The Hosteller Partners with redBus to Simplify Travel for Backpackers

The Hosteller Partners with redBus to Simplify Travel for Backpackers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 8, 2025

The Hosteller, India’s largest backpacker hostel chain, has partnered with redBus, the world’s leading online bus ticketing platform, to redefine travel convenience for backpackers. Through this integration, travellers can now book their bus tickets directly via The Hosteller’s website and Glu App, streamlining the process of planning and booking trips.

This collaboration is designed to create a holistic travel experience by eliminating the need for multiple booking platforms. Guests can now arrange their stays at The Hosteller and secure transportation across India with ease, gaining access to thousands of bus routes nationwide. From digital nomads to solo adventurers and family vacationers, this feature simplifies travel planning, making journeys more efficient and cost-effective.

Through The Hosteller’s Glu App, tech-savvy travellers can check bus schedules, book tickets, and track their buses in real time. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a multi-city adventure, users can now manage their entire itinerary from a single platform. Additionally, budget-friendly options and exclusive promotions make this integration even more appealing, offering access to various transport choices, from luxury buses to sleeper coaches. For those embracing the workation trend, this seamless connectivity between cities makes The Hosteller an even more attractive option for remote workers.

A major highlight of this partnership is dual customer support, ensuring quick assistance for travellers dealing with last-minute plan changes, cancellations, or delays. With both brands working together, customers can expect enhanced service and faster resolutions.

Speaking about the partnership, Pranav Dangi, Founder and CEO of The Hosteller, said, “Our partnership with redBus strengthens the travel ecosystem we offer our guests and lays the foundation for even more seamless services in the future. Integrating redBus on our website and web app ensures that every traveller staying at The Hosteller has everything they need under one roof, eliminating the hassle of booking travel separately.”

Manoj Agarwala, CBO of redBus, added, “As the leading online bus ticketing platform, our mission is to make travel planning seamless and accessible. Young travellers are a key demographic for us, and this partnership caters to them, as hostels are widely used by younger people. Additionally, many of The Hosteller’s properties are in offbeat destinations where buses are the primary mode of transport. By working together, we are offering a ‘one-stop solution’ for all booking needs.”

About The Hosteller:
Established in 2014, The Hosteller is India’s largest backpacker hostel chain, headquartered in Mumbai. With a presence in 60+ destinations across North, South, and West India, it provides vibrant, community-driven stays designed for travellers seeking adventure and connections. Under the leadership of Pranav Dangi, The Hosteller has grown into a technology-driven brand that prioritizes seamless and engaging travel experiences.


Radisson Hotels and THSC Empower 308 Underprivileged Youth with Hospitality Careers

Radisson Hotels and THSC Empower 308 Underprivileged Youth with Hospitality Careers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2025

A powerful collaboration between Radisson Hotel Group, Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), and strategic partner The Job Plus, has helped launch careers in the hospitality industry for 308 underprivileged youth across India. Through focused training programs and industry partnerships, this initiative is changing lives—one placement at a time.

A standout success of the project is from Jammu & Kashmir, where 70 youth were trained by Arc Hospitality and Swale IT & Skills, and later placed in well-known hotel groups like Radisson, Park Inn, and The Svelte. Of these, 20 young individuals were awarded offer letters during a special ceremony held at Radisson Hotel, Srinagar, in the presence of Mr. K. B. Kachru, Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, and Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC.

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This event wasn’t just a celebration of job placements, it was a showcase of how collaboration between corporates, training partners, and skill councils can create real impact. Organizations like the Hotel Association of India (HAI) also play an important role by supporting industry-focused skilling efforts alongside THSC.

The broader placement drive has opened doors at renowned hospitality names including Hilton, Conrad, The Oberoi, Lemon Tree, Holiday Inn, Sarovar Ahuja Residency, Amritara, Park Plaza, and Svelte. A notable aspect of the initiative is its strong commitment to gender inclusion, with 155 female (51%) and 153 male (49%) candidates placed across the country.

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This program stands as a real example of CSR-driven skilling leading to meaningful employment. It offers young individuals, especially from underserved regions like Jammu & Kashmir, the opportunity to join India’s growing hospitality sector with pride and purpose.

By combining the strengths of corporate support, strategic execution, and quality training, this model proves that large-scale, high-impact employment initiatives are possible. It sets a promising path for similar programs to take shape across more parts of the country.


Alibaug Evolves into Premium Concept Realty Hub, Reveals SKYE Hospitality Report

Alibaug Evolves into Premium Concept Realty Hub, Reveals SKYE Hospitality Report

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 19, 2025

Once seen as a quaint weekend escape, Alibaug is now transforming into a premier real estate destination, according to a recent report by SKYE Hospitality. Nestled on the outskirts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the coastal town’s charm and serenity are now being matched by a rising wave of experiential real estate developments, including gated villa communities, branded plots, and vacation homes.

The report outlines a sharp upward trend in property prices, noting that branded plots by top developers have reached an average of ₹6,700 per sq. ft. in 2025, compared to ₹3,300 per sq. ft. in 2021 — a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3%. Non-branded land options are still available at lower rates ranging between ₹1,300 and ₹2,000 per sq. ft.

The luxury villa segment has experienced even steeper appreciation, growing at a CAGR of 27% between 2021 and 2025. Average villa prices have surged to ₹14,800 per sq. ft., reflecting growing demand for curated, high-end living. Leading developers including House of Abhinandan Lodha, Mahindra Lifespaces, Avas Wellness, Emaar, Equinox, and Axon Developers have either entered the Alibaug market or are preparing to launch projects soon.

“Alibaug is no more a quaint neighbourhood situated in the peripheries of the MMR. It is now in the midst of a property bull run,” said Mr. Ankit Kansal, MD, SKYE Hospitality. “With work-from-anywhere becoming the norm, Alibaug is an ideal destination for curated, premium living — from sea-facing bungalows to serviced villas and farmstays.”

The report also notes that Alibaug is now seeing demand for primary residences, with many residents from Mumbai, Pune, and surrounding regions considering a permanent move. Enhanced connectivity, including the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and fast ferry services to Mandwa, has made Alibaug a practical alternative to urban neighbourhoods.

“The emergence of curated, high-quality residential formats further signals a maturing market,” added Ms. Taran Chhabra, Director, SKYE Hospitality. “This is no longer just about second homes — it’s about daily living in a refined and nature-rich environment.”

With price appreciation expected to accelerate up to 35% annually, Alibaug is well on its way to becoming one of India’s most aspirational property destinations.


ELIVAAS Partners with Akasa Air to Offer Seamless Pet-Friendly Travel Across India

ELIVAAS Partners with Akasa Air to Offer Seamless Pet-Friendly Travel Across India

By Author

Published on July 18, 2025

ELIVAAS, India’s leading luxury vacation rental brand, has partnered with Akasa Air to redefine the travel experience with seamless, pet-friendly holidays. This strategic alliance, which includes its sister brand Alaya Stays, will allow Akasa Air customers to enjoy exclusive discounts on over 100 ELIVAAS-managed luxury villas and fully serviced apartments across the country, all pet-inclusive.

The partnership brings together two customer-centric brands aiming to simplify travel for today’s modern Indian families, especially those with pets. With Akasa Air’s growing pet-friendly service, Pets on Akasa, and ELIVAAS’ thoughtful accommodations, travellers now have a smooth, end-to-end journey for every member of the family and their paws included.

“Through this collaboration, we’re not just offering a place to stay, we’re creating a comprehensive travel ecosystem,” said Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO of ELIVAAS. “Akasa Air’s inclusive approach aligns beautifully with our philosophy. We want every guest, including their pets, to feel at home the moment their journey begins.”

The collaboration caters especially to India’s emerging DINKWAD (Double Income No Kids With A Dog) demographic, which is increasingly seeking premium, pet-inclusive getaways. The special offer is available to all Akasa Air customers via a unique coupon code and applies to bookings of two nights or more, across any of ELIVAAS or Alaya Stays’ destinations.

Whether it's a weekend escape or an extended retreat, ELIVAAS’ concierge team provides personalized service to ensure every detail, from pet amenities to family-friendly setups  is taken care of. This partnership offers flexibility, warmth, and convenience, helping travellers skip the stress of planning while still enjoying a curated experience.

As India’s appetite for luxury and pet-friendly travel grows, this partnership between ELIVAAS and Akasa Air sets a new benchmark. With a shared commitment to thoughtful hospitality, they’re reshaping how India travels, one paw at a time.

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