NEW YORK – PhocusWire has unveiled its Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026, spotlighting the next generation of innovators redefining the way the world books, moves, and experiences travel in an era of rapid artificial intelligence transformation and economic recalibration.
Now in its eighth year, the annual list identifies 25 early-stage travel companies from around the world that are pioneering new technologies, business models, and customer experiences across the global travel ecosystem.
AI-native startups drive travel’s next evolution
According to Phocuswright research, 95% of travel startups are now using or actively exploring AI applications, signaling a decisive industry-wide pivot toward AI-native models. Despite two years of reduced venture funding, this new generation of startups is leaner, faster, and more strategically focused — reshaping competition across hospitality, aviation, mobility, and travel retail.
“The startups on this year’s Hot 25 list represent the next wave of category leaders,” said Mitra Sorrells, SVP, Content, PhocusWire and Phocuswright. “We’re seeing the foundation of travel’s next generation being built right now. AI has leveled the technical playing field, so the real differentiators are vision, execution, and reach.”
Since launching the series in 2018, PhocusWire has tracked 175 early-stage companies across all travel verticals and regions. This year’s cohort includes startups from Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Latin America, selected for their innovation, market potential, and diversity of leadership.
Selection process and key insights
The combined PhocusWire – Phocuswright editorial and research teams began evaluating more than 150 candidates in July 2025, narrowing the list to 25 that best represent the future of travel innovation.
Of these, 10 startups were founded within the past two years, reflecting a fresh wave of post-pandemic entrepreneurship, while 15 rely on AI as a core business driver — from intelligent distribution systems and guest experience management to predictive pricing and generative marketing solutions.
The Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026
Arcube | Becoming Rentable | BizTrip.ai | Bonafide | Buzz | Cruisebound | Dazhboards | DirectBooker | E23 | GuestOS | HeyMax | HiGem | Hospy | HostAI | Indicio | Kaiban | Kismet | Landng | Meili | Nowadays | Roamr | SkyLink | VanityPass | Walkway | Xsite
These companies reflect the global diversity of travel innovation, from AI-driven booking platforms and hospitality operating systems to sustainable travel services and loyalty technology built for the digital era.
Shaping the future of travel technology
The Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026 showcases the creativity, resilience, and adaptability driving the next phase of global tourism and hospitality. Despite shifting investment landscapes, the sector continues to attract innovators who combine AI-driven intelligence with human-centric design, setting new standards for personalization, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
Since its inception, PhocusWire’s Hot 25 has spotlighted the most promising companies shaping the future of travel distribution, guest experience, and digital transformation. Many alumni have gone on to secure major funding rounds, global partnerships, and industry awards, underscoring the list’s role as a benchmark for emerging travel innovation.
As Sorrells concluded, “The energy and ambition in this year’s Hot 25 cohort prove that innovation in travel is not slowing down – it’s accelerating, and AI is at the core of it.”
Tags: Mitra Sorrells, PhocusWire Phocuswright