Study of the influencing online factors on decision-making for travellers in choosing hostels in Bangkok

The Influencing online factors on decision-making for travelers in choosing hostels in Bangkok has been conducted because the nowadays, there are more budget accommodation choices for teenagers to stay. Hostels become the popular option since it requires lower budget with accepted services. It seems that hostel owners who have just passion and warm welcome to those travelers can generate revenue easily from opening hostels. However, in the competitive environment, only hostels that hit the certain number of travelers can survive. Therefore, the research objectives are to understand what kind of information flowing on the internet has the greatest impact on the decision making in order to book a hostel and to exam the most influential source of information on the internet. The ultimate goal will benefit the owners of the hostel who know the right online channel and message that can directly convey to travelers. Consequently, it will increase the higher percentage in booking from the travelers which represents increasing in sales. The research is conducted by desk research, in-depth interview and both online and offline questionnaire who are staying or have been staying in hostels in Bangkok. Key findings show that most of people who stay in hostels are at the age of 22 to 25. Majority also tends to be convinced by reviews and facility explanation in online websites if they are making a decision to book a particular hostel to stay.