Zostel, Asia’s largest chain of backpackers’ hostels, announced the launch of their new sub-brand Zostel X – aimed to bring handpicked offbeat alternate accommodations under one umbrella for the evolving travellers in India. The new offering will cater to the growing class of new-age travellers seeking a more immersive and authentic travel experience by offering local homes, farm stays, chalets and other such alternate accommodations options.
To begin with, the company is foraying into the alternate accommodation segment with four beautifully located, offbeat homes in different valleys of Himachal Pradesh at Laida, Dabbi/Kothgarh, Cheog and Rumsu.
ZostelX is aimed at extending the company’s tried and tested Zostel – local entrepreneur collaboration model for backpacker hostels into the alternate accommodation space. Through ZostelX, the company plans to handpick and brand alternate accommodation properties in lesser known locations.
Zostel will also be responsible for training and handholding the local micro-entrepreneurs while helping them reach out to modern, responsible travellers. This is an extension of Zostel’s hospitality offering to the young, adventurous travellers looking for a secluded yet immersive getaway with their families or friends away from the mainstream tourism hotspots.
“This is going to be a pilot project at the moment. We are targeting a whole new category of responsible travellers that includes families as well. The locations have been carefully chosen by the team in a manner that they are secluded yet accessible, said Akhil Malik, CEO & Co-founder of Zostel.
“We wanted to build a new range of offering to attract the audience who are not into backpacking. A hostel setup works very well for a typical 18-30 year old solo traveller or even for smaller groups of friends. However, being a youth hostel, we had to leave out families and bigger groups to maintain that youthful vibe at our hostels,” he added.
