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.

Hotelbeds sets up innovation lab with Wayra
News / Startups
Hotelbeds sets up innovation lab with Wayra
By Linda Fox | February 15, 2023
The two companies plan to work together, as well as with startups, over the next 15 months, to uncover... Read More
trzmo-startup-stage-header
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Trzmo aims to be a super app for travel
By Mitra Sorrells | February 13, 2023
Trzmo provides global roaming, flight updates, duty-free shopping, ground transportation booking,... Read More
herdify-startup-stage-header
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Herdify enables hyper-targeted marketing for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | February 9, 2023
The company was founded in 2021 by a former Microsoft strategist, and the executive team includes... Read More
vipper-mobility-funding
News / Startups
Vipper lands €2M for multimodal platform development
By Linda Fox | February 6, 2023
Vipper, founded in 2018, aims to simplify the booking of rail, bus and flight tickets on one platform.... Read More
holdbar-tours-activities-funding
News / Startups
Holdbar secures $1M for tours and activities tech platform
By Linda Fox | February 3, 2023
Holdbar is developing a software platform to help tours and activities operators distribute their... Read More
untours-foundation-reset-tourism
News / Startups
UnTours Foundation plans $10M investment for better tourism future
By Linda Fox | February 2, 2023
The foundation's partners include Expedia Group, TUI Care Foundation, Adventure Travel Trade... Read More
expedia-accelerator-2023
News / Startups
Expedia Group kicks off startup accelerator focused on underserved travelers
By Linda Fox | January 31, 2023
Startups selected for the accelerator, announced in September 2022, will spend the next five months... Read More
Startup Stage Connect-EZ
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Connect-EZ provides in-app calling for travelers
By Kathryn Walson | January 27, 2023
Founded in 2020, the London-based company aims to make it easier for travelers to communicate with... Read More
tictactrip-funding
News / Startups
French multimodal travel company Tictactrip raises €2M
By Mitra Sorrells | January 27, 2023
Tictactrip enables users to combine and book bus, train and carpooling options from more than 200... Read More
tw-alis-tech-challenge
News / Startups
Hotel tech innovators present solutions for cleaning rooms, digital tipping
By Christina Jelski - Travel Weekly | January 26, 2023
During the ALIS Tech Challenge at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit, several companies pitched... Read More
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