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.

Dott and Tier plan joint entity forming European micromobility leader
News / Startups
Dott and Tier plan joint entity forming European micromobility leader
By Linda Fox | January 10, 2024
Subject to several conditions, the transaction bringing together micromobility businesses Dott and... Read More
AI-powered travel content platform Lokalee raises $5.6M
News / Startups
AI-powered travel content platform Lokalee raises $5.6M
By Morgan Hines | January 9, 2024
Lokalee plans to accelerate its product development and its expansion into European markets with the... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Eco.mio helps companies guide employees to choose greener travel options
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Eco.mio helps companies guide employees to choose greener travel options
By Mitra Sorrells | January 8, 2024
 Founded in 2021, Eco.mio helps companies achieve their climate goals and bring travel costs down... Read More
VisaHQ - Launch pitch at The Phocuswright Conference 2023
Interview / Startups
VisaHQ - Launch pitch at The Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | January 5, 2024
VisaHQ provides passport and visa services, allowing users to apply for visas for "virtually any... Read More
Mobile accommodation startup Cabana suspends operations
News / Startups
Mobile accommodation startup Cabana suspends operations
By Derek Catron | January 4, 2024
The Seattle-based startup, which rented high-tech camper vans to offer travelers a “hotel-on-wheels”... Read More
Justt - Launch pitch at The Phocuswright Conference 2023
Interview / Startups
Justt - Launch pitch at The Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | January 4, 2024
Justt was developed with the intent of dealing with chargebacks for merchants. The company aims... Read More
Property manager Frontdesk laid off staff amid reports of company closure
News / Startups
Property manager Frontdesk laid off staff amid reports of company closure
By Mitra Sorrells | January 3, 2024
Short-term rental startup Frontdesk, which managed over a thousand furnished apartments in the United... Read More
ConnexPay – Launch Travel Innovation winner at The Phocuswright Conference 2023
Interview / Startups
ConnexPay – Launch Travel Innovation winner at The Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | January 3, 2024
ConnexPay is a payments technology company that integrates both sides of the payment ecosystem –... Read More
Wander Health, ZaNiheza founders open up about startup journey as scholarship recipients
News / Startups
Wander Health, ZaNiheza founders open up about startup journey as scholarship recipients
By Morgan Hines | December 22, 2023
While attending The Phocuswright Conference, scholarship recipients Dana Le and Charles Shima spoke to... Read More
E-scooter company Bird files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
News / Startups
E-scooter company Bird files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
By Linda Fox | December 20, 2023
Choppy water for e-scooter and e-bike companies as Bird files for bankruptcy and Micromobility is... 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