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.

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
Shuttlers drives off with $4M for shared mobility service
News / Startups
Shuttlers drives off with $4M for shared mobility service
By Linda Fox | April 5, 2023
The Nigeria-based company says the investment will go towards route expansion and technology... Read More
Autio app driving
News / Startups
Autio raises $5.9M to expand mobile storytelling reach
By Derek Catron | April 5, 2023
 The Kevin Costner co-founded mobile audio storytelling app also announced a strategic... Read More
Fetcherr funding
News / Startups
Fetcherr lands $12.5M to fuel growth of airline pricing tech
By Linda Fox | April 4, 2023
The investment in the Israel-based company, which follows a $7 million Series A round in 2022, was led... Read More
Lufthansa Innovation Hub unveils platform for booking off-site meetings
News / Startups
Lufthansa Innovation Hub unveils platform for booking off-site meetings
By Linda Fox | April 4, 2023
The service offers “curated team off-site packages” initially around Berlin with early customers... Read More
corporate travel group
News / Startups
AllFly raises $2.4M to expand group and corporate travel
By Derek Catron | March 30, 2023
New investment in the company formerly known as Bacarai was led by Lightbank with participation from... Read More
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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