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.

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
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
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