Hostelworld is the world’s leading Social Travel platform - a social network powered OTA built to help travellers find their people.

Our mission is simple: we connect like‑minded travellers so they can create unforgettable moments together. Most people go hostelling to meet others, and we’ve built a global ecosystem that makes those connections happen.

Since launching our social network in 2022, we’ve welcomed more than 2.6 million social members who aren’t just booking trips — they’re messaging, meeting up, sharing stories and becoming passionate advocates for our brand. This vibrant community generates rich, authentic content and powerful social proof that fuels our growth.

Our focus on helping travellers find people to hang out with has created a new category in travel. We’re not a traditional OTA: our mobile‑native social features create a sticky, high‑engagement experience, and the proprietary data generated by our community gives us a competitive advantage that is extremely hard to replicate. This “social flywheel” helps us understand traveller behaviour, personalise experiences and deliver a differentiated product that keeps users coming back.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Ireland, we are approximately 270 employees strong, with hostel partners in more than 180 countries. Alongside our focus on connection, we are committed to building a better world — from advancing sustainability in the hostelling sector to giving travellers the tools to make more informed and climate‑conscious choices.

At Hostelworld, we’re shaping the future of travel by putting people, community and shared experiences at the heart of everything we do.