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.

wmnswork-accelerator-launch
News / Startups
Accelerator for women and non-binary tourism entrepreneurs launches
By Mitra Sorrells | March 18, 2022
The program is structured as a 12-week experience with weekly instruction provided by industry leaders... Read More
futurestay-11m-series-a
News / Startups
Short-term rental tech platform Futurestay raises $11M
By Mitra Sorrells | March 17, 2022
Founded in 2015, Futurestay provides technology and strategies to help independent property managers... Read More
travelx-seed-funding
News / Startups
TravelX nabs $10M for blockchain driven distribution
By Linda Fox | March 16, 2022
The startup aims to create new ways of distribution using blockchain technology.... Read More
What an ambitious travel startup learned during a global pandemic
Opinion / Startups
What an ambitious travel startup learned during a global pandemic
By Noam Toister - Bookaway Group | March 16, 2022
Acquiring multiple businesses as a startup has been quite a ride over the past nine months. Here are... Read More
whyhotel-rebrands-to-placemakr
News / Startups
WhyHotel rebrands to Placemakr, lands $90M investment
By Linda Fox | March 15, 2022
The company is rebranding to reflect its different business divisions of pop-up hotel and mixed-use... Read More
hearhere-raises-3.2-m
News / Startups
Kevin Costner’s travel storytelling app HearHere raises $3.2M
By Jill Menze | March 14, 2022
Launched in 2020 and co-founded by the actor, HearHere is a GPS-powered app that plays audio based on... Read More
WebInTravel and Phocuswright unite for global startup pitch
News / Startups
WebInTravel and Phocuswright unite for global startup pitch
By PhocusWire | March 11, 2022
This combined effort is the next evolution of a relentless, ongoing 25-year search for startups that... Read More
startup-trzmo-1.2m
News / Startups
Travel management app Trzmo raises $1.2M
By Mitra Sorrells | March 11, 2022
The app presents flight itineraries, ground transportation details, weather and currency information... Read More
selfbook-raises-15-million
News / Startups
Hotel payment startup Selfbook valued at $300M following $15M injection
By Jill Menze | March 8, 2022
The $15 million extension of its Series A financing brings Selfbook’s total funding to $40 million.... Read More
airheart-startup-stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Airheart uses data to help travelers form plans
By Linda Fox | March 8, 2022
The social travel platform which helps users collaborate on and share travel plans, using data to help... Read More
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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
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Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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