The Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2025 Showcase Innovation Across AI, Sustainability, and Digital Travel
PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Travel Startups 2025 highlight a dynamic group of companies reshaping the travel industry with AI, blockchain, sustainability, and seamless digital experiences. As the 2026 class approaches, these startups reflect the fast-paced evolution of travel technology and services.
Key highlights from selected alumni include:
- AncillaryBox launched its first airline partner, Fiji Airways, and scaled its high-margin tourism content solution, with plans to introduce AI-driven dynamic bundles and a new loyalty currency in 2026.
- Chain4Travel expanded its Camino Network ecosystem to over 250 partners, piloting instant stablecoin settlements and AI travel agents, while driving wallet-to-wallet booking innovation.
- Directo emerged as the top browser extension in the travel category with 300,000 monthly active users, aiming to reach 1 million in 2026.
- D3x.ai achieved enterprise adoption across hundreds of hotels, with AI outperforming human agents in guest satisfaction; voice AI integration is their next frontier.
- Eco.mio more than doubled revenue, enabling companies to reduce business travel emissions through behavioral nudges and SAF partnerships.
- ExpectMe closed its first major hotel group deal, offering real-time, automated interactive room selection integrated with Opera Cloud.
- Faye surpassed $100 million in sales, launched in-app eSIM and travel document features, and plans to expand AI-driven claims and luxury travel offerings.
- HyperGuest strengthened its B2B direct distribution platform, connecting hotels to thousands of travel partners with predictive AI demand tools planned for 2026.
- iWander launched AI-powered travel companions with City Sightseeing, with plans to expand strategic partnerships and personalization features.
- Mindtrip scaled AI-powered trip planning, acquired 40,000+ travel guides, and plans to roll out agentic AI capabilities in 2026.
- NomadHer grew to 400,000 members and hosted international female traveler festivals, with further expansion planned in Asia and India.
- Trustd.ai transitioned to revenue generation, providing AI-powered guest-screening platforms for short-term rentals, with next-generation trust metrics set for 2026.
- Turpal achieved triple-digit growth, expanded into Turkey and India, and enhanced AI-powered itinerary and pricing tools for travel operators.
- Zatlas processed over 800,000 reservations and launched AI-driven chargeback dispute solutions, achieving consistent 30% quarterly growth.
Across the Hot 25 Travel Startups 2025, common themes include leveraging AI for personalization, blockchain for secure payments, sustainability initiatives, and innovative digital tools to enhance both B2C and B2B travel experiences.
These startups illustrate how the travel ecosystem is embracing technology to improve operations, guest satisfaction, and revenue streams, positioning themselves for rapid growth in 2026 and beyond.
