How to open an eco-friendly hostel: the example of Eco Hostel Republik in Serbia

We interviewed Marko Ristovski, the manager of Eco Hostel Republik in Užice

Eco Hostel Republik is a brand new hostel in Uzice, a nice town in Western Serbia, renewed for its resistance during World War II. The hostel has a very original decor, since it's fully equipped with recycled objects, euro pallets furniture and original army items. Something different, sustainable & cool.

And most of all, remember that HostelsClub Membership Card owners have 10% discount at Eco Hostel Republik!!

We decided to make a "Google Hangouts" interview with Marko Ristovski, Eco Hostel Republik's manager. We asked him how his business was born and what he is experiencing.

1. Please tell us more about you as a hostel manager!
   
   My name is Marko Ristovski and I am one of two owners of the first Eco Hostel in Serbia. I run the business in the hostel. I graduated from College of Hospitality Industry in Belgrade and I worked in the best hotels in Belgrade; my main occupation was front office but I actually took care of all departments. I started to work on cruise ships in 2009 and until 2012 I was a Crew Welfare Coordinator. When my last contract finished in 2012 I started to make plans to open a hostel. I do lots of biking, hiking, skiing, camping and I am in love with nature. I work as a tourist guide and I am also a big fan of extreme sports.
   
   
2. When did you start the business and when did you open Eco Hostel Republik?
   
   Our hostel opened on August 26th 2013 but we started to renovate the building and create the furniture in July. I am the host of hostel Republik, as well as manager and tourist guide for our guests.
   
   
3. How did you come up with the idea of opening an Eco hostel? Were any special arrangements needed?
   
   I have always been working in tourism and I always had problems when I had to accommodate someone in my city. We have only one hotel in Užice, which is located in a very old communist building that has barely closed down, so I came up with an idea that we can open the first eco hostel in Serbia. So my friend, who realized it was a good idea, supported me and we started to work on finding a place where to open the hostel. We decided to adapt it to the theme of this region which is Užice Republic, the first are to be freed in WW2. Užice Republik became an independent territory only in 1941. We wanted to follow our region's example and become an energetic independent building which could be as green as possible!
   
   
4. Where are your guests from? What do they appreciate the most?
   
   So far in four months we had guests from 20 different countries all around world: Japan, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, China, Poland, Italy, Romania, UK, Holland, France, Israel, USA, Mexico, Canada and many more. They like our homey atmosphere and our knowledgeable and helpful staff who can provide generous and accurate information about Western Serbia.
   
   
5. What do you pay attention the most in your hostel?
   
   Cleanness, friendliness, cosiness.
   
   
6. How long does it take to open a hostel in Serbia, to have all the permissions etc?
   
   It depends on your knowledge of laws and regulations. Regarding all the permissions no more than a month.
   
   
   
   
7. What are the essential things you believe your guests should not pay?
   
   Coffee, tea, wireless, recreation areas, city tours, bed linen, key lockers, towels.
   
   
8. Why is Uzice so special?
   
   It is a very good starting point to explore Western Serbia. With so many tourist attractions to choose from, Užice and its region is one of the most exciting travel destinations in Serbia. There are numerous places of interest in the immediate vicinity of Užice, such as: Mokra Gora, Mećavnik, Zlatibor, Tara National Park, Guča, Kadinjača monument, Potpeć cave, Šargan (heritage railway), Terzića Avlija (an open-air folklore museum) and many others. The town itself offers a vast variety of sights: the Hydroelectric Power Plant (the first hydroelectric power plant built in Europe), the Old Railway Bridge, Stari Grad (a medieval fortress), the National Museum, the National Theatre, Jokanovića Kuća (one of the oldest houses in Užice), St Marko's Church, etc. Some of the most popular world festivals and other cultural events held in this region include: Kϋstendorf Film Festival, the Trumpet Festival in Guča, rafting on the Drina, the traditional diving off the Old Railway Bridge contest, In Wires festival (a festival of blues and rock music), to name just a few.
   
   Apart from the rich cultural life, this region is also appreciated for its impressive countryside and numerous lakes, where vistors can engage in various activities. Užice is also renowned for its biking tracks and hiking trails.
   
   Užice is just big enough to have an amazing night out and to escape in wild nature during the day. This city was headquarter of Užička Republika, first area to be freed in WW2. This city was once called Titovo Užice and has a strong heritage of Tito legacy. People from this area, known as Ere, are friendly, welcoming and have a reputation for being good and sincere hosts, always in the mood to chat and have a drink with their guests.
   
   
   
   
9. What is your favourite restaurant nearby and why?
   
   Žen Šen is an amazing Chinese restaurant with excellent Serbian traditional food.
   
   
10. What do you do to make your hostel more attractive and to be competitive to the others?
    
    We are going green as much as we can, also we are trying to offer our guests much more opportunities than just an overnight. We offer bike rentals, adventure tours, city tours and amazing parties.
    
    
11. What are the most difficult things you have to face every day?
    
    Paper work, everything else is a piece of cake ;)
    
    
12. What are the things you would like to improve?
    
    We need a van and more bikes. We also need energy saving lights and more solar panels.
    
    
13. What are your goals for next months of 2014?
    
    To gain more guests in low season period.
    
    
14. What are the 5 advices you can give to other hostel owners?
    
    Buy solar panels for boilers. The bathroom is the mirror of your hostel. Set up your rooms so guest can feel they are the first guest in that room. Be ready for the unexpected. Do not check in guests without ID.