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.

STARTUP STAGE: StretchBill enables STR managers to offer layaway-style payment option
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: StretchBill enables STR managers to offer layaway-style payment option
By Mitra Sorrells | May 16, 2024
Founded in 2023, StretchBill creates a pay-over-time option for short-term rentals, including an... Read More
Katanox secures license to offer regulated payment services
News / Startups
Katanox secures license to offer regulated payment services
By D.J. Catron | May 9, 2024
The company can now offer hotels and accommodation buyers bookings via direct bank payouts as an... Read More
Australian-based Hometime raises $6.6M to bolster STR growth
News / Startups
Australian-based Hometime raises $6.6M to bolster STR growth
By Morgan Hines | May 8, 2024
The new funding is meant to bolster Hometime’s goal to professionalize the STR industry, to grow its... Read More
Naya Homes nabs $3M for vacation rental expansion in Mexico
News / Startups
Naya Homes nabs $3M for vacation rental expansion in Mexico
By Linda Fox | May 8, 2024
Naya has raised $9.2 million to date, and these latest funds will go toward expanding the company into... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Levee uses AI and computer vision to provide quality control for hotels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Levee uses AI and computer vision to provide quality control for hotels
By Mitra Sorrells | May 7, 2024
Levee uses proprietary AI models trained on the hotels’ unique data and quality control requirements... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Itair aims to help creators make their content bookable with AI
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Itair aims to help creators make their content bookable with AI
By Morgan Hines | April 30, 2024
Itair, Inc. CEO Priya Agarwal believes "Tiktok/Reels are now the new travel search engine," and she... Read More
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
News / Startups
Why trip-planning startups struggle, even as consumers call for an easier way
By D.J. Catron | April 30, 2024
An Accenture survey found consumers feel less confident about booking a hotel than buying a car,... Read More
Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch returns with new format
News / Startups
Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch returns with new format
By PhocusWire | April 26, 2024
Now in its third year, the Global Startup Pitch leverages the expertise of Phocuswright, PhocusWire,... Read More
Tripped Up: Why trip planning startups stumble
Event / Startups
Tripped Up: Why trip planning startups stumble
April 25, 2024
Hear from Mike Coletta, Manager of Research and Innovation at Phocuswright and Gilad Berenstein,... On Demand
Short-term rental experts talk funding climate, acquisition and valuations
News / Startups
Short-term rental experts talk funding climate, acquisition and valuations
By Linda Fox | April 25, 2024
Vacation rental executives from Awaze, HomeToGo, Hostaway, CVC Capital and Forge Holiday Group discuss... 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