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.

Hotel Manager lands £2.2M to grow team, enhance platform
News / Startups
Hotel Manager lands £2.2M to grow team, enhance platform
By Kathryn Walson | May 16, 2023
The London-based startup said the capital enables it to “fuel aggressive growth and build upon its... Read More
Startups selected for first round of Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Startups selected for first round of Global Startup Pitch
By PhocusWire | May 15, 2023
The judging criteria applied to the startups throughout the competition include viability, customer... Read More
Connected trip company Worldia raises €25M for global expansion
News / Startups
Connected trip company Worldia raises €25M for global expansion
By Kathryn Walson | May 15, 2023
The Paris-based company plans to make its packaging technology available to travel distributors across... Read More
Kasa Living expands into single-home vacation rentals
News / Startups
Kasa Living expands into single-home vacation rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | May 11, 2023
The company is adding luxury single-family homes to its portfolio of properties that primarily... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: CalmGetaways helps users book wellness travel
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: CalmGetaways helps users book wellness travel
By Mitra Sorrells | May 9, 2023
Along with self-service search, users can fill out a form with their interests to receive customized... Read More
Short-term rental startups, investors talk market growth
News / Startups
Short-term rental startups, investors talk market growth
By Linda Fox | May 5, 2023
Funding is becoming harder to come by but some are breaking through with ongoing investor appetite in... Read More
Viatu lands $1M for sustainable multi-day tours platform
News / Startups
Viatu lands $1M for sustainable multi-day tours platform
By Linda Fox | May 3, 2023
The investment was led by Ndoto with ASI Reisen and a number of angel investors also participating.... Read More
McKinsey analysts on travel industry opportunities
From Our Partners / Startups
McKinsey analysts on travel industry opportunities
By PhocusWire | May 2, 2023
Travel analysts from McKinsey discuss the latest research on travel startup... Read More
HumanForest raises £12M to double its fleet, invest in tech
News / Startups
HumanForest raises £12M to double its fleet, invest in tech
By Kathryn Walson | April 27, 2023
The London-based company plans to invest the equity component into its user app and advertising... Read More
Rydes raises €3.5M to bring corporate mobility platform to U.S.
News / Startups
Rydes raises €3.5M to bring corporate mobility platform to U.S.
By Derek Catron | April 26, 2023
With Rydes, companies provide employees a monthly budget they can use to submit costs for ride... 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