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.

HostGPO raises $6M to fuel expansion efforts
News / Startups
HostGPO raises $6M to fuel expansion efforts
By Derek Catron | May 26, 2023
Navitas Capital led the round alongside Omnia Partners. Also investing in the round are 75&Sunny,... Read More
Meet the 15 semifinalists of the Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Meet the 15 semifinalists of the Global Startup Pitch
By Yeoh Siew Hoon – Web In Travel | May 25, 2023
After a marathon of startup pitches that went around the world, 15 companies have been chosen as... Read More
India-based bus platform Chalo raises $57M
News / Startups
India-based bus platform Chalo raises $57M
By Derek Catron | May 23, 2023
The company, which offers live bus tracking services and contactless payment solutions, plans to use... Read More
Travel insurance startup Faye raises $10M
News / Startups
Travel insurance startup Faye raises $10M
By Derek Catron | May 23, 2023
The funding round was led by Munich Re Ventures along with existing investors Viola Ventures and F2... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Roam Around uses ChatGPT to tailor free travel itineraries
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Roam Around uses ChatGPT to tailor free travel itineraries
By Derek Catron | May 18, 2023
Built on OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Roam Around claims to be the world’s first viral AI travel planner,... Read More
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
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