Lone travelers flocking to various locations in
Asia
For budget hostels causing a transformation in the travel sector, which has traditionally focused on couples, claims the CEO
Hostelworld
has said.
Gary Morrison stated that the travel sector has been “inaccessible” for solo travelers for an extended duration.
He proposed that the change was fueled by a rise in individuals becoming “single out of necessity rather than choice,” like when people relocate to different cities or experience changes in their situations, for example, ending a relationship.
“To a significant degree, the travel industry has largely remained inaccessible to solo travelers and does not truly accommodate their needs,” Mr. Morrison said to the PA news agency.
Each individual hotel room accommodates two persons.
“I believe that, over time, other sectors of the travel industry will begin to accommodate solo travelers by ceasing to charge them for double occupancy rooms,” Mr. Morrison stated.
Hostelworld, a global platform for hostels, has engaged with the social aspect of travel via its chat room application, introduced following the onset of the Covid pandemic.
It functions by linking individuals who have reserved spots at hostels in a specific location, enabling them to synchronize their plans or discover fellow travelers staying at the same venue.
Data from the platform indicates that the percentage of solo travelers increased from 57% in 2021 to 63% in 2024.
Moreover, young women who travel with backpacks have emerged as the quickest-expanding demographic, driven by greater chances to join groups or improved security features such as the provision of females-only lodging facilities in hostels.
Mr. Morrison stated that the “overwhelming majority” of
European
travelers were heading to Asia, especially
Thailand
, due to the attraction of more affordable hostel accommodations and lower living costs.
He acknowledged that the change “clearly impacts revenue” for Hostelworld, noting that just last month the company reported their average booking value decreased from 14.36 euros (£12.26) in 2023 to 13.21 euros (£11.28) in 2024.
The CEO, motivated to become part of Hostelworld due to his personal passion for traveling, stated that the firm aims to establish itself as “the world’s biggest travel network.”
The platform doesn’t generate income directly from users utilizing the chat function; however, this interaction is viewed as boosting reservations. Users often suggest hostel accommodations to others or opt for inexpensive bookings just to use the feature.
Mr. Morrison stated that the firm has grand ambitions to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for analyzing booking trends and traveler discussions, with the aim of gaining deeper insights into tourists’ activities during their international excursions.
He also disclosed intentions for the platform to grow past just hostels and into various types of affordable lodging.
By investing in these new features and moving away from high-cost locations, the firm anticipates experiencing a temporary ‘squeeze’ phase; however, this strategy is projected to drive increased sales over time.
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