Hello There,
I am newbie to this business and would like to hear any kind of opinion, mainly I would like to hear critics. Pros and cons.
I have this idea opening hostel in my country, area is actually resort, but the problem is (or is it?) that it is located in the hills, only way to get there is by car (or bus) there is limited access to the water and internet but nothing that can't be solved. No settlements nearby, so you must check out whenever car/bus has scheduled to leave.
On the good side, this is primary tourist destination, with great view, hiking, etc activities and destinations, forests, campfire possibilities, but place is well known for it's... FRESH AIR, as far as it is well-known that air from this place can cure and help with tons of lung problems.
What are your opinions? Can this somewhat exotic place be profitable?
13 years
How far from the nearest town or train/bus station are you? If it's a reasonable distance, you could always run a pick up and drop off service. In my experience, the average poor backpacker doesn't have money to rent a car just to add one destination to their list. Hitch hiking is also another option, but it's not everybody's cup of tea.
Where are you planning to open this by the way?
13 years
Hello AlexKidd,
Well, there is regular Bus/Microbus scheduled to the area, but the problem is, that from nearest town, it's about 2 hour trip. That's not really a problem, I am more worried about the issue that resort is not well developed, there is no bars/pubs or such attractions, just a small local farmers market, small general shop and that's that. only hiking and related activities.
This is where I am from, Georgia (East Europe) Hostel business is currently booming here (But so far in large cities only)
13 years
Does the area have any unique selling points that make it stand out from other hostel locations in Georgia? It sounds like the air quality and it's therapeutic qualities could be one.
Looking at your prospective client base however, how many hostelers suffer from lung problems? Probably not many given the age profile etc. It might be a better option to setup a spa or wellness centre instead?
13 years
Does the area have any unique selling points that make it stand out from other hostel locations in Georgia? It sounds like the air quality and it's therapeutic qualities could be one.
Looking at your prospective client base however, how many hostelers suffer from lung problems? Probably not many given the age profile etc. It might be a better option to setup a spa or wellness centre instead?
You are right, not many target clients suffer from related problems, fresh air on other way might be good competitive advantage, there are a few cars and resort closes down in Winter, because of high snow, there is forests almost everywhere and so: very little pollution. Air is as fresh as it can get.
But, I was more looking in direction of hiking anyways, I have spent lots of time there as a child and know place very well. But then again, place can get really boring once you have visited every possible point.
I guess I should rotate visitors once 7 days
13 years
Year-round hiking is a good idea (the Swiss use this to good effect in summertime where they offer you a lift up so you can hike down the mountain).
Is there another attraction that differs from your own, with which you could partner? Rafting for instance? A friend recently started working in Tbilisi and has spoken at length on the unspoiled countryside, air-quality and bears! Shorter rotations would also keep it fresh.
Good luck.
13 years
Year-round hiking is a good idea (the Swiss use this to good effect in summertime where they offer you a lift up so you can hike down the mountain).
Is there another attraction that differs from your own, with which you could partner? Rafting for instance? A friend recently started working in Tbilisi and has spoken at length on the unspoiled countryside, air-quality and bears! Shorter rotations would also keep it fresh.
Good luck.
Thanks, Good luck to you too.
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