The youth hostel market in France

According to INSEE, a youth hostel is an establishment run by a non-profit association. It provides users with accommodation and limited food service and/or self-catering, as well as other services, programs and activities. They are primarily intended for young people for educational and recreational purposes.

Hostels are usually preceded by the word "youth", reinforcing the intrinsic connotation of being designed for young people, backpackers or travelers. Notable features are shared space and affordability. However, as lifestyles and travel habits have changed considerably over time, hostels have adapted to a constantly evolving demand.

This low-cost form of accommodation, which dates back over a century and originated in Germany, has undergone significant renewal in France in recent years under the impetus of private players, who now favor the term "hostels". Until then, this model had mainly developed on a non-profit, associative basis. Today, these hostels have become trendy places offering a real "experience". They offer bars, restaurants, modern furniture - sometimes designed by renowned designers - DJ concerts and other entertainment. What's more, they feature more spacious and comfortable dormitories, with fewer beds, and even single rooms.

worldwide, the youth hostel market is expected to grow at a CAGR (average annual growth rate) of 7.6% between 2023 and 2030.

In Europe, hostels are now flourishing as alternatives to short-term rentals (e.g. Airbnb) or typical hotels, with many features such as private rooms, social events, extra facilities (e.g. swimming pool, lounge cafe, etc.), extravagant amenities.

In France, the historical players in the market are non-profit associations offering low-cost accommodation throughout the country. However, a growing number of private players have entered the market, creating new concepts to appeal to young travelers eager to meet new people and travel.