Hostelworld CEO Gary Morrison is ringing in the evolution of the hostel dweller. More solo travelers look for friends with chat tools, and bunking up can bring carbon emissions down.
Top of the morning to you. Do you know that quote, “There are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met yet?” That’s the motto Hostelworld operates on.
Places like Costa Rica and Panama have long welcomed backpackers, but they now seem to be rushing back to the region after travel restrictions were lifted in 2022.
Adding social network-like features could win it some more new-to-hosteling customers, clearly needed after racking up losses of $90 million during the pandemic. But doesn't this take the fun out of the haphazard nature of hosteling?