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.

Replyable launches to help hospitality businesses with online reputation
News / Startups
Replyable launches to help hospitality businesses with online reputation
By Linda Fox | February 12, 2024
Launched by ex-Google Maps and Amazon engineers, Replyable uses artificial intelligence to help... Read More
Startup travel planner Layla acquires AI-itinerary builder Roam Around
News / Startups
Startup travel planner Layla acquires AI-itinerary builder Roam Around
By Mitra Sorrells | February 12, 2024
Roam Around founder Shie Gabbai is now chief operating officer at Layla, a startup that launched last... Read More
Jeff Katz on Journera’s shutdown and why a connected trip still matters
Opinion / Startups
Jeff Katz on Journera’s shutdown and why a connected trip still matters
By Jeff Katz - Journera | February 12, 2024
Jeff Katz shares his lessons from trying to build Journera and why he still believes in the need for... Read More
Holdbar gets backing from Brent Hoberman for experience management tech
News / Startups
Holdbar gets backing from Brent Hoberman for experience management tech
By Linda Fox | February 9, 2024
Denmark-based Holdbar, which launched last year, has developed software enabling experience providers... Read More
Jeff Katz is shutting down Journera, his startup that tried to create a connected trip
News / Startups
Jeff Katz is shutting down Journera, his startup that tried to create a connected trip
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2024
The founder of Orbitz created Journera in 2016 with the goal of creating a secure, real-time data... Read More
Travel startup Nicer raises $2M to bring AI to travel advisors
News / Startups
Travel startup Nicer raises $2M to bring AI to travel advisors
By Mitra Sorrells | February 8, 2024
The startup launched last year and has several prominent advisors, including Microsoft's Shane... Read More
Cosmic Aerospace raises $4.5M for electric aircraft development
News / Startups
Cosmic Aerospace raises $4.5M for electric aircraft development
By PhocusWire | February 7, 2024
The electric aircraft startup will use the seed funding to advance technology for its zero-emission... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Triplay uses AI to create personalized travel itineraries
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Triplay uses AI to create personalized travel itineraries
By Mitra Sorrells | February 6, 2024
Triplay, launched in August 2023, uses algorithms to optimize suggested routes based on geodata,... Read More
Heart Aerospace lands $107M for hybrid-electric airplane
News / Startups
Heart Aerospace lands $107M for hybrid-electric airplane
By Linda Fox | February 2, 2024
The company plans to put the investment toward further development of the business as well as... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: MintPass helps travelers document journeys, inspire others
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: MintPass helps travelers document journeys, inspire others
By Morgan Hines | February 2, 2024
The goal of MintPass is to create a platform for travelers to document their adventures through... Read More
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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
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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
Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More