Travelling has become increasingly expensive, making it difficult for many people to afford to book a hotel even in their home country. At the same time, the hotel industry is facing labour shortages. Interestingly, both these problems can be solved simultaneously, thanks to the Japanese start-up Otetsutabi.

The term 'Otetsutabi' is a combination of the words 'help' and 'travel'. This startup helps connect travellers who are in search of accommodation with hotels that are in need of employees. Travellers can enjoy a discount on hotel prices or even a free night's stay by agreeing to work for the hotel.

The jobs offered are customised to the hotel's current requirements - so one may have to clean rooms, make beds, or work in the kitchen. Otetsutabi aims not only to facilitate hotel bookings but also to showcase lesser-known parts of Japan.

The Otetsutabi project aims at Japanese people and speakers and offers free accommodation to those interested. To access the directory of participating hotels and guesthouses, one must visit the startup's website. The website is available in Japanese and requires interested parties to have permission to work in Japan.

On the website, visitors can choose the area they wish to visit and the type of work they are interested in. With hundreds of smaller and larger hotels and guesthouses, plenty of options are available.

"We want to create a future where a person can play multiple roles and support local communities," Rina Nagaoka, CEO of Otetsutabi, explained the idea behind the project in an interview with the Japan News.

The proposed solution by Otetsutabi might initiate a change in the global hotel industry. Many small hotels could benefit from the support of tourists who would boost the local economy by visiting.

Source: Euronews