Hot 25 Startups 2026

News / Technology

Aviation coalition urges EU to ease restrictions on voluntary biometrics

By Cathy Walsh | October 7, 2026

The newly formed Responsible Biometrics Travel Industry Coalition is calling for clearer rules on the use of biometrics in air travel, including stronger recognition of consent and a technology-neutral... Read More

News / Technology

PhocusWire travel tech news briefs: Expedia, Mindtrip, Yanolja and more...

By PhocusWire | October 2, 2026

Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More

News / Technology

Bonafide, Visiting Media team up to improve hotel AI visibility

By Cathy Walsh | June 17, 2026

The companies said the partnership combines content management and AI optimization tools to help hotels improve how they are represented in generative AI platforms. Read More

News / Distribution

DirectBooker announces hotel partners, ChatGPT app

By Linda Fox | April 30, 2026

DirectBooker, a PhocusWire Hot 25 Startup for 2026, has also launched an app in ChatGPT and a connector in Claude. Read More

News / Startups

Travel funding deal volume hits new low in Q1 2026

By Linda Fox | April 3, 2026

Travel startup funding was mostly made up of Series A rounds in Q1 2026, with total investment sinking lower compared to the same period in 2025. Read More

News / Technology

PhocusWire's travel tech news briefs: Savanta, Bilt, RMS and more...

By PhocusWire | March 27, 2026

Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More

News / Startups

APAC startup funding tightens as market matures

By Morgan Hines | March 19, 2026

APAC is undergoing structural shifts in travel startup funding and innovation. Read More

News / Technology

Short-term rental sector bets on AI search to drive direct bookings

By Matthew Parsons | March 12, 2026

Direct rental bookings are modest today, but AI could help change that. Read More

Interview / Startups

Startup Stage: BizTrip AI wants to replace fragmented booking systems for business travelers

By Abby Crotty | March 9, 2026

In February, startup announced $1.5 million in pre-seed funding. Read More

News / Technology

Indicio launches tech allowing AI agents to verify digital passports

By Abby Crotty | February 11, 2026

The software overseeing the interactions also verifies that the chatbot actually belongs to the airline or travel company, “creating trust in both directions.” Read More

News / Startups

Calling all travel startups: Global Startup Pitch returns in 2026

By WiT | February 10, 2026

The Grand Finals will be held at Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona this summer. Read More

News / Startups

BizTrip AI raises $1.5 million for product development, hiring

By Abby Crotty | February 2, 2026

The funding is the third tranche of the startup's pre-seed round. Read More

News / Startups

HeyMax secures $11M for AI push, geographical expansion

By Linda Fox | January 28, 2026

The funding will go toward product development, including simplifying earning and redemption for consumers through AI and expansion into Japan, Taiwan and Australia in 2026. Read More