Tag: travel startups

As a VC deeply actively watching this market, I see the landscape shifting. The first wave of travel tech was about digital brochures and building online travel agencies (OTAs). The next, and far more interesting, wave is about embedding intelligence into the very fabric of the travel experience. GCC Travel Startups solving deep, complex problems in operations, accommodation, and local experiences. This is where the real enterprise value will be created over the next decade. Forget the headlines for a moment. These are the companies on my watchlist—the ones operating below the radar but poised for significant impact. They are ... Read more

The travel startup scene across MENA, India, and South Africa is quietly undergoing a radical transformation, driven by forces most industry watchers are overlooking. Having worked extensively in this dynamic region, I've seen firsthand how regulatory windows, the digitization lag in corporate travel, and even climate-driven seasonality shifts are opening up massive market gaps. The startups that will dominate by 2026-2027 aren't just 'emerging'—they're building entirely new business models that bypass legacy infrastructure, securing their competitive moats now.

The travel industry is buzzing with innovation, as startups globally are leveraging technology to redefine everything from how we book trips to how we experience destinations. Here's a look at 20 noteworthy travel startups making waves as of mid-2025.