
HQ lands Amex Ventures investment, plans ground transportation platform enhancements
News / Startups
HQ lands Amex Ventures investment, plans ground transportation platform enhancements
By Linda Fox | July 22, 2024
 The funds will go towards enhancing HQ's mobility platform such as its fintech and payment... Read More
Indie Campers raises €35M to drive growth
News / Startups
Indie Campers raises €35M to drive growth
By D.J. Catron | July 18, 2024
Based in Lisbon, Indie Campers was founded in 2013 and won the Innovator of the Year award at... Read More
Landfolk lands €10.3M to expand vacation rental marketplace
News / Startups
Landfolk lands €10.3M to expand vacation rental marketplace
By Linda Fox | July 18, 2024
Landfolk is eyeing expansion in southern Europe following its move from its Denmark base into Germany,... Read More
Corporate travel and events platform Planned raises $35M
News / Startups
Corporate travel and events platform Planned raises $35M
By Mitra Sorrells | July 18, 2024
Based in Montreal, Planned said it combines human service with artificial intelligence to provide... Read More
Tracking travel startup funding and M&A activity in Q2 2024
News / Startups
Tracking travel startup funding and M&A activity in Q2 2024
By Linda Fox | July 18, 2024
While a handful of companies such as Guesty and Cover Genius have attracted significant later stage... Read More
Weeva, sustainability tool for hospitality, to close down
News / Startups
Weeva, sustainability tool for hospitality, to close down
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | July 16, 2024
Weeva managing director Julie Cheetham said the board's decision to shutter the startup came after an... 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