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.

WiT Startup Pitch to offer $250,000 of AWS credits and support
News / Startups
WiT Startup Pitch to offer $250,000 of AWS credits and support
By WiT | July 29, 2021
WiT’s annual Startup Pitch is back, bolstered by the continuing collaboration with Amazon Web Services... Read More
Charting the rise of SPACs in online travel
News / Startups
Charting the rise of SPACs in online travel
By Linda Fox | July 27, 2021
About eight travel companies have exited via special purpose acquisition company in recent months, as... Read More
Bbot lands $15M for hospitality ordering and payment service
News / Startups
Bbot lands $15M for hospitality ordering and payment service
By Linda Fox | July 22, 2021
The latest raise brings Bbot's total to just over $22 million following a $4 million investment... Read More
modihost-startup-stage
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: ModiHost is a hotel management system using AI and blockchain
By Mitra Sorrells | July 22, 2021
ModiHost is a hotel management system that uses artificial intelligence to personalize the guest... Read More
phocuswright-europe-female-founders
News / Startups
VIDEO: Tracking the journey for women founders in travel
By PhocusWire | July 19, 2021
Three women who have created travel companies discuss their personal experiences and the role of... Read More
nethone-fundraise
News / Startups
E-commerce fraud fighter Nethone raises $6.7M
By Mitra Sorrells | July 19, 2021
Nethone, a Poland-based startup that provides fraud protection technology for travel suppliers, says... Read More
VIDEO: Pace Revenue - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Pace Revenue - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2021
By PhocusWire | July 15, 2021
Pace revenue makes it possible for hoteliers to fall in love with revenue management again through a... Read More
VIDEO: FlyNow Aviation - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: FlyNow Aviation - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2021
By PhocusWire | July 13, 2021
Affordable 3D mobility game changer by fulfilling contradicting goals of social, ecologic and economic... Read More
ola-funding
News / Startups
Ola revs up with $500M investment, IPO in the works
By Linda Fox | July 12, 2021
Ola is continuing to scale its business in different categories and geographies.... Read More
VIDEO: Zytlyn - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Zytlyn - Summit pitch at Phocuswright Europe 2021
By PhocusWire | July 9, 2021
Zytlyn captures every data signal that matters and uses machine learning to generate hyper-accurate... 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
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