Budget accommodation specialist HostelBookers has witnessed a 514% growth in revenue from travel agency sales in the last five months.

Published: 13 May 2008

Budget accommodation specialist HostelBookers has witnessed a 514% growth in revenue from travel agency sales in the last five months.

The company shared that post the introduction of dedicated trade link in April www.hostelbookers.com/content/workwithus/, more agents and operators than ever before are using HostelBookers to book client accommodation including top groups specialist Top Deck Travel. It added that apart from general trade growth, "the ability of HostelBookers to find the right property, at the right price, within 24 hours of receiving a group booking request has fuelled the phenomenal growth."

Agents have dedicated access to HostelBookers' 10,000 worldwide hostels and budget accommodation.

David Smith, General Manager of HostelBookers said market conditions in general also boosted business.

"Whilst the credit crunch hasn't stopped people from travelling completely, they are more conscious of the money they are spending and our hostels and budget accommodation offer great value for money, without sacrificing comfort," he said.

He added that agents are waking up to the fact that there are good commissions to be made from the budget accommodation sector. "This will become increasingly important as pressures on the UK consumer's disposable income become ever tighter," said Smith.

According to the company, the budget segment is already worth over £1 billion in the UK alone and predictions are that this will continue to grow. The company is investing heavily in its website to ensure that both agents and consumers alike will find it easier to use the site and find the relevant accommodation and supporting information. The new look website is due to be launched this summer.