Have you been backpacking or planned a backpacking trip and noticed how hostel owners have both their own websites and listings on Online Travel Agencies(OTAs)?

Why do they offer two booking options?

Backpacker hostels accept bookings via OTAs or their own websites.

Platforms like Booking.com and Hostelworld charge high commissions per booking.

Still, many hostels depend on these OTAs to fill beds.

Based on the research, the best solution to increase direct bookings would be bookings through WhatsApp.

By integrating with the WhatsApp Business Platform, the app’s chatbot would act as a virtual concierge.

With over 2 billion monthly users, WhatsApp would give hostel owners a familiar, trusted channel to engage guests, answer questions, and secure direct bookings.

Additionally, Targeted Facebook & Instagram ads would drive guests straight into WhatsApp, avoiding unfamiliar booking sites.

This would improve guest convenience and help hostels increase direct bookings.

It would also enable pre and post-stay chats, fostering better guest relationships and repeat stays.

Plus, the app would function as a complete management tool for hostel owners.

Simple Onboarding flow with clear pricing options.

Setup has 2 main divisions, 1st- registering with Meta and 2nd- Setting up the Hostel for Chatbot to answer guest queries.

Clean Dashboard and Navigation drawer are easy on eyes and functional.

Bookings via chatbot is a breeze.

Manual option aids in situations where the owner might have to take on the chat to book the stay.

The Occupancy screen uses a familiar calendar layout, with a sticky “Grid View” button for detailed, per-bed reservations.

The Guests screen is split into three sections—In-house, Check-in, and Check-out—each displaying guest lists by room category.

The Bookings screen allows filtering by owner preferences, letting them easily view either new or cancelled bookings.

The Events screen prioritizes convenience with quick filters to view events by date. Tapping an event card reveals detailed information instantly.

⬆︎ Link to the detailed case study.

Thanks for reading! You can reach out to me for collaboration.