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.

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
travel-startups-phocuswright-europe
News / Startups
Where is the opportunity for travel startups?
By PhocusWire | June 30, 2022
Speaking during Phocuswright Europe, investors explain what they’re looking for from startups right... Read More
paddle-boarding
News / Startups
Journee lands £1.75M for mystery trip service
By Linda Fox | June 28, 2022
Founded in 2019, Journee matches travelers with "mystery" trips by collecting their preferences around... Read More
wndr-creators-travel-booking
From Our Partners / Startups
VIDEO: Travel booking through content creators
By PhocusWire | June 27, 2022
Wndr founder and CEO Mickey Haslavsky shares how the platform is the "digital evolution of a tour... Read More
zipp-mobility-funding
News / Startups
Zipp Mobility secures €6.1M for e-scooter and e-bike expansion
By Kathryn Walson | June 24, 2022
Established in 2019, Zipp Mobility has e-scooter and e-bike operations in nine cities in the U.K.,... Read More
startup-stage-stay-open
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Stay Open turns empty buildings into pod hotels
By Mitra Sorrells | June 23, 2022
Stay Open creates pod hotels in vacant or underutilized office and retail space, while contributing... 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