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.

Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
By Mileva Sapic | October 20, 2025
Many of our Hot 25 Startups for 2023 have undergone major transformations, including significant... Read More
Revolut acquires Swifty to build AI concierge for customers
News / Startups
Revolut acquires Swifty to build AI concierge for customers
By Linda Fox | October 14, 2025
Swifty, which launched in 2023, uses LLMs and a conversational interface to help plan and book... Read More
Arbio secures $36M in funding to expand rental management platform
News / Startups
Arbio secures $36M in funding to expand rental management platform
By Linda Fox | October 14, 2025
The funding will be put towards acquisitions, developing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and... Read More
Walkway secures $1.65M in pre-seed funding
News / Startups
Walkway secures $1.65M in pre-seed funding
By Abby Crotty | October 13, 2025
B2B SaaS startup Walkway will use the funding to build data and AI-powered products, according to CEO... Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
By Mileva Sapic | October 13, 2025
As we build up to unveiling the PhocusWire Hot Travel Startups for 2026, we are checking in with some... Read More
Startup Stage: SplitStay wants to help solo travelers split accommodations
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: SplitStay wants to help solo travelers split accommodations
By Morgan Hines | October 9, 2025
SplitStay is a travel-tech marketplace that helps solo travelers share accommodations in a secure,... Read More
PassiveBolt, Replyr.ai win People’s Choice Awards at the 2025 Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
PassiveBolt, Replyr.ai win People’s Choice Awards at the 2025 Global Startup Pitch
By WiT | October 8, 2025
The awards spotlighted two rising stars of travel and technology at WiT Singapore this week.... Read More
AI-powered PMS Boom raises $12.7 million
News / Startups
AI-powered PMS Boom raises $12.7 million
By Abby Crotty | October 8, 2025
The fresh capital will be used for recruitment and to fuel expansion in international markets.... Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2021
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2021
By Mileva Sapic | October 6, 2025
Zamna, Troop, Kyte and Tripkicks, which were selected as PhocusWire's Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2021,... Read More
Tracking Q3 travel startup funding
News / Startups
Tracking Q3 travel startup funding
By Linda Fox | October 1, 2025
PhocusWire tracks the large and small travel startup funding rounds in Q3 as well as M&A activity in... 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
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
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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