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.

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
Habyt lands $40M for co-living concept expansion
News / Startups
Habyt lands $40M for co-living concept expansion
By Linda Fox | October 5, 2023
Investment in the Germany-based business was led by Korelya Capital and Deutsche Invest with Exor... Read More
Dharma raises $4.7M to scale marketplace for brand-led travel
News / Startups
Dharma raises $4.7M to scale marketplace for brand-led travel
By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2023
Dharma’s most recent partnership is with Paramount Global to offer travel experiences linked to the... Read More
Legends wins Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Legends wins Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch
By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2023
A panel of industry leaders selected travel personalization solution Legends as the winner of the... Read More
Travel insurtech startup BeSafe Group closes €3M round
News / Startups
Travel insurtech startup BeSafe Group closes €3M round
By Mitra Sorrells | October 3, 2023
Founded in 2018, Rome-based BeSafe said it has insured more than 250,000 travelers and has a network... Read More
Safely raises $8M for its short-term rental insurance and screening tools
News / Startups
Safely raises $8M for its short-term rental insurance and screening tools
By Mitra Sorrells | October 2, 2023
Since its founding, Safely has raised more than $20 million in a combination of funding and venture... Read More
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