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.

Hot 25 Startups 2022: Youtip
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Startups 2022: Youtip
By PhocusWire | November 15, 2021
Youtip is a specialty payments company that facilitates digital tipping and financial wellness for... Read More
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Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: The Host Co. adds hotel-style amenities to rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | November 15, 2021
Founded in September 2020, the Host Co. enables hosts to create an online store to sell anything in... Read More
Hospitality tech startup Amenitiz nabs €6.5M for Europe expansion
News / Startups
Hospitality tech startup Amenitiz nabs €6.5M for Europe expansion
By Jill Menze | November 11, 2021
Point-Nine, Backed and Otium led the round, with angel investors including Travelperk’s Avi Meier,... Read More
Enso Connect bags $2M for rental guest platform
News / Startups
Enso Connect bags $2M for rental guest platform
By Linda Fox | November 10, 2021
Enso, which was founded in 2019, offers a guest experience platform combining artificial... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: RemoteDream helps travelers find and book work-friendly hotels and hostels
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: RemoteDream helps travelers find and book work-friendly hotels and hostels
By Jill Menze | November 10, 2021
Founded in 2021, the startup caters to remote workers, travelers on workations and digital nomads.... Read More
How Certares is making capital out of COVID
News / Startups
How Certares is making capital out of COVID
By Ian Jarrett - WIT | November 8, 2021
Why "the only shop in town" has travel companies queuing at the door.... Read More
phocuswire-pulse-spotnana
News / Startups
VIDEO: Building in stealth, launching and early phases for startups
By PhocusWire | November 5, 2021
The co-founder and CEO of the newest corporate travel startup, Spotnana, discusses why and how the... Read More
VIDEO: Accelerators and nurturing startups
News / Startups
VIDEO: Accelerators and nurturing startups
By PhocusWire | November 4, 2021
Mark Lenahan at Travelport joined us at the PhocusWire Pulse: Startups in the Spotlight to... Read More
VIDEO: The VC view on travel startup strategy
News / Startups
VIDEO: The VC view on travel startup strategy
By PhocusWire | November 3, 2021
The finance houses that have backed so many travel startups over the years have not been immune to... Read More
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News / Startups
South Korea’s 42dot raises $88.5M to expand autonomous driving solution
By Jill Menze | November 3, 2021
The Series A round brings the autonomous driving and mobility technology startup’s total funding to... 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