About Michelle
Hostels today are priced close to hotels. The only reason someone still chooses a hostel is the social experience.
Most owners know they need it, but between running the day-to-day, it never gets built properly. That's where The Welcome Effect comes in.
How do I know exactly what makes a guest book three nights and stay for ten, then leave a great review? After years working in education, followed by hospitality and tourism, I realized my love for travel, teaching, and hospitality weren't separate passions, they make a real difference when combined. I followed that passion, working nearly every staffing role a hostel has across Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America — from some of the most famous, well-performing hostel chains to underperforming ones. Along the way, I learned what works and what doesn't. Now I build profitable social structures (staff, spaces, and systems) that create welcoming, memorable hostel stays, measurable in bookings and reviews.
Staff hospitality training, space design, booking site upgrades, volunteer programs, activity partnerships. All of it. Leaving hostels with better brand recognition, better reviews, higher ratings, and more return guests. Making your hostel more than just a bed.