Web Reservations International (WRI), a Dublin-based online travel company catering for backpackers and younger travellers today announced that it has acquired US based Hostels.com.
The deal will make WRI the largest international booking agent for hostel accommodation online.
As the name suggests, Hostels.com is one of the best known international websites dedicated to hostelling. Founded in 1994, the site lists over 6,000 hostels worldwide and attracts almost ten million page requests per month.
Terms of the deal are not being disclosed.
Commenting on the deal today, WRI co-founder Mr Tom Kennedy said "In a single deal we have doubled our property base from which we can grow revenues even faster than previously."
WRI will integrate its online reservations technology into the Hostels.com site and it is expected that the Hostels.com site will add bed sales in excess of 10 million in the current financial year.
The company's current flagship domain, www.hostelworld.com, will continue to operate as a separate site.