Hostelworld Group plc operates as a social travel platform and online travel agent (OTA) that specializes in budget accommodations, primarily hostels. The company connects travelers through social features such as chat rooms and event discovery, enhancing the travel experience by facilitating interactions among users. Hostelworld generates revenue through bookings made on its platform, which includes a growing suite of products like Social Passes that allow access to social features without a booking. The company serves a global customer base, partnering with hostels and accommodations across more than 180 countries.