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.

Lufthansa unveils travel sustainability marketplace Squake
News / Startups
Lufthansa unveils travel sustainability marketplace Squake
By Linda Fox | July 7, 2021
The Squake sustainability marketplace, which offers a CO2 compensation platform enabling travel... Read More
VIDEO: Indie Campers - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Indie Campers - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2021
By PhocusWire | July 5, 2021
Indie Campers is creating a unique business model to provide a global, integrated and digital solution... Read More
jtv-transparent-funding
News / Startups
JetBlue Technology Ventures invests in short-term rental analyst Transparent
By Mitra Sorrells | July 2, 2021
JetBlue Technology Ventures says the financing aligns with its goals of “reimagining the accommodation... Read More
Accor leads $16M investment in Treebo Hotels
News / Startups
Accor leads $16M investment in Treebo Hotels
By Linda Fox | July 1, 2021
As part of the partnership with Accor, Treebo's Hotel Superhero technology will be implemented in... Read More
VIDEO: RoomPriceGenie - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2021
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: RoomPriceGenie - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright Europe 2021
By PhocusWire | July 1, 2021
RoomPriceGenie is dynamic pricing software that can automatically set prices and helps hotels and... Read More
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
Sponsored Content
From Our Partners
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