PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1707228
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1707228
A youth hostel is a cost-effective lodging option aimed at young travelers, usually featuring shared dormitory-style rooms and communal facilities. Its main purpose is to offer affordable accommodation while promoting social interaction and cultural exchange among guests. Youth hostels frequently provide amenities such as common areas, kitchens, and organized activities to enrich the travel experience.
Youth hostels primarily offer multiple rooms, double rooms, and single rooms. A multiple room is a shared accommodation space designed to accommodate several people simultaneously, making it ideal for group travel and budget-friendly stays. Youth hostels serve men, women, and children, and are suited for both solo trips and group travel.
The youth hostel market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides youth hostel market statistics, including youth hostel industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a youth hostel market share, detailed youth hostel market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the youth hostel industry. This youth hostel market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The youth hostel market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.26 billion in 2024 to $4.61 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the increasing popularity of budget travel, growth in solo travel, increasing use of online booking platforms, increasing use of travel influencers and social media, and the expansion and branding efforts of major hostel chains.
The youth hostel market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.29 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing environmental consciousness, increasing demand for green hostels and eco-friendly practices, ongoing emphasis on hygiene and safety protocols post-pandemic, greater emphasis on cultural immersion and community-based tourism, and the stabilization and growth of global economies boosting travel budgets. Major trends in the forecast period include the adoption of smart technologies such as keyless entry, customizable travel packages, and personalized services, the incorporation of dedicated workspaces, high-speed internet to cater to digital nomads, the design and development of vibrant communal spaces, and leveraging social media platforms for marketing and customer engagement.
The increasing popularity of experiential tourism is expected to drive the growth of the youth hostel market moving forward. Experiential tourism emphasizes providing travelers with immersive, hands-on experiences that engage them in local culture, activities, and environments. This trend is fueled by a growing demand for authentic and personalized travel experiences, a desire for deeper cultural immersion, and the impact of social media in highlighting unique and engaging activities. Experiential tourism leverages youth hostels to offer immersive, budget-friendly lodging that enhances local cultural and adventure experiences for travelers. For example, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported in May 2023 that, in the first quarter of 2023, international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels, with 235 million tourists traveling, more than double the number from the same period in 2022. Consequently, the rise in experiential tourism is fueling the growth of the youth hostel market.
Major players in the youth hostel market are forming strategic partnerships to develop innovative youth hostels. These partnerships enable youth hostel companies to combine resources and expertise, enhance service offerings, broaden guest demographics, and improve operational efficiency, which drives innovation and growth in the market. For example, in October 2024, Bounce, a US-based luggage storage company, teamed up with REAJ, a Spain-based international hostel organization. This collaboration aims to offer Youth Hostel Card holders a 10% discount on Bounce luggage storage bookings worldwide, providing added convenience for travelers. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the services provided by both Bounce and REAJ Hostelling International Spain to their members.
In May 2022, Room007, a hotel chain based in Spain, acquired Bluesock Hostels for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition allows Room007 to expand its hostel business by integrating Bluesock Hostels' properties, aiming to reach a target of 300 rooms and 4,000 beds by the end of 2023. Bluesock Hostels, also based in Spain, operates a range of hostels, including youth hostels.
Major companies operating in the youth hostel market are Arp-Hansen Hotel Group, Hostelworld Group plc, MEININGER Hotels Ltd., Safestay Hostels & Hotels, Urbany Hostels, Generator Hostels LTD., Hostel One, Wombat's City Hostel, Hostelling International, St Christopher's Inns Limited, Freehand Hotel Solutions Ltd, Urban Garden Hostel, The People, Green Tortoise Hostel, K's House Kyoto, Itaca Hostel, City Backpackers Ltd, Eastseven GmbH, Alter Hostel, The London Backpackers Ltd
Europe was the largest region in the youth hostel market in 2024. The regions covered in the youth hostel market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the youth hostel market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The youth hostel market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as laundry services, accommodation, event hosting, guided tours, and tour and activity services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Youth Hostel Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on youth hostel market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for youth hostel ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The youth hostel market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.