Backpackerz BUZZ: Issue 60

Leave Your Mark: Hostelling Beyond the Beds

Hostelling International, for the most part, is all in its name. The world’s largest network of hostels includes more than 4,000 of them in over 80 countries. But the scope of this network extends well beyond its annual 35 million overnight stays. For the almost 100 years of HI’s history, various national hostel associations have been making impressive contributions to community projects in their countries. Community development, assistance for the less fortunate, ecological preservation and educational programs are just a few of the ways HI leaves its mark on the world.

The International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) got its start in 1909 by German schoolteacher Richard Schirrmann, who sought to develop a way for travellers of limited means to experience the cities and countryside of the world. These days, the IYHF operates out of London, England, under the brand name Hostelling International. Part of the not-for-profit organization’s mission is to use its position as a gathering point for the peoples and cultures of the world to promote peace initiatives. In 2003, the IYHF joined forces with the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and launched various initiatives within the UN’s Decade of Peace campaign.

Hostelling International Quick Facts

• Hostellers contribute up to $1.4 billion to tourism revenues worldwide every year.
• There are more than three million HI members around the world.
• HI’s Environmental Charter includes objectives focused on energy conservation, recycling, pollution, transport, nature, consumption and environmental education.
• Hostelling was introduced to Canada in 1933 when schoolteachers Mary Belle and Catherine Barclay opened the first hostel in Bragg Creek, Alberta.
• The first Canadian hostel was a 12 by 14-foot tent with apple box cupboards and a grass floor. The original overnight rate was only 25 cents.
• The International Youth Hostel Federation was officially founded on Oct. 20, 1932 in Amsterdam by representatives from associations in Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Poland, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Britain, Ireland, France and Belgium.
• In 1987, Mary Belle Barclay received the Order of Canada for her pioneering role in Canadian hostelling.
• The International Youth Hostel Federation head office is based in Welwyn Garden City outside London, England.
• Contrary to what many believe, hostels are not exclusive to youth. The vast majority of HI hostels around the world welcome guests of all ages. The exception, however, is in Bavaria, Germany, where priority is given to travellers under the age of 26, or groups and families with at least one member under 18.
• The membership card you purchase from your home association is valid in all HI hostels around the world and gets you discounted accommodation as well as local discounts – all with one card

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 13th, 2007 at 12:31 am and is filed under Hostelling International. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. Add to del.icio.us.