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: 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
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
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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