Ukraine launches nature lodge booking platform

Ukraine has launched its first domestic platform for booking nature lodges, hutshub, the project's press service told Interfax-Ukraine.

Positioning itself as a local competitor to Airbnb and Booking.com, hutshub focuses exclusively on nature retreats. The idea for the project emerged during the full-scale invasion, which fueled domestic tourism and a trend toward countryside getaways.

"More and more people began seeing nature lodges as an attractive investment. We were no exception – we were considering buying land in Slavske. But during the process, we realized the difficulties Ukrainian property owners face on international platforms. Since the start of the full-scale war, registering a new property has not been easy. That's how hutshub was born. We wanted to invest in a nature lodge but ended up investing in an ecosystem that simplifies, secures, and makes the booking process transparent," said co-founder and CEO Maksym Karkach.

During testing, more than 100 lodges from across Ukraine joined hutshub, including Dereva, Sirka Space, Na Brusnytsi, Vdoma, Nadsluchanska Switzerland, Mandra Morion, and Kharakter Park.

"Our goal was to create a platform tailored for locals – without complicated algorithms or long customer service waits. A platform that speaks the same language as Ukrainian users, understands their context and needs. That's why we are focusing on crucial details, from a 'military discount' filter to building a community of property owners," said COO Volodymyr Sendeha.

The platform currently offers travelers integrated payment options, convenient search filters, and a chat function for direct communication with hosts. Security is also a priority, with mandatory property pre-verification, a two-way rating system, and the ability to leave reviews.

For property owners, hutshub provides calendar synchronization, flexible booking duration and pricing rules, as well as promotional services. The commission for completed bookings is the lowest on the market – 10%, with the first five bookings free.

According to company estimates, Ukraine has around 1,500 lodges fitting hutshub's criteria, with an annual growth rate of 10-15%. Future plans include consolidating the market, expanding the community, launching a partner ecosystem, and supporting local development initiatives in areas where the lodges are located.