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.

BlaBlaCar looks to acquire Klaxit, boost French carpooling
News / Startups
BlaBlaCar looks to acquire Klaxit, boost French carpooling
By Derek Catron | March 16, 2023
While negotiations are ongoing, the companies share a goal of reducing France’s carbon footprint... Read More
landfolk-3.8M-seed
News / Startups
Danish home rental platform from former Airbnb employees raises €3.8M
By Mitra Sorrells | March 16, 2023
Landfolk says it now has more than 1,000 holiday homes on its platform across Denmark, Germany... Read More
Are travel companies more willing to work with startups?
News / Startups
Are travel companies more willing to work with startups?
By Linda Fox | March 14, 2023
Investors believe there has been positive change since before the pandemic with travel supply... Read More
rental apartment
News / Startups
Polish STR manager Renters.pl secures funding to grow
By Derek Catron | March 14, 2023
Polish Enterprise Fund VIII, a private equity fund managed by Enterprise Investors, will acquire up to... Read More
Travel startups consider cost of SVB collapse
News / Startups
Travel startups consider cost of SVB collapse
By Linda Fox | March 13, 2023
News of SVB’s demise left the startup world reeling, with the bank said to work with more than 50% of... Read More
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
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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
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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