December 22, 2024

• 

[THE INVESTOR] Yanolja, an accommodation booking app operator, said on Dec. 14 that it has inked a partnership with Ireland-based Hostel World as part of its efforts to enter more overseas markets.

Hostel World is one of the largest operators in Europe, running 36,000 hostels and guesthouses in 170 nations. The latest partnership is aimed at offering affordable accommodations in the region for Yanolja subscribers, and increasing the firm’s global presence, according to the Korean startup.

Yanolja CEO Lee Soo-jin

Related:
Yanolja teams up with Terra to adopt blockchain solutions
Yanolja to acquire Singapore-based startup Zenrooms

Yanolja, whose valuation now reaches nearly 1 trillion won (US$885 million), teamed up with Rakuten Lifeful Stay, a Japanese vacation rental services provider, in March to provide travel packages and accommodation booking services in Korea and Japan. It invested US$15 million to acquire Singapore-based budget hotel booking platform Zen Rooms in July.

“We will continue trying to launch our R.E.S.T platform in global markets, while expanding partnerships with diverse companies to provide affordable and quality accommodations and leisure services,” said Yanolja Vice President Kim Jong-yoon,.

Earlier this year, the company announced its scheme to build the R.E.S.T platform for global users, with a focus on four factors: “refresh,” “entertain,” “stay” and “travel.”

Kim added that the company would also keep investing to introduce differentiated accommodation services by deploying digital concierge and keyless door lock systems.

The 13-year-old company plans to roll out a mobile app for booking accommodations overseas next year, through which users can make reservations in Japan and Southeast Asia.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)