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.

Virgin Atlantic partners with Fetcherr on AI-driven pricing model
News / Startups
Virgin Atlantic partners with Fetcherr on AI-driven pricing model
By Derek Catron | July 12, 2023
Virgin Atlantic is the first airline to adopt Fetcherr’s fully automated generative AI technology that... Read More
Travel investors on trip planning and using B2C as a sandbox
News / Startups
Travel investors on trip planning and using B2C as a sandbox
By Linda Fox | July 12, 2023
Rod Cuthbert, travel industry veteran best known for founding Viator, joins Bobby Demri, founder and... Read More
Startup for reselling non-refundable tickets raises $3M
News / Startups
Startup for reselling non-refundable tickets raises $3M
By Derek Catron | July 12, 2023
Fairlyne, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Travel Startup for 2023, offers the technology to allow travel companies... Read More
Hotel Equities implements Grazzy digital tipping across properties
News / Startups
Hotel Equities implements Grazzy digital tipping across properties
By Linda Fox | July 11, 2023
The Grazzy platform enables guests to tip housekeeping, front desk and other hotel employees directly... Read More
NeoKe raises first round in push to create truly “connected” travel
News / Startups
NeoKe raises first round in push to create truly “connected” travel
By Mitra Sorrells | July 10, 2023
The startup, launched by two former Booking.com executives in 2022, aims to put travelers in control... Read More
With acquisition, South Korea’s ONDA can manage all types of properties
News / Startups
With acquisition, South Korea’s ONDA can manage all types of properties
By Derek Catron | July 10, 2023
The company’s moves included forming a subsidiary, OATech, after acquiring the hotel property... Read More
HyperGuest raises $23M to enhance hospitality tech platform
News / Startups
HyperGuest raises $23M to enhance hospitality tech platform
By Derek Catron | July 7, 2023
HyperGuest's platform enables hotels and suppliers to directly connect with travel distributors,... Read More
Breeze - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
Interview / Startups
Breeze - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
By PhocusWire | July 6, 2023
Breeze is a single app that travelers can use to manage flights, accommodations, ground... Read More
Topkey lands $5.1M for vacation rental financial operation platform
News / Startups
Topkey lands $5.1M for vacation rental financial operation platform
By Linda Fox | July 5, 2023
TopKey aims to offer an expense management, billing and payment platform initially focused on vacation... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Squake provides sustainability solutions for travel companies
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Squake provides sustainability solutions for travel companies
By Mitra Sorrells | June 26, 2023
Squake’s API calculates carbon emissions related to any type of travel, such as an air or rail trip or... Read More
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