Who Is Fueling India’s Demand for Hostel Accommodations — India Report

An increasing number of young, budget-conscious travelers are driving demand for hostel accommodations in India over the last few years, according to Pranav Dangi, founder and CEO of backpacker hostel chain The Hosteller. 

The backpacking culture in India is also contributing to this trend. The Hosteller CEO notes that the company has also recorded a surge in Gen Z and millennial travelers looking for immersive experiences over more traditional hotel stays. 

To capture this growing market, experiential hotel chain Leisure Hotels Group has also launched a brand called Bedzzz that offers exclusive rooms as well as dormitories for solo travelers. It has also launched an extension of the Bedzzz brand Bedzzz Xclusive: a social hotel concept. 

“Hostels provide affordable accommodation as well as a sense of community and shared experiences, which resonates with today’s independent, adventure-seeking travelers,” said Dangi. 

The preference for hostels is increasing in urban as well as offbeat destinations, he shared. Solo travelers, digital nomads, and small groups of friends are the biggest takers. “This aligns with a broader global trend where hostels cater to