9 years
Hi Kris,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
It’s really interesting how you have changed your focus from backpackers to business travelers and embraced the customers who found you. Your signature line is even “Your business hostel in Metro Manila” to reflect the dominant market. Nicely done!
Do your business travelers interact with each other? Do you organize any kind of networking events for them to meet the other professionals staying in the hostel?
I’m really surprised to hear that the local market is carrying your business. The popular opinion in this forum is that locals tend to cause trouble in hostels. It’s really interesting that they have become your key demographic and kept you afloat. After two years, have you had any issues with locals, or has it been mostly a positive experience?
Knowing that locals are a key component of your business, are you organizing events to attract more people from the community? It might be possible to establish yourself as the cool place to go for events, and charge admission for your activities. I don’t know the mentality of the locals in your area, but just as a brainstorm:
Dinner parties
Performances (music, dance, art, etc.)
Theme parties (murder mystery, white nights, etc.)
Presentations (travelers, lecturers, authors, professors, etc.)
Do you also have a bar, restaurant, or any space that could be used for meetings? If you’re going to open a second location and still cater to the same clientele, these might help you to broaden your business.
Thanks again for sharing your experience!
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