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: Growth trends and challenges for travel startups
News / Startups
VIDEO: Growth trends and challenges for travel startups
By PhocusWire | November 2, 2021
Speaking during PhocusWire Pulse, Trippers CEO Charlotte Franzellin explains why the travel planning... Read More
Webintravel-2021-startup-funding
News / Startups
VIDEO: Next billion online travel consumers ready for the taking
By Linda Fox | October 29, 2021
The future cohort will have different values and behaviors and will require flexibility and an... Read More
pulse-startups-vouch
News / Startups
VIDEO: Startup momentum in a crisis
By PhocusWire | October 29, 2021
At PhocusWire Pulse, Joseph Ling, founder and CEO of Singapore-based Vouch, shares how his company... Read More
chalo-shuttl-acquisition
News / Startups
Chalo acquires Shuttl to boost bus travel service
By Linda Fox | October 28, 2021
The combined companies will run more than 25 million bus rides a month.... Read More
VIDEO: State of travel startups 2021
News / Startups
VIDEO: State of travel startups 2021
By PhocusWire | October 28, 2021
Ahead of the release of the full 2021 report, Mike Coletta, Phocuswright's manager for research... Read More
VIDEO: The Big Picture for travel startups
News / Startups
VIDEO: The Big Picture for travel startups
By PhocusWire | October 27, 2021
travel startups have faced a tough time as they juggle costs, strategy and hopes for the future,... Read More
selfbook-series-a
News / Startups
Selfbook raises $25M in quest to reinvent hotel payments
By Mitra Sorrells | October 26, 2021
Selfbook says its software enables hotels to accept one-click payments on their websites while... Read More
PhocusWire Pulse: Startups In The Spotlight
News / Startups
PhocusWire Pulse: Startups In The Spotlight
By PhocusWire | October 25, 2021
For our eighth event this year, we focus on the trends and issues, challenges and opportunities for... Read More
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News / Startups
Tier rides away with $200M in funding
By Linda Fox | October 25, 2021
Tier plans to use its latest funding for acquisitions and strategic investments.... Read More
Wander bags $7M for home rental platform
News / Startups
Wander bags $7M for home rental platform
By Linda Fox | October 21, 2021
The investment is led by Redpoint Ventures and will go towards developing the platform and expanding... 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
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