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.

VIDEO: Tripkicks - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Tripkicks - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | December 2, 2021
A simple add-on to business travel programs that provides the tools to influence traveler behavior.... Read More
Hot 25 Startups 2022: TrovaTrip
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2022: TrovaTrip
By PhocusWire | December 1, 2021
TrovaTrip is a trip planning and management platform that enables topic experts, creators, and... Read More
wheel-the-world-phocuswright-conference-2021-2
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Wheel The World - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | December 1, 2021
Wheel The World is an accessibility booking platform for people with disabilities to book hotels and... Read More
startup-stage-vacaymyway
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: VacayMyWay aims to simplify short-term rental bookings
By Mitra Sorrells | November 29, 2021
VacayMyWay is a short-term rental marketplace built on technology that aims to provide a simplified,... Read More
VIDEO: YouTip - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: YouTip - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | November 29, 2021
Enterprise level digital tipping system for an emerging cashless society; more money for workers, more... Read More
VIDEO: RoomPriceGenie - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: RoomPriceGenie - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | November 26, 2021
RoomPriceGenie will show how independent hotels can use data-driven and intelligent pricing to compete... Read More
Limehome attracts real estate and hotel investors
News / Startups
Limehome attracts real estate and hotel investors
By Linda Fox | November 23, 2021
The funds enable Limehome to take advantage of the real estate development and management, as well as... Read More
Tier acquires Nextbike to round out micro-mobility service
News / Startups
Tier acquires Nextbike to round out micro-mobility service
By Linda Fox | November 23, 2021
Berlin-based Tier has purchased 100% of the shares in Nextbike in an all-cash transaction.... Read More
VIDEO: An investor on why everything is hot right now
News / Startups
VIDEO: An investor on why everything is hot right now
By Kevin May | November 19, 2021
Despite the sector being on its knees for the majority of the last two years, VCs are considering the... Read More
borrow-a-boat-crowdfunding
News / Startups
Borrow A Boat raises £1.1M through crowdfunding
By Mitra Sorrells | November 18, 2021
Launched in 2017, Borrow A Boat’s platform includes both peer-to-peer listings as well as boat rental... Read More
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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