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.

startup-stage-aeropaye
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Aeropaye uses blockchain to automate airline refunds
By Mitra Sorrells | August 31, 2021
 Aeropaye automates the processing of refunds for delayed or cancelled flights, using distributed... Read More
startup-stage-una-main
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Una is an AI-powered digital travel agent
By Mitra Sorrells | August 26, 2021
XOKind is building AI agents that help people plan and make decisions more easily starting with its... Read More
motourismo-travel-startup
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Motourismo helps motorcyclists book trips worldwide
By Linda Fox | August 25, 2021
Motourismo is a search and booking platform for motorcycle trips and helps riders ship their... Read More
Huawei invests $100M in startups, makes first travel move in Middle East
News / Startups
Huawei invests $100M in startups, makes first travel move in Middle East
By Yeoh Siew Hoon - WebInTravel | August 25, 2021
Wego is the first travel player to sign a partnership with Huawei’s Petal Search to integrate the... Read More
RoomPriceGenie conjures up $2.2M for international push
News / Startups
RoomPriceGenie conjures up $2.2M for international push
By Linda Fox | August 24, 2021
RoomPriceGenie claims it has tripled it revenues in the past 12 months.... Read More
plentywaka-nigeria-seed-round
News / Startups
African shared mobility startup Plentywaka gets $1.2M seed round
By Mitra Sorrells | August 23, 2021
 Along with the seed round, Plentywaka has acquired Ghana-based mobility startup Stabus.... Read More
Travel startup investment to hit $44B in 2021
News / Startups
Travel startup investment to hit $44B in 2021
By Linda Fox | August 23, 2021
The number of travel and mobility startups grew 5% in 2021, according to Lufthansa Innovation Hub.... Read More
startup-stage-staytick
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: StayTick is a membership-based hotel booking platform
By Mitra Sorrells | August 23, 2021
For an annual membership fee of €25, StayTick says its members save up to 25% on bookings at more... Read More
Swvl acquires Shotl, expands shared transport service
News / Startups
Swvl acquires Shotl, expands shared transport service
By Linda Fox | August 20, 2021
Shared mobility and mass transit provider Swvl has grown its presence to 16 countries through the... Read More
holidayfox-funding-preseed
News / Startups
Camping startup HolidayFox closes £1.17M pre-seed round
By Mitra Sorrells | August 18, 2021
HolidayFox enables travelers to search and book campsites in the United Kingdom and Europe.... Read More
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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
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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
Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More