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.

Beeyonder virtual tours
News / Startups
Beeyonder sees future for virtual tours despite Heygo shuttering
By Kathryn Walson | April 17, 2023
Boston-based virtual tours company Beeyonder has found that the pre-paid model is largely what makes... Read More
Thynk lands $13M for hotel sales and operations tech
News / Startups
Thynk lands $13M for hotel sales and operations tech
By Linda Fox | April 14, 2023
The investment will speed up research and development as well as being put towards expansion in... Read More
TerraPay sending money
News / Startups
TerraPay raises $100M to expand global payments infrastructure
By Derek Catron | April 12, 2023
Travel is one sector TerraPay is targeting for growth as it aims to reach 150 countries by 2024.... Read More
Whimstay funding
News / Startups
Vacation rental marketplace Whimstay scores $10M
By Kathryn Walson | April 11, 2023
The San Francisco-based company plans to use the funding toward “key new hires” and the development of... Read More
Istanbul property
News / Startups
Turkish property management company Missafir lands investment at $26M valuation
By Derek Catron | April 11, 2023
Ege Yapi Technology Ventures, one of Turkey’s largest real estate developers, took part in the funding... Read More
smartryde-funding-api
News / Startups
Japan’s SmartRyde raises $3.4M as it expands airport transfer marketplace
By Mitra Sorrells | April 9, 2023
Along with the funding, SmartRyde has created an API so online travel agencies and airlines can... Read More
ONDA investment
News / Startups
ONDA invests in Hoteliers.Guru to expand Southeast Asia reach
By Kathryn Walson | April 7, 2023
South Korea-based ONDA said the investment in Thailand-based Hoteliers.Guru “will lead the... Read More
Thames River lovetovisit
News / Startups
Lovetovisit.com gets £2.1M to fund expansion
By Derek Catron | April 7, 2023
Funding includes £250,000 from Zip World, which offers zip lines and other adventures across the... Read More
Airbnb grows Entrepreneurship Academy
News / Startups
Airbnb grows Entrepreneurship Academy
By Linda Fox | April 6, 2023
The aim of the program is to bring people from diverse and underrepresented communities to host on... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Holdbar offers tech to help activities providers boost bookings
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Holdbar offers tech to help activities providers boost bookings
By Linda Fox | April 5, 2023
The startup offers tours, activities and providers of small accommodations with a technology solution... Read More
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