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.

Lilium avoids delisting with $192M injection
News / Startups
Lilium avoids delisting with $192M injection
By Linda Fox | July 18, 2023
EVTOL company Lilium hopes to achieve its first manned flight in the second half of 2024.... Read More
Operto - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
Interview / Startups
Operto - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
By PhocusWire | July 17, 2023
Operto is a guest technology and property management platform.... Read More
Trvlr - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
Interview / Startups
Trvlr - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2023
By PhocusWire | July 14, 2023
Trvlr is a booking platform that directly links agencies and hotels and fully automates commission... Read More
Boddy gets $2.2M to connect travelers with wellness activities
News / Startups
Boddy gets $2.2M to connect travelers with wellness activities
By Mitra Sorrells | July 13, 2023
Boddy operates a consumer-facing website and partners with hotels, airlines and online travel agencies... Read More
AltoVita jumps to 7M listings with addition of hotels
News / Startups
AltoVita jumps to 7M listings with addition of hotels
By Mitra Sorrells | July 13, 2023
AltoVita now has apartment and hotel listings in 35,000 locations, and it said 90% are instantly... Read More
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
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