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.

Presenting the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024
News / Startups
Presenting the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024
By PhocusWire | November 14, 2023
The Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024, sponsored by Allianz Partners US, includes eight companies... Read More
Raus adds €8.5M in funding for nature-based stays platform
News / Startups
Raus adds €8.5M in funding for nature-based stays platform
By Linda Fox | November 9, 2023
Germany-based Raus offers cabin accommodation in areas near German cities, including Berlin and... Read More
Vacation rental startup from Airbnb alums raises $18M Series A
News / Startups
Vacation rental startup from Airbnb alums raises $18M Series A
By PhocusWire | November 9, 2023
Summer combines a rent-to-own program with short-term rentals and property management.... Read More
Fairlyne announces partnership with Rail Europe
News / Startups
Fairlyne announces partnership with Rail Europe
By Morgan Hines | November 8, 2023
Fairlyne’s platform - which is designed to distribute vouchers to ticket resellers - should align with... Read More
Where are they now? Checking in with PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
News / Startups
Where are they now? Checking in with PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
By Morgan Hines | November 6, 2023
Twenty of our Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023 let us know how they’re doing nearly a year after they... Read More
New venture from Airbnb’s Gebbia raises $41M Series A
News / Startups
New venture from Airbnb’s Gebbia raises $41M Series A
By Mitra Sorrells | October 31, 2023
Samara builds small, pre-fabricated houses known as “accessory dwelling units” that property owners... Read More
Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 Startups for 2022
News / Startups
Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 Startups for 2022
By Morgan Hines | October 30, 2023
Thrust Carbon, Wheel the World, Road.travel, Vacayou, Onfly and Data Duopoly share challenges,... Read More
SEO Travel sets up accelerator for SME businesses
News / Startups
SEO Travel sets up accelerator for SME businesses
By Linda Fox | October 27, 2023
The eight-week Travel Growth Accelerator program is looking to recruit 10 small- to medium-sized... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: FinMont seeks to help airline and OTA revenues take off
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: FinMont seeks to help airline and OTA revenues take off
By Mitra Sorrells | October 27, 2023
FinMont helps travel merchants optimize their payment strategy by reducing the overall payment cost... Read More
InterLnkd checks out with £1M investment
News / Startups
InterLnkd checks out with £1M investment
By Linda Fox | October 24, 2023
InterLnkd provides technology that enables travel suppliers such as airlines and tour operators to... Read More
Sponsored Content
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