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.

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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Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Pinktada is an NFT-based hotel marketplace
By Mitra Sorrells | September 12, 2022
Pinktada is a blockchain-based marketplace for hotels that turns each combination of "hotel plus room... Read More
mesh-60m-funding
News / Startups
Corporate payments startup Mesh scores $60M funding round
By Michael B. Baker - Business Travel News | September 9, 2022
Mesh aims to help companies automate and provide data around corporate spending, including travel and... Read More
Eddy Travels
News / Startups
TripAdd acquires AI-powered chatbot solution Eddy Travels
By Kathryn Walson | September 8, 2022
Ancillary travel product marketplace TripAdd plans to grow revenue with the B2B Eddy chatbot service.... Read More
wi-q-funding
News / Startups
U.K. startup wi-Q lands £3 million to digitalize payments in hospitality
By Jill Menze | September 8, 2022
Founded in 2014, wi-Q aims to help hospitality and leisure companies improve the guest experience via... Read More
Main image
News / Startups
Payments startup SquadTrip launches platform targeting millennial group travelers
By Kathryn Walson | September 7, 2022
The Black-owned SaaS platform helps travel professionals target millennials by offering flexible... Read More
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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
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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