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: Travlled opens up guest data services for hotels
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Travlled opens up guest data services for hotels
By Jill Menze | June 30, 2021
Travlled solves the guest data issue, by enabling customers to create and share their unique... Read More
Hotelhero founders exit, join hospitality tech specialist Apaleo
News / Startups
Hotelhero founders exit, join hospitality tech specialist Apaleo
By Jill Menze | June 29, 2021
Hotel software review and recommendation platform Hotelhero will begin to wind down operations as its... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Luxury Travel Hackers makes dream trips for millennials on social media
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Luxury Travel Hackers makes dream trips for millennials on social media
By Linda Fox | June 28, 2021
Founded by former film and television producer Gary Kohn, Luxury Travel Hackers wants to provide a... Read More
Buser revs up with a $138M investment, plans new services
News / Startups
Buser revs up with a $138M investment, plans new services
By Linda Fox | June 24, 2021
Following the investment from Lightrock, Buser plans to add urban passenger services as well as a bus... Read More
Startup Stage: Routespring targets road warriors with user-friendly travel tools
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Routespring targets road warriors with user-friendly travel tools
By Jill Menze | June 24, 2021
Routespring's mission is to provide every small and medium-size business access to an enterprise-grade... Read More
cabana-series-a
News / Startups
Mobile hotel startup Cabana secures $10M to accelerate growth
By Mitra Sorrells | June 22, 2021
Cabana plans to use the funding to add more vans and new markets to its platform.... Read More
handiscover-1.65m
News / Startups
Handiscover secures €1.65M to grow its B2B accessibility platform
By Mitra Sorrells | June 22, 2021
In the past year Handiscover has focused on developing products and content to businesses in travel... Read More
United unveils corporate venture fund for sustainable future investment
News / Startups
United unveils corporate venture fund for sustainable future investment
By Linda Fox | June 16, 2021
United recently announced a goal of net zero emissions by 2050 and the corporate venture fund will... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Otolo is helping hospitality employees develop their careers
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Otolo is helping hospitality employees develop their careers
By Linda Fox | June 15, 2021
The company launched in April and recently added a Careers Club enabling hospitality companies to list... Read More
Vassla revs up with $11M raise for micro-mobility platform launch
News / Startups
Vassla revs up with $11M raise for micro-mobility platform launch
By Linda Fox | June 15, 2021
Sweden-based micro-mobility startup Vassla plans to bring its e-bike and e-moped hybrid to a number of... 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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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