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Business Standard
13-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Himalayas to Berlin: Indian hostel brands go global for budget travellers
Hostels or a luxury hotel? Well, it all depends on your preference and, more importantly, budget. A growing number of young Indian travellers are now fulfilling their dream of travelling abroad by piecing together cost-conscious itineraries. That shift has triggered a clear trend: camps and hostels are in, not just within India, but in international destinations too. Seizing the moment, Indian hostel brands are now setting up shop beyond domestic borders, from Bir to Berlin, bringing their community-driven backpacker model to a global audience. 'At the heart of their success is a community-first approach. Take Zostel, for instance: there's a strong emphasis on crafting social experiences through shared spaces, curated activities, and a vibrant traveller community. This model is now being replicated internationally to appeal to like-minded global travellers,' said Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, CEO and co-founder at Zostel and Zo World. He added that their identity travels well. 'Their youth-friendly brand identity, shaped by social media-savvy communication, bold design, and culture-driven storytelling, makes these hostels instantly relatable across borders.' According to Chouhan, the average growth this year is up by 20–22 per cent for hostels when comparing six-month periods. Recently, Zostel, an Indian chain of backpacker hostels, marched into its first international location in Berlin. The Berlin hostel, which is part of its broader strategy to become a global brand, aims to offer curated travel experiences and community-focused stays, aligning with the evolving preferences of modern travelers. Affordability, flexibility, and a social vibe top the list. According to Pranav Dangi, CEO and founder of The Hosteller, 'Hostels offer immersive travel that hotels don't—ideal for solo trips, digital nomads, and spontaneous getaways.' Dangi said the primary age group is between 18 and 35. 'Students, young professionals, and digital nomads dominate, but we're also seeing a rise in 35+ travellers looking for social yet affordable options,' he added. Demand is clearly growing. 'The percentage rise is around 30–40 per cent year-on-year, driven by budget travel, remote work, and a growing preference for experiences over luxury,' said Dangi. Zostel's Berlin launch, he said, proves that there is space abroad for Indian hostel brands. 'Focus on niche storytelling, cultural relevance, and community engagement from day one,' he said. According to Dangi, hostels tend to be 40–60 per cent cheaper than basic hotels. 'They blend affordability with vibrant design, cultural storytelling, and a strong youth vibe,' he said. Why hostels appeal to Indians • Budget-friendly, clean, and well-maintained accommodation • Strong focus on community and social interaction • Greater freedom and flexible schedules compared to hotels • Curated local experiences like food walks, city tours, and cultural events • Co-working spaces and remote work-friendly infrastructure • Instagram-friendly aesthetics and themed interiors • Safety features such as female-only dorms and CCTV 'Ultimately, hostels offer more than just a place to sleep. They create a sense of belonging. For Indian travellers who seek openness, meaningful conversations, and spontaneous friendships,' said Chouhan. Expansion plans and strategy Indian hostel brands are carefully choosing their next markets—often prioritising destinations with a high number of Indian tourists or diaspora, which helps in building brand familiarity. 'A strong digital backbone, from app-based bookings to targeted social media marketing, enables leaner, more cost-effective international growth,' said Chouhan. To scale sustainably, many brands are using franchise or local collaboration models. These help them enter new markets without large upfront investments, while staying adaptable to local preferences and regulations. 'Having already dealt with the complexity and diversity of India has made us more agile. It's a real advantage when stepping into international markets,' Chouhan added. Where to next? The Hosteller is eyeing expansion across Asia, Eastern Europe, and well-known digital nomad hotspots—places with a solid backpacker culture and rising interest in Indian tourism. This growth coincides with a wave of first-time Indian travellers heading overseas. According to visa application platform Atlys, international visa requests from first-time applicants rose by 32 per cent over the past year. Of these, 56 per cent came from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities such as Chandigarh, Surat, Pune, Lucknow, and Jaipur. And it's not just one source. In May, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel released their 'India Holiday Report 2025', showing how travel aspirations are changing fast. Key findings from the report: • Over 30 million Indians travelled abroad in 2024, the highest ever • 85 per cent of respondents plan to take four-six holidays annually, up from two-three • 84 per cent expect to increase their travel spending by 20 per cent to 50 per cent this year 'The survey reflects a shift driven by rising disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, including experiential holidays,' the report said.
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Planning a solo trip? 9 safety rules you should know for a stress-free journey
Solo travel is slowly breaking the mainstream image of travel being something you do only with company, be it family, friends, or a partner. But turns out, travel also includes your own company. Solo trips are liberating and adventurous, but they may also require your presence of mind to be safe. As empowering as solo travel is, it can be equally nerve-wracking because the reality is that you are responsible for your own well-being, making safety decisions a top priority. Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, CEO and Co-Founder of Zo World, shared with HT Lifestyle, 9 tips on how you can stay safe on your solo trips: Indian spots like these serve as excellent starting points: A post shared by Muthu Kumaran (@ssmk_photography) For international options, go for these places because of high safety standards and easy navigation, perfect for first-time solo female travellers: Choosing the right season ensures not only better travel conditions but also improved safety and availability of services. A post shared by 𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀 𝐍𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐎 (@dallanostramano_) A post shared by Stefanos | Greece (@stef_greece) A post shared by Conor Silk Captures 🎞️ (@cjsphotographics)
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Trip finally out of group chat? 6 smart hacks and 4 mistakes every Gen Z planning gateway with friends should know
Is the ZNMD/YJHD trip you and your friends have been romanticising finally out of the group chat? After months of back-and-forth planning over the destination, endless rants about convincing parents, and the classic 'who's in, who's out' drama, it's finally time to turn those late-night chats into real memories. Now that the wheels are in motion, it's time to be a smart Gen Z and make sure the trip is not just fun, but also affordable and fuss-free. ALSO READ: Always overpacking your travel itinerary? Here's how to plan according to your family size Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, CEO and Co-Founder of Zo World and Zo Trips, shared a detailed guide with us that covers everything, from smart travel hacks to mistakes you absolutely cannot afford to make on your trip. Here's the guide:
