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.

Tripesa startup stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Tripesa helps travel businesses in Africa go online
By Kathryn Walson | December 19, 2022
Tripesa is a customized no-code platform that enables people with limited technological skills to take... Read More
Amadeus invests in mobility solutions company Eccocar
News / Startups
Amadeus invests in mobility solutions company Eccocar
By Linda Fox | December 16, 2022
The Spain-based startup offers digital solutions for car sharing and micromobility.... Read More
Gimmonix Launch PCW
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Gimmonix - Phocuswright Conference Launch Innovator
By Kathryn Walson | December 16, 2022
When it launches in the first quarter of 2023, the Kodo platform will allow companies to easily share... Read More
travelx-phocuswire-studio-2022
Interview / Startups
Video: TravelX on empowering airlines and travelers through more control
By Mitra Sorrells | December 16, 2022
TravelX chief officer of travel supply, Erika Moore, explains the company’s value proposition and why... Read More
Video: Tripstax - Phocuswright Conference Launch innovator
Interview / Startups
Video: Tripstax - Phocuswright Conference Launch innovator
By PhocusWire | December 15, 2022
TripStax is a connected stack of business travel tech modules driven by a data processing system... Read More
Hotel Manager lands £1M for modular hotel tech platform
News / Startups
Hotel Manager lands £1M for modular hotel tech platform
By Linda Fox | December 14, 2022
Fuel Ventures led the investment in the U.K.-based company while Pitchdrive VC, CORE angels Lisbon,... Read More
vervotech-phocuswright-launch
Interview / Startups
Video: Vervotech - Phocuswright Conference Launch innovator
By PhocusWire | December 13, 2022
Founded in 2018, Vervotech wants to simplify the complex hotel distribution industry with its... Read More
Tough 2022 for travel startups as investors turn cautious
News / Startups
Tough 2022 for travel startups as investors turn cautious
By Linda Fox | December 12, 2022
Early stage rounds in particular have been highlighted as impacted by the more conservative approach... Read More
cabana funding round
News / Startups
Cabana fuels growth with $3M in fresh funding
By Kathryn Walson | December 9, 2022
Founded in 2019, the “mobile hotel” company was named a PhocusWire Hot 25 Startup for 2022.... Read More
selfbook-amex-ventures
News / Startups
American Express invests in hotel payment startup Selfbook
By Mitra Sorrells | December 8, 2022
Along with the investment, Selfbook says it is exploring collaboration with American Express on things... Read More
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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
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Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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