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: Obvlo helps travel brands provide personalized destination content
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Obvlo helps travel brands provide personalized destination content
By Mitra Sorrells | April 1, 2024
Founded in 2021, Obvlo currently works with hotels that are part of the Hilton, Marriott and IHG... Read More
Blueground raises $45 million in Series D funding round
News / Startups
Blueground raises $45 million in Series D funding round
By Morgan Hines | March 28, 2024
The global operator of flexible, furnished rentals will use the funding to develop technology and... Read More
Apartment subscription platform Landing acquires housing operator Barsala
News / Startups
Apartment subscription platform Landing acquires housing operator Barsala
By Mitra Sorrells | March 28, 2024
 Founded in 2019, Landing said the acquisition will add more than 1,000 units across 11 U.S.... Read More
Trip.com Group makes additional investment in PMS company Smart Order
News / Startups
Trip.com Group makes additional investment in PMS company Smart Order
By Mitra Sorrells | March 25, 2024
Also investing in this round is Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, which began working... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: NowBoarding is a commission-free distribution platform for travel brands
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: NowBoarding is a commission-free distribution platform for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | March 22, 2024
NowBoarding was founded by Christopher Moss, who previously founded Psngr1, a business travel... Read More
Travelers can now purchase AI-created customized audio tours for any destination
News / Startups
Travelers can now purchase AI-created customized audio tours for any destination
By Mitra Sorrells | March 20, 2024
Travelers specify the location, duration and language for the tour, as well as if they have... Read More
Uber invests in Nigeria-founded mobility startup Moove
News / Startups
Uber invests in Nigeria-founded mobility startup Moove
By Mitra Sorrells | March 19, 2024
Founded in 2020, Moove said it has helped finance vehicles for more than 20,000 customers across... Read More
InDrive secures additional $150M from General Catalyst to accelerate growth
News / Startups
InDrive secures additional $150M from General Catalyst to accelerate growth
By Mitra Sorrells | March 18, 2024
Ride-hailing company inDrive operates in 46 countries and uses a bid-based business model whereby... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Explorely wants to be “Kayak for outdoor travel”
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Explorely wants to be “Kayak for outdoor travel”
By Mitra Sorrells | March 18, 2024
Explorely is a platform to help travelers find and book campsites and vehicles such as campervans,... Read More
Funding for STR startups cooling but more resilient than other verticals
News / Startups
Funding for STR startups cooling but more resilient than other verticals
By Phocuswright Research | March 18, 2024
While there are typically multiple $100 million-dollar-plus funding rounds that occur in the... 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
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Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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