5 New Travel Startups That Compete in New But Crowded Markets

Markets that hardly existed several years ago are now competitive ecosystems where startups all looking to jump on the same opportunities fight for brand awareness and a small but active customer base. These startups are great examples of those fighting the good fight.

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>> Distribusion Technologies is a global distribution system for intercity buses that connects bus operators with travel resellers including travel agencies, online travel agencies and mobile apps so consumers can search and book buses in the same way that they do flights and, increasingly, rail.

SkiftTake: Modes of transportation that previously ran on paper tickets and in-person bookings are slowly coming online; however, the work to be done before all ground travel can be searched an booked online around the world is still far off.

>> Triptap is a travel discovery app that provides users with a curated list of restaurants, hotels and activities. Recommendations are selected and described by the app’s team. The app is currently available in Atlanta.

SkiftTake: Mobile apps have in someways replaced guide books today, but travelers are more apt to trust the reviews of hundreds than the curated selection of a few when wide opinion is so readily available.

>> Indie Guides are mobile city guides, available on iOS and Android, that focus on cultural, alternative and underground spots. The first guides will be released on February 20 for Paris, Madrid, Berlin, Rotterdam, Istanbul and Athens.

SkiftTake: Like we said above, mobile guides are a great replacement to traditional guide books but just one tool used by travelers who has limitless access to reviews, media and guides online.

>> Splitcab is an app that allows users to share minicabs to and from the airport to save cash and reduce their carbon footprint. The app works the same as most other car booking apps with the exception that users can select to share a car with a passengers whose schedule and location matches their’s.

SkiftTake: There are car booking apps of every variety available today, but the logistics of picking up two people near the same place, around the same time, makes Splitcab’s unique value proposition one that’s difficult to scale.

>> AirSorted is a management platform for Airbnb hosts that takes guest inquiries, screens guests, arranges cleaners and repairs, organizes key drop-offs and provides 24/7 guest support. The service takes a 15 percent to 24 percent fee and offers hosts a guaranteed monthly income for their rental.

SkiftTake: The ecosystem that’s grown around Airbnb has become increasingly competitive so despite the need for such services, supply is quickly surpassing demand.