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.

HalalBooking adds $2.5M to Series B round
News / Startups
HalalBooking adds $2.5M to Series B round
By Mitra Sorrells | August 8, 2023
HalalBooking said its July sales were a record at $10 million, up 45% compared with July 2022, and it... Read More
As rentals mature, so do the services surrounding them
News / Startups
As rentals mature, so do the services surrounding them
By Linda Fox | August 7, 2023
Safely, a company providing insurance solutions, and Sustonica, a startup seeking to provide... Read More
18 startups to compete in Global Startup Pitch semifinals
News / Startups
18 startups to compete in Global Startup Pitch semifinals
By PhocusWire | August 7, 2023
The semifinals of the Global Startup Pitch, organized by WiT and Phocuswright, will be held on August... Read More
Casai ceases operations, founder shares 4 regrets
News / Startups
Casai ceases operations, founder shares 4 regrets
By Mitra Sorrells | August 1, 2023
After raising more than $50 million since its launch in 2019, Latin America-based hospitality startup... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Landng offers bookable travel itineraries from content creators
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Landng offers bookable travel itineraries from content creators
By Mitra Sorrells | July 31, 2023
Landng provides a database of customizable itineraries to help users discover, share and activate... Read More
Nezasa raises $4.7M to boost international growth
News / Startups
Nezasa raises $4.7M to boost international growth
By Mitra Sorrells | July 26, 2023
Nezasa said the new investments strengthen the travel technology company's international growth... Read More
Uptrip - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
Interview / Startups
Uptrip - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
By PhocusWire | July 25, 2023
Uptrip rewards travelers every time they fly with digital trading cards that provide perks such as... Read More
CEO Spotlight - Niko Karstikko of Bob W
Interview / Startups
CEO Spotlight - Niko Karstikko of Bob W
By Linda Fox | July 25, 2023
Niko Karstikko and Sebastian Emberger set up Bob W in Helsinki in 2018 and have steadily grown... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: BookingData helps airlines tap into ancillary revenue
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: BookingData helps airlines tap into ancillary revenue
By Linda Fox | July 24, 2023
Airlines can capitalize on the travel patterns and profiles of passengers by using BookingData to... Read More
Justt- Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
Interview / Startups
Justt- Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
By PhocusWire | July 21, 2023
Justt combines industry expertise with machine learning to fight fraudulent chargebacks.  ... Read More
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