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.

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Interview / Startups
Video: @Hotel - Phocuswright Conference Launch innovator
By PhocusWire | November 30, 2022
 @Hotel is a hotel booking platform for Instagram from Tripscout.... Read More
lilium-funding
News / Startups
Lilium bags $119M in post-IPO raise
By Linda Fox | November 28, 2022
The Germany-based electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft developer will use the capital to... Read More
ukio-seriesA-funding
News / Startups
Ukio scores €27M for European rentals expansion
By Linda Fox | November 23, 2022
The investment in the Spain-based business was led by Felix Capital, with Kreos Capital, Heartcore and... Read More
phocuswright-conference-innovation-winners
News / Startups
The Phocuswright Conference 2022 Innovation: Summit and Launch winners
By PhocusWire | November 17, 2022
Four startups came out on top in Phocuswright's Launch and Summit competitions at The Phocuswright... Read More
UAE startup Silkhaus raises $7.75M for short-term rental platform
News / Startups
UAE startup Silkhaus raises $7.75M for short-term rental platform
By Jill Menze | November 16, 2022
Founded in 2021, Silkhaus provides property owners with digital tools to monetize and manage their... Read More
Deal Engine main
News / Startups
Deal Engine secures $5.3M to simplify travel refunds and changes
By Kathryn Walson | November 15, 2022
Deal Engine’s platform automates refund and change operations for airlines, online travel agencies and... Read More
hot-25-2023-aeronology-header
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023: Aeronology
By PhocusWire | November 15, 2022
Aeronology has created a simple, full-service “point of sale” travel booking platform for travel... Read More
hot-25-2023-aeropaye-header
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023: Aeropaye
By PhocusWire | November 15, 2022
Aeropaye is an e-payment platform for airlines and travelers and an automated on-demand... Read More
hot-25-2023-aidaptive-header
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023: Aidaptive
By PhocusWire | November 15, 2022
Powered by Jarvis ML, Aidaptive’s predictive personalization engine gives online businesses the power... Read More
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023: AltoVita
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023: AltoVita
By PhocusWire | November 15, 2022
AltoVita’s award-winning technology creates a cloud-based bridge between the highly fragmented... Read More
Sponsored Content
From Our Partners
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