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.

group-reservation-system-group-travel
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Group Reservation System - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2022
By PhocusWire | July 18, 2022
Group Reservation System is a leisure group-focused SaaS platform connecting hotels and travel... Read More
VIDEO: Travel Ledger - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2022
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Travel Ledger - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2022
By PhocusWire | July 15, 2022
Travel Ledger is a billing and settlement platform for easy payments between travel buyers and... Read More
KKday gets $95M infusion to expand its footprint in Asia
News / Startups
KKday gets $95M infusion to expand its footprint in Asia
By Kathryn Walson | July 14, 2022
Taiwanese experiences platform KKday plans to "double down" on current initiatives including... Read More
mobee-travel-phocuswright-europe
News / Startups
VIDEO: Mobee Travel helps people with disabilities travel around the world
By PhocusWire | July 14, 2022
Executives from Mobee Travel explain the comprehensive services the startup provides for people with... Read More
Swvl acquires shared mobility platform Urbvan
News / Startups
Swvl acquires shared mobility platform Urbvan
By Linda Fox | July 13, 2022
The acquisition of Mexico-based Urbvan is Swvl’s sixth this year.... Read More
trusted-housesitters-phocuswright-europe
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: TrustedHousesitters - Launch pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2022
By PhocusWire | July 11, 2022
TrustedHousesitters is a subscription platform connecting people looking for pet care with pet... Read More
TapTrip corporate booking tech startup acquired by TripStax
News / Startups
TapTrip corporate booking tech startup acquired by TripStax
By Linda Fox | July 5, 2022
Taptrip launched in 2018 as a booking tool for SMBs but later pivoted to providing its technology... Read More
startup-stage-minoan
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Minoan helps accommodations rethink the product experience for guests
By Jill Menze | July 5, 2022
Minoan partners with boutique hotels and upscale rental properties to transform their guests’ stays... Read More
777 Partners eyes tech startups to "democratize" aviation
News / Startups
777 Partners eyes tech startups to "democratize" aviation
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WiT | July 1, 2022
777 Partners’ Adam Weiss discusses the fund’s ambitions in aviation.... Read More
phocuswright-europe-its-july
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: It’s July – Launch pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2022
By PhocusWire | June 30, 2022
 It’s July facilitates matches between families to meet and create experiences together while... Read More
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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