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.

Flash Pack adventure travel raises $6.2M to boost U.S. expansion
News / Startups
Flash Pack adventure travel raises $6.2M to boost U.S. expansion
By Derek Catron | October 23, 2023
Flash Pack hopes to triple its employee count in the U.S., the company’s fastest-growing market,... Read More
Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 Startups for 2021
News / Startups
Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 Startups for 2021
By Morgan Hines | October 23, 2023
Troop, Anyplace, Buser, Pace, Tripkicks, Kyte and Zamna check in with PhocusWire three years after... Read More
Anyplace raises $10.27M for remote work-friendly rentals
News / Startups
Anyplace raises $10.27M for remote work-friendly rentals
By Derek Catron | October 18, 2023
The Launch fund spearheaded the funding round, which brings total funding for Anyplace — a PhocusWire... Read More
Apartool raises €5.5M with Lionel Messi among investors
News / Startups
Apartool raises €5.5M with Lionel Messi among investors
By Linda Fox | October 18, 2023
Apartool will use the funds for further technology development for the serviced apartment platform as... Read More
Tourhub raises £1M for adventure booking platform
News / Startups
Tourhub raises £1M for adventure booking platform
By Derek Catron | October 16, 2023
Waterspring Ventures led the investment, partnering on the deal with the Development Bank of Wales.... Read More
Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 startups of 2020
News / Startups
Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 startups of 2020
By Morgan Hines | October 16, 2023
Placemakr, ConnexPay, Life House, Futurestay, Questo, Worktrips and Cruisewatch update PhocusWire on... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Crewfare aims to make booking event and group travel easy
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Crewfare aims to make booking event and group travel easy
By Mitra Sorrells | October 11, 2023
Crewfare is a customizable group travel booking platform offering events, festivals, sports and brands... Read More
Phocuswright taps innovative founders for scholarship honors
News / Startups
Phocuswright taps innovative founders for scholarship honors
By PhocusWire | October 11, 2023
Phocuswright has selected Dana Le, founder and CEO of Wander Health, and ZaNiheza founder and CEO... Read More
Booking adds sustainability badge for short-term rentals vetted by Sustonica
News / Startups
Booking adds sustainability badge for short-term rentals vetted by Sustonica
By Mitra Sorrells | October 11, 2023
Properties that have received the Sustonica certification will now show a “Level 3+ Travel... Read More
Alaska Airlines unveils Airline Venture Lab to address challenges
News / Startups
Alaska Airlines unveils Airline Venture Lab to address challenges
By Linda Fox | October 9, 2023
Alaska's Airlines Venture Lab is looking to launch its first startup in 2024 and will focus on... Read More
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