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.

convious-series-a
News / Startups
Attractions e-commerce platform Convious nabs $12M for expansion
By Mitra Sorrells | December 3, 2021
Founded in 2017, Convious says it currently works with more than 125 theme parks, museums, zoos and... Read More
VIDEO: Local Purse - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Local Purse - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Conference 2021
By PhocusWire | December 3, 2021
Web-based platform which supports travel guides, local artisans, and cultural vendors by using live... Read More
Hotel Engine secures $65M for innovation and recruitment
News / Startups
Hotel Engine secures $65M for innovation and recruitment
By Linda Fox | December 2, 2021
The investment in Hotel Engine, which was led by existing investor Telescope Partners with... Read More
kayak-leads-life-house-seriesc
News / Startups
Kayak leads $60M Series C for Life House
By Mitra Sorrells | December 2, 2021
Life House and Kayak have been working together since last spring with the opening of Kayak Miami... Read More
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News / Startups
YouTrip eyes B2B payments following $30M funding round
By Linda Fox | December 2, 2021
Singapore-based YouTrip says its app has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times and that it has... Read More
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
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