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.

Awai Startup Stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Awai seeks to simplify travel booking with one-stop shop
By Kathryn Walson | March 13, 2023
The Melbourne-based startup says it saves consumers time, money and headaches during trip planning,... Read More
WheeltheWorld image
News / Startups
Wheel the World lands $6M to boost accessibility in travel
By Kathryn Walson | March 10, 2023
Founded in 2018, the San Francisco-based startup plans to expand its listings with the goal of having... Read More
wit-phocuswright-startup-pitch-winner-22
News / Startups
Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch kicks off 2023 edition
By WiT | March 9, 2023
Startups from around the world, both within and outside travel, that are no more than six years old... Read More
female-led-travel-startups
News / Startups
Women-led travel startups talk challenges, change, funding
By Linda Fox | March 8, 2023
The pandemic has not helped close the workplace gender gap, but there are gradual improvements. On... Read More
roami-14-million
News / Startups
Hospitality startup Sextant Stays raises $14M, unveils new name
By Mitra Sorrells | March 8, 2023
Now known as Roami, the company will use the funding to add to its portfolio, which currently includes... Read More
weski-roch-ventures
News / Startups
Roch Ventures joins TravelPerk and Flixbus founders in WeSki funding
By Linda Fox | March 6, 2023
The size of the investment has not been disclosed, but at launch Roch Ventures said it was targeting... Read More
tern-startup-stage-header
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Tern uses GPT technology for travel planning
By Mitra Sorrells | March 6, 2023
Tern is an artificial intelligence-powered travel planning system that provides personalized... Read More
jetblue-chooose
News / Startups
JetBlue adds climate platform powered by Chooose
By Mitra Sorrells | February 28, 2023
 JetBlue customers can use the platform to estimate the CO2 emissions of their flights and then... Read More
BinBin swoops up GO Sharing in micromobility consolidation
News / Startups
BinBin swoops up GO Sharing in micromobility consolidation
By Linda Fox | February 28, 2023
The deal gives Turkey-based BinBin a foothold in West Europe after its recent growth in Eastern... Read More
Mapathink platform southeast asia
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Travel platform Mapathink targets Southeast Asia
By Kathryn Walson | February 27, 2023
By disrupting the travel ancillary services market, Mapathink says it is looking at a huge addressable... Read More
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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