In a unique collaboration blending chess mastery with wanderlust, India’s first Chess Grandmaster and former World No. 1, Viswanathan Anand, has been appointed the official brand ambassador of The Hostel Co., India’s largest backpacker hostel booking platform.

The partnership aims to encourage young Indians to travel, explore, and experience the diverse geography and culture of the country, while highlighting the growing backpacker hostel ecosystem, which has expanded significantly over the past four years but remains largely unstructured and safety-verified.

Palash Goel, Founder & CEO of The Hostel Co., said, “Vishy Sir may not be our core consumer persona, but he represents the modern Indian millennial—focused, talented, and yet unafraid to step out, have fun, and explore. Through this partnership, we aim to bring trust and awareness to India’s backpacker hostels, a space traditionally dominated by international players.”Viswanathan Anand added, “Travel has broadened my perspective, on and off the chessboard. I am thrilled to partner with The Hostel Co., a brand committed to making travel across India safe, affordable, and full of experiences.”

With over 200 verified backpacker hostels across popular destinations such as Goa, Rishikesh, Pondicherry, Manali, Kasol, and Varkala, The Hostel Co. provides ultra-low prices starting at Rs. 250, curated experiential stays, and community-driven travel opportunities. The company plans to formalize and position the backpacker hostel category as a legitimate pillar of Indian tourism.

This marks the first brand partnership of such scale in India’s backpacker hostel sector, signaling a new era for young Indian travelers looking for adventure, community, and affordability.