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: RoomRite is a resale marketplace for group hotel blocks
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: RoomRite is a resale marketplace for group hotel blocks
By Mitra Sorrells | April 24, 2024
RoomRite CEO Michael Weiss describes the startup as "the StubHub" of room blocks - enabling meeting... Read More
Ramp raises $150M to bring AI to spend management
News / Startups
Ramp raises $150M to bring AI to spend management
By Linda Fox | April 18, 2024
Eric Glyman, co-founder and CEO of Ramp, said the funding would go to "the next wave of innovation,"... Read More
Skyports lands $110M for air taxi infrastructure development in Dubai
News / Startups
Skyports lands $110M for air taxi infrastructure development in Dubai
By Linda Fox | April 17, 2024
After announcing a deal to develop vertiports in Dubai earlier this year, Skyports has received... Read More
Exoticca secures €4M for further expansion
News / Startups
Exoticca secures €4M for further expansion
By D.J. Catron | April 16, 2024
Exoticca CEO Pere Vallés said the funding would help the company’s expansion in Latin America.... Read More
Travel startup funding and M&A activity in Q1 2024
News / Startups
Travel startup funding and M&A activity in Q1 2024
By Linda Fox | April 16, 2024
Phocuswright's Travel Startups Interactive Database shows that after a down year in 2023, funding for... Read More
Can trip planning startups ever succeed?
Opinion / Startups
Can trip planning startups ever succeed?
By Christian Watts - Magpie | April 15, 2024
If somebody builds the ultimate tool, which actually works, has access to all the world’s travel... Read More
CharitableBookings.com raises £5M
News / Startups
CharitableBookings.com raises £5M
By D.J. Catron | April 12, 2024
After raising the funds from angel investors, the booking platform seeks to generate more donations... Read More
Guesty raises $130M to accelerate global expansion
News / Startups
Guesty raises $130M to accelerate global expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | April 10, 2024
Guesty said it will use the funding to continue growing, as it expands its offerings to... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Biliki AI is a travel planner for eco-friendly itineraries
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Biliki AI is a travel planner for eco-friendly itineraries
By Mitra Sorrells | April 5, 2024
Biliki AI is building a platform that consumers can use to book sustainability-focused trips, with... Read More
Dutch startup Stippl announces funding, plans to use generative AI
News / Startups
Dutch startup Stippl announces funding, plans to use generative AI
By Morgan Hines | April 2, 2024
“All-in-one” travel platform Stippl has received €575,000 in funding as it plans its expansion.... Read More
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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