Jump in growth: A&O hostels invests 500 million euros!

Jump in growth: A&O hostels invests 500 million euros!

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - The A&O hostels recorded strong growth in 2024 and exceeded the record numbers of the previous year. As the founder and CEO Oliver Winter reports, the largest hostel chain in Europe recorded 6.2 million overnight stays, 2.8 million guests and sales of 232.4 million euros. Thanks to three new locations, which includes the recently opened location in Florence. The upcoming construction of a new hostel in Heidelberg, which begins in spring and is to be completed by the end of 2026, is particularly promising. This expansion goes hand in hand with an investment volume of over 500 million euros, which will flow into the modernization and conversion of former office and commercial properties, such as daily card.io reported.

sustainability and future vision

A&O is confident for the future: The chain plans another presence in major European cities such as London, Paris and Madrid. Winter emphasizes that the hostel chain is well positioned to benefit from the continued travel boom in Europe. The company has taken sustainable measures in recent years, and as early as 2025, A&O wants to be the first hostel chain in Europe that reaches Netto zero CO2 emissions. The CO2 footprint per overnight stay is currently only 3.73 kilograms, which remains significantly below that of competitors. The success of the company is also supported by digital solutions: Around 70% of the online direct bookers now use their own app for bookings, which increases the length of stay in particular among groups.

for A&O in 2024 not only one year of growth, but also a year of 25 years of existence. With over 1,000 employees from more than 50 nations, the company has made an important social contribution. The positive development shows that A&O is not only a popular travel offer, but also an attractive investment concept in the hotel industry. The coming months promise exciting opportunities for A&O, especially at Mipim in Cannes, where important negotiations are conducted.