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.

Hotailors rebrands to WorkTrips, bags €23M investment
News / Startups
Hotailors rebrands to WorkTrips, bags €23M investment
By Linda Fox | May 9, 2022
The funding will go toward rebranding Hotailors as well as boosting its presence in existing markets... Read More
mint-house-35m
News / Startups
Mint House raises $35M led by Mohari Hospitality
By Mitra Sorrells | May 4, 2022
Mint House reports its revenue grew more than 200% in 2021, and in the last two years the company has... Read More
alight-travel
News / Startups
New hotel booking platform lets guests offset carbon emissions at checkout
By Jill Menze | May 2, 2022
Travel startup Wayaj has launched a new hotel booking engine called Alight.travel that lets travelers... Read More
NUMA strikes deal to manage and operate €500M hotel portfolio
News / Startups
NUMA strikes deal to manage and operate €500M hotel portfolio
By Mitra Sorrells | May 2, 2022
NUMA Group has entered into a strategic partnership with LaSalle Investment Management to create a... Read More
travclan-funding-pre-series-a
News / Startups
India’s TravClan raises $4.7M to help agents digitize operations
By Mitra Sorrells | April 29, 2022
TravClan helps travel agent set up websites, connect to suppliers and manage their online marketing.... Read More
Update: Swvl, Zeelo acquisition agreement terminated
News / Startups
Update: Swvl, Zeelo acquisition agreement terminated
By Linda Fox | April 29, 2022
Plans for shared mobility and transit company Swvl to acquire smart bus platform Zeelo have been... Read More
Trouble in travel SPAC-land or just choppy seas?
News / Startups
Trouble in travel SPAC-land or just choppy seas?
By PhocusWire | April 28, 2022
SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies) have become a useful mechanism for travel companies to... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Raus wants to be the digital platform for off-grid stays
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Raus wants to be the digital platform for off-grid stays
By Linda Fox | April 28, 2022
The startup, which wants to expand beyond Germany, has received total funding of €3.2 million with the... Read More
Japanese startup Wayfarer snatches $1M to become “AWS of hotels”
News / Startups
Japanese startup Wayfarer snatches $1M to become “AWS of hotels”
By Jill Menze | April 24, 2022
Founded in 2019, Wayfarer was created to modernize hotel management in Japan.... Read More
Trip-planning app Out of Office takes off with $3.5M in funding
News / Startups
Trip-planning app Out of Office takes off with $3.5M in funding
By Jill Menze | April 22, 2022
Launched in August 2021, Out of Office gives travelers inspiration and planning tips based on where... Read More
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 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
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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