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.

Expedia Group launches new startup accelerator
News / Startups
Expedia Group launches new startup accelerator
By Jill Menze | September 28, 2022
Called Open World Accelerator, the initiative provides startups and small- and medium-size businesses... Read More
borrow-a-boat-kelly-acquisition
News / Startups
Borrow A Boat targets U.S. growth with latest acquisition
By Mitra Sorrells | September 28, 2022
Borrow A Boat's acquisition of KellyBoat is its third this year and first in the United States.... Read More
pcw-startup-funding-analysis
News / Startups
B2C versus B2B travel startup funding tells an interesting story
By Phocuswright | September 26, 2022
The share of B2C versus B2B funding has trended toward B2B companies for years, and in 2021 B2B... Read More
Tripshifu main 3
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Tripshifu connects experienced travelers with those seeking advice
By Kathryn Walson | September 26, 2022
The co-founders realized that people have the best travel experiences when they take recommendations... Read More
Japan startup funding
News / Online
Japan’s TakeMe lands $1.8M to expand restaurant-reservation service
By Kathryn Walson | September 22, 2022
TakeMe connects with OTAs such as Klook, KKday and Meituan to link foreign tourists with restaurants... Read More
zartico-20-million
News / Startups
Zartico raises $20M to help destinations make sense of visitor data
By Mitra Sorrells | September 21, 2022
Founded in March 2020, Zartico has raised a total of $24.5 million and says it has more than 180... Read More
trovatrip-raises-15-million
News / Startups
Group travel planning startup TrovaTrip lands $15M to expand creator network
By Jill Menze | September 20, 2022
TrovaTrip – one of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Startups for 2022 – enables creators, such as Instagram... Read More
Postcard travel main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Postcard Travel promotes responsible luxury tourism
By Kathryn Walson | September 19, 2022
Bangalore, India-based Postcard Travel is a global community of storytellers, hoteliers and... Read More
Travel planning app Orbzii acquires Pluto
News / Online
Travel planning app Orbzii acquires Pluto
By Kathryn Walson | September 15, 2022
Orbzii will take over ownership of Pluto’s mobile app, website and community of users.... Read More
Frontdesk funding
News / Online
Short-term rental company Frontdesk scores $13M for expansion
By Kathryn Walson | September 13, 2022
The latest round brings Frontdesk's total equity financing to $22 million.... 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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