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.

SkySquad secures $1M to help travelers navigate the airport
News / Startups
SkySquad secures $1M to help travelers navigate the airport
By Jill Menze | June 10, 2022
Through the SkySquad platform, travelers can book an airport assistant to help them get from car door... Read More
save-a-train-investment
News / Startups
Global rail distributor Save A Train gains strategic investment
By Mitra Sorrells | June 8, 2022
Save A Train provides rail content to B2B partners and says it currently has contracts with seven of... Read More
startup-stage-basubu
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Basubu is a marketplace for wellness travel
By Mitra Sorrells | June 7, 2022
Basubu launched in September 2021 after its founders say they noticed increased demand for travel... Read More
duve-10-million
News / Startups
Guest experience platform Duve raises $10M
By Mitra Sorrells | June 6, 2022
Duve says it currently serves more than 1,000 properties in more than 64 countries and will use the... Read More
Startup Stage: Boundless Life creates communities for digital nomad families
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Boundless Life creates communities for digital nomad families
By Jill Menze | June 2, 2022
Boundless Life is a collection of communities comprising private homes, co-working spaces, an... Read More
journera-series-b-1
News / Startups
Journera raises $10M to grow its data exchange platform
By Mitra Sorrells | June 1, 2022
Journera says it will use the funding for market expansion.... Read More
borrow-a-boat-crowdfunding
News / Startups
Borrow A Boat beats target, raises £1M in 24 hours
By Linda Fox | May 31, 2022
The U.K-based company has raised funding through crowd campaigns in the past landing more than £1... Read More
Tighter capital markets will test travel startups
Opinion / Startups
Tighter capital markets will test travel startups
By Bryan Auchterlonie - Destination Capital | May 31, 2022
In an uncertain capital market cycle, thinly capitalized growth companies will be more exposed and... Read More
phocuswright-wit-startup-pitch-round-1
News / Startups
18 startups advance in first Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch
By PhocusWire | May 27, 2022
The startups move on to the semifinal round in August, where six will be chosen to compete in the... Read More
hostfully-7m-seed-funding
News / Startups
Short-term rental SaaS startup Hostfully raises $4M seed funding
By Mitra Sorrells | May 26, 2022
Founded in 2016, Hostfully will use the funding to add capabilities to its products, including a... Read More
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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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Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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