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.

canary main 3
News / Startups
Canary Technologies lands $30M to enhance hotel platform
By Kathryn Walson | October 28, 2022
The company’s platform offers an array of products for hoteliers, including contactless check-in,... Read More
philip-wolf-scholarship
News / Startups
Phocuswright selects two recipients of the Philip C. Wolf Memorial Scholarship
By PhocusWire | October 27, 2022
In honor of Phocuswright founder Philip Wolf, Samella Watson of Theblck.io and Grace McBride of Lucia... Read More
Connexpay funding 4
News / Startups
ConnexPay raises $110M to fund global expansion
By Kathryn Walson | October 26, 2022
ConnexPay previously closed a Series B funding round of $20 million in December 2021.... Read More
Bob W secures €21M in Series A funding
News / Startups
Bob W secures €21M in Series A funding
By Linda Fox | October 25, 2022
The round for the Helsinki-based business was led by IDC Ventures, Elevator Ventures, Verve Ventures... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: HolidayHero wants to help hotels and rentals digitalize the guest experience
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: HolidayHero wants to help hotels and rentals digitalize the guest experience
By Linda Fox | October 25, 2022
Amsterdam-based HolidayHero provides property rental hosts and hotels with software to save time on... Read More
WeTravel lands $27 million to add fintech solutions to platform
News / Startups
WeTravel lands $27 million to add fintech solutions to platform
By Linda Fox | October 25, 2022
The investment was led by Left Lane Capital with existing investors Base10 Partners and Swift Ventures... Read More
Pinktada lands $975K for blockchain-based hotel marketplace
News / Startups
Pinktada lands $975K for blockchain-based hotel marketplace
By Jill Menze | October 20, 2022
Founded in 2020, Houston-based Pinktada is a membership-based primary and secondary market for hotel... Read More
holidu-series-e-funding
News / Startups
Holidu scores €100M to expand in existing markets
By Linda Fox | October 19, 2022
The Series E investment was led by 83North, with Northzone, HV Capital, Vintage Investment Partners,... Read More
Amenitiz acquires Ododo to offer training courses to independent hoteliers
News / Startups
Amenitiz acquires Ododo to offer training courses to independent hoteliers
By Jill Menze | October 19, 2022
Six months following its Series A raise, Spain-based PMS Amenitiz has acquired Ododo to democratize... Read More
cityswift-funding-public-transport
News / Startups
CitySwift raises €5M for public transport intelligence tools
By Linda Fox | October 18, 2022
The Series A investment brings Ireland-based CitySwift's total funding to €8.5 million.... 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