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.

Directo emerges from stealth with $1M in funding
News / Startups
Directo emerges from stealth with $1M in funding
By Linda Fox | June 27, 2024
Former Transparent co-founder Pierre Becerril and two others have created Directo to drive direct... Read More
Fetcherr boosted by $90M for further growth
News / Startups
Fetcherr boosted by $90M for further growth
By Linda Fox | June 26, 2024
Fetcherr, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Startup for 2023, has signed a string of airlines for its... Read More
TOMIS acquires tour operator tech provider Yonder
News / Startups
TOMIS acquires tour operator tech provider Yonder
By Mitra Sorrells | June 20, 2024
TOMIS said the acquisition reinforces its commitment to provide the latest generative artificial... Read More
Stasher acquires StoreMe to fuel North America expansion
News / Startups
Stasher acquires StoreMe to fuel North America expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | June 20, 2024
The combination brings together Stasher’s 5,500 storage points in more than 1,000 cities around the... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Welcome Compass provides personalized guest guidebooks at scale
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Welcome Compass provides personalized guest guidebooks at scale
By Morgan Hines | June 20, 2024
Welcome Compass uses artificial intelligence to generate a personalized digital guide for guests that... Read More
Sustainable business travel startup Eco.mio raises 7-figure seed round
News / Startups
Sustainable business travel startup Eco.mio raises 7-figure seed round
By Mitra Sorrells | June 18, 2024
Eco.mio provides a browser extension that helps companies guiding their employees to greener business... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Stellar allows consumers to repurpose their unused reservations
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Stellar allows consumers to repurpose their unused reservations
By Mileva Sapic | June 17, 2024
Stellar is a marketplace committed to reselling nonrefundable and noncancellable reservations and... Read More
Holidayheroes: EMEA People’s Choice Award winner at Phocuswright Europe 2024
Interview / Startups
Holidayheroes: EMEA People’s Choice Award winner at Phocuswright Europe 2024
By PhocusWire | June 17, 2024
Travel industry research authority Phocuswright announced the people's choice award winner of the... Read More
Viator's origin story - a tale of a prince and a girl from Tasmania
News / Startups
Viator's origin story - a tale of a prince and a girl from Tasmania
By Linda Fox | June 14, 2024
Viator founder Rod Cuthbert shared the Phocuswright Europe 2024 Center Stage with Thayer Ventures'... Read More
123compare.me – EMEA Travel Innovation Award winner at Phocuswright Europe 2024
Interview / Startups
123compare.me – EMEA Travel Innovation Award winner at Phocuswright Europe 2024
By PhocusWire | June 12, 2024
123Compare.me is a pricing tool that empowers hotel groups to master room distribution by targeting... Read More
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