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.

qeeq-fliggy-funding
News / Startups
QEEQ car rental gets investment from Alibaba-owned Fliggy
By Mitra Sorrells | October 18, 2022
QEEQ says the funding is part of a larger partnership it is developing with Fliggy to promote... Read More
plana image main
News / Startups
South Korea's Plana lands funding for electric air taxis
By Kathryn Walson | October 17, 2022
The company says its goal is to create an autonomous aircraft that can make safe, affordable trips of... Read More
selina-spac-update
News / Startups
Selina updates on public listing, reveals roadmap
By Linda Fox | October 13, 2022
The company, which announced a plan to go public via a business combination almost a year ago, says... Read More
voyagu-startup-stage-main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Voyagu is a new OTA that provides dedicated advisors
By Mitra Sorrells | October 13, 2022
Founded in 2020, Voyagu is a travel management platform and marketplace that connects travelers with... Read More
bobw-acquires-koti
News / Startups
Bob W continues buying spree, acquires KOTI
By Linda Fox | October 10, 2022
The acquisition of Finland-based KOTI is Bob W’s second this year following its acquisition of... Read More
wit-phocuswright-startup-pitch-winner-22
News / Startups
Wheel the World wins Phocuswright/WiT pitch event
By PhocusWire | October 5, 2022
Wheel the World will now participate in the Summit pitch event during The Phocuswright Conference in... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: GauVendi brings dynamic and feature-based inventory management to hotels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: GauVendi brings dynamic and feature-based inventory management to hotels
By Jill Menze | October 4, 2022
Founded in 2020, GauVendi is a sales and revenue system for hospitality companies that focuses... Read More
Volantio closes $6M Series A round for flight optimization tech
News / Startups
Volantio closes $6M Series A round for flight optimization tech
By Kathryn Walson | September 30, 2022
Alaska Airlines, one of Volantio's longtime customers, participated in the round.... Read More
Fetcherr partners with Azul Airlines to pilot pricing optimization system
News / Startups
Fetcherr partners with Azul Airlines to pilot pricing optimization system
By Jill Menze | September 29, 2022
Since incorporating Fetcherr’s technologies into its existing revenue management processes, Azul... Read More
Startup Stage Skipper main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Skipper’s sales platform drives direct bookings for hotels
By Kathryn Walson | September 29, 2022
Skipper aims to give independent hotel owners the sales platform they need to compete with large... Read More
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