New study shows how backpacker hostel stays will change after coronavirus

A NEW study reveals the shift in travel expectations of young backpackers amidst COVID-19…including where and how they want to travel post-lockdown and how ‘hostels’ will have to adapt

This survey was set up by a hostel collective (11 hostel brands worldwide) and sent out to consumers across the world with the aim to gain insights about how backpackers feel about travelling post-lockdown and what social distancing measures they expect to be put in place in hostels.

At the end of the release, we have listed the changes that we, the hostel collective, are likely to implement in our own hostels to ensure we can open and operate a secure and safe business for both our guests and teams.

Key findings

6121 global respondents

  • 61% of respondents said they’d be willing to visit countries that have been particularly affected by the pandemic
  • 64% of respondents have already started planning their next trip
  • 63% of respondents said they will travel abroad rather than domestically
  • The Netherlands, UK, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Israel and Scotland are the amongst the most popular travel destinations
  • 24% of respondents said they will feel comfortable travelling in summer 2020. And 62% of respondents would be comfortable travelling this year (2020)
  • Only 3% said they won’t be travelling for a while
  • 63% of respondents think they will be travelling by plane
  • 36% of respondents said they will be travelling solo
  • Price, location and cleanliness are the most important factors to respondents when booking accommodation after lockdown
  • 81% of respondents said it’s important that social distancing measures are put in place in hostels, particularly limiting the number of people in a dorm room as well as the highest hygiene standards and cleaning protocols being adopted
  • 86% of respondents said it’s important that hand sanitizer is available and that hostel staff wear masks
  • Plus much more

View report here 

About the hostel collective

In light of Covid-19 and the challenges hostel operators face looking ahead, a significant group of worldwide hostel operators have come together to share ideas, resources and knowledge. The hostel collective has been set up and led by Murray Roberts, MD of St
Christopher’s Inns, and includes 11 well-known hostel brands including St Christopher’s Inns Hostels, Clink Hostels, Flying Pigs, Astor Hostels, Hans Brinker Hostels, Cats Hostels, Yellow Square Hostels, Pub Love Hostels, Copenhagen Downtown Hotel, Hostels Hub and Europe’s Famous Hostels.

Find out more about BETA Members St Christopher’s Inns here

About Helen Leigh