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.

Qstay lands $6.5M to accelerate hospitality concept growth
News / Startups
Qstay lands $6.5M to accelerate hospitality concept growth
By Linda Fox | July 25, 2022
The Dubai-based hospitality concept wants to have more than 600 vacation rental units by the end of... Read More
road-travel-phocuswright-europe-2022
From Our Partners / Startups
VIDEO: Road.Travel on the convergence of connected cars and travel
By PhocusWire | July 22, 2022
Road.Travel works with automobile manufacturers to integrate its curated road trips into their... Read More
bookaway-transport-management-tech
News / Startups
Bookaway develops ground transport management tech to bring operators online
By Linda Fox | July 21, 2022
The company has built technology in-house for the APAC region and acquired a company to serve the... Read More
gordian-software-25m
News / Startups
Gordian Software raises $25M as revenue more than triples in six months
By Mitra Sorrells | July 19, 2022
Founded in 2017, Gordian Software provides an API that enables companies including Hopper and Trip.com... Read More
connexpay-phocuswright-europe
From Our Partners / Startups
VIDEO: ConnexPay on increasing efficiency and profit in travel payments
By PhocusWire | July 19, 2022
On the heels of its fifth anniversary, ConnexPay is going after international expansion, starting in... Read More
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
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