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.

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
Tracking travel startup investment trends in 2023
News / Startups
Tracking travel startup investment trends in 2023
By Linda Fox | December 20, 2023
Many startups weathered 2023 and demonstrated if not actual profit, then at least a path to... Read More
Smartpricing secures €13M to expand team, launch new products
News / Startups
Smartpricing secures €13M to expand team, launch new products
By Linda Fox | December 15, 2023
Smartpricing uses its proprietary algorithm to process data on market, price as well as hotel historic... Read More
Young travel leaders build connections at The Phocuswright Conference
News / Startups
Young travel leaders build connections at The Phocuswright Conference
By PhocusWire | December 15, 2023
Aurélie Krau of #MissionNomad and Evan Konwiser of AmEx GBT joined Vanessa Karel of Greether to... Read More
Weeva - Launch Pitch at the Phocuswright Conference 2023
Interview / Startups
Weeva - Launch Pitch at the Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | December 14, 2023
Weeva, one of PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024, is a holistic business sustainability... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Textomap creates interactive maps from location-based text
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Textomap creates interactive maps from location-based text
By Linda Fox | December 12, 2023
Textomap helps businesses and individuals visualize and display location-based content, which improves... 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
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