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.

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
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
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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
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Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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