Could This Be the End of Hostels in Singapore?

Hostel owners in Singapore say they are on the brink of collapse and that the whole sector could be virtually wiped out in months unless solutions are forthcoming. If that happens, it would be sad in the long run. Singapore especially needs hostels as its expensive image is stickier than a chewing gum stain, while the tourism board prides itself for having diversified accommodation types to suit every budget. Moreover, in a span of 10 years, the hostels scene in the country, as in many other destinations worldwide, has evolved to offer not just the humble bunk bed in dormitories but boutique hostels, poshtels and luxury hostels to cater to backpackers and low budget travelers. It is, of course, not a good time to be a hostel today, when communal living and social interaction go directly against social distancing and isolation. Singapore in June imposed strict measures on hostels, such as requiring them to alternate bunk beds which in effect caps occupancy to 50 percent. Mom