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.

Shackle raises $5.5M to digitize the hotel guest experience
News / Startups
Shackle raises $5.5M to digitize the hotel guest experience
By Jill Menze | August 23, 2022
Founded in 2020, Shackle helps hotels streamline operations by integrating backend systems into its... Read More
startup-stage-andes-str
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Andes STR buys and manages rental properties for investors
By Mitra Sorrells | August 22, 2022
Andes STR furnishes, markets and manages the properties, including setting rates, handling customer... Read More
State of Travel Startups 2022: Investors betting on full recovery
News / Startups
State of Travel Startups 2022: Investors betting on full recovery
By Jill Menze | August 22, 2022
Phocuswright's annual State of Travel Startups report finds that investors are betting on a full... Read More
pcw-nyu-tisch-collaboration
News / Startups
NYU Tisch Center, Phocuswright collaborate to advance travel innovation
By Mitra Sorrells | August 18, 2022
The collaboration is part of the Tisch Center's Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub), which... Read More
New travel tech fund targets European startups
News / Startups
New travel tech fund targets European startups
By Linda Fox | August 18, 2022
Roch Ventures co-founder discusses why Europe needs a specialist travel tech fund and the high growth... Read More
frontdesk-wanderjaunt-acquisitions
News / Startups
Frontdesk picks up short-term rental units from shuttered WanderJaunt
By Mitra Sorrells | August 18, 2022
Frontdesk has acquired 33 short-term rental units and co-founder Jesse DePinto says there are... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: WayAway sees demand for cash-back membership program amid high inflation
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: WayAway sees demand for cash-back membership program amid high inflation
By Kathryn Walson | August 15, 2022
WayAway is a price-comparison app that offers a paid-membership plan for consumers to get cash back on... Read More
exbooking-execs-launch-neoke
News / Startups
Ex-Booking execs build new “connected trip” solution
By Mitra Sorrells | August 10, 2022
NeoKe uses decentralized, self-sovereign ID to remove friction from the travel experience and improve... Read More
Velocity Ventures takes stake in big data and predictive analytics startup
News / Startups
Velocity Ventures takes stake in big data and predictive analytics startup
By WiT | August 8, 2022
Switzerland-based startup Zytlyn uses big data and machine learning to provide companies with... Read More
Govy main image
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Govy aims to capitalize on demand for weekend getaways
By Kathryn Walson | August 1, 2022
Govy designs each trip package and "pushes" it to consumers through a visual feed similar to a social... Read More
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