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Hostelling International is the brand name of more than 90
Youth Hostel Associations in over 80 countries, operating
4,000+ hostels. No other hostel operator can match us for
sheer
quality
or variety of accommodation! Unlike bland motels,
impersonal hotels or dodgy backpackers, HI Youth Hostels
are fun, lively meeting places, full of like-minded people
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Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the
minds of men that the defences of peace must be
constructed."
UNESCO's main objective is to contribute to peace
and security in the world, by promoting
collaboration among nations through education,
science, culture and communication. Hostelling
International works with UNESCO to realise these
aims through our
Youth
Hostelling for Peace and International Understanding
campaign.
To find out more, visit:
www.unesco.org
La
Sección de Juventud de la UNESCO, la cual
se encarga de coordinar las actividades dirigidas
a los jóvenes, reconoce el papel vital que juega
la gente joven en la realización de los objetivos
del mencionado organismo. Uno de sus actos más
importantes es el Foro bianual de la
Juventud: el Foro de la Juventud de 2003 se
celebró del 26 al 28 de septiembre de 2003 en la
sede de la UNESCO en París, Francia. El foro
constituye una plataforma única desde la que
pueden hacerse oír las voces de los jóvenes de
todo el mundo, y es parte integral de la
Conferencia General de la organización.
El
tema del foro de 2003: "UNESCO y la Juventud: un
compromiso mutuo", refleja el deseo de la UNESCO
de desarrollar programas para la juventud y forjar
acuerdos colaborativos para apoyar activamente las
iniciativas emprendidas por los jóvenes mismos.
Delegados de 104 países miembros debatieron temas
de importancia crítica para la juventud:
Léete el
informe del Foro de la Juventud de 2003 e
infórmate sobre la Sección de Juventud de la
UNESCO
aquí.
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Quality standards you can count on
Assured Standards
Hostelling International’s Assured Standards Scheme
means you can rely on a consistent level of services
and facilities wherever you stay.
The requirements of the Assured Standards Scheme are
checked through regular visits to hostels by the HI
Standards team. Hostels are not given advance
warning of a visit – so our inspectors have exactly
the same experience as you! In addition, we conduct
regular “mystery shopper” programmes with budget
travellers – these programmes check that quality and
customer service standards are met.
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Welcome
– hostels are open to all. You can join if you are
not already a member, and you can make advance
reservations. Plus you will have access to
essential facilities if the hostel closes for a
period during the day.
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Comfort
- a good night’s sleep (including the hire of
freshly-laundered linen if it is not included in
the overnight charge), and sufficient
washing/shower facilities. Meals are generally
available, along with self-catering facilities and
a food store close by.
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Cleanliness
- the highest standards of hygiene wherever you
travel.
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Security
– for you and your possessions, including lockers
for luggage and valuables.
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Privacy
- in showers, washing areas and toilets. Most
hostels provide single sex dormitories – although
if requested, a mixed sex dormitory may be offered
to people travelling together.
Standards are monitored by Hostelling International
and by you, the user. Use the
Comment
Card
to tell us what you think
Supporting the United Nation's "Decade for a Culture
of Peace" Hostelling International is active
throughout its Youth Hostels to educate people and
promote peace concepts.
In HI Youth Hostels around the world, you are able
to encounter people of different cultures,
backgrounds, and experiences. HI Youth Hostels are a
rich resource for learning and for building a
better, more peaceful world. Hostelling
International provides specific opportunities for
young people to learn and work on new initiatives at
Youth Hostels around the world. Interested? Contact
peace@iyhf.org.
Our Youth Hostelling for Peace and International
Understanding campaign embraces Hostelling
International's
Environmental Charter:
this promotes and educates a more careful use of the
world's limited natural resources.
Subscribe to
Hosteller
Newsletter
for regular updates on this and other HI campaigns.
History & Philosophy
Select a topic below to learn where Hostelling
International started – and where we are going.
Hostelling International fosters the growth and
effectiveness of Youth Hostel Associations
world-wide. Our mandate is to expand the network to
new areas, establishing the same practices and high
standards everywhere, and stimulate the hostelling
ethic by international promotion and co-operative
activities.
All revenue generated by our activities is
reinvested, and in this way, the most profitable
hostels help maintain those in more remote locations
which might not otherwise be financially viable.
Operating surpluses are also used to promote
physical and intellectual activities and improve
general environmental awareness among hostel users.
Through these endeavours, Hostelling International
continues to open up the world to youth and ensure a
service that is consistently matched to contemporary
needs.
The name Hostelling International and our blue
triangle sign are synonymous with quality budget
accommodation around the world. We have implemented
a quality assurance programme under which only
hostels that meet agreed international standards may
display the sign and appear in the International
Guide.
New hostel developments, as well as renovations to
existing hostels, feature updated designs –
including: smaller dormitories and family rooms with
en suite facilities, open reception areas to provide
more welcoming atmosphere, and attractive common
areas for meetings, dining and relaxation.
German castle, Manhattan brownstone or log cabin in
Ontario… youth hostels come in all shapes and sizes,
reflecting the special character of the host
country. They may be new buildings or converted
buildings. They may have 20 beds or 600.They are a
home away from home, at a lakeside or by the
seashore, in the mountains or a city centre.
Wherever they are, whatever their form, youth
hostels are at the heart of tourism today.
The Future of Hostelling International
Hostelling International works with governments and
voluntary agencies everywhere to open up world-wide
travel. Together, we encourage education in its
broadest sense and enable everyone to experience new
cultures in the most fulfilling way.
Commercial organizations also play a part, and reap
the benefits of our ideals. By becoming corporate
partners and supporting our work, they help us to
develop our blueprint for continued success without
compromising our fundamental principles or losing
sight of our objectives.
In the modern world, demands on young people
increase daily. The pursuit of the IYHF’s objectives
has never been more important or relevant, nor has
there been a better time to ensure they continue to
be met. With its unique structure and philosophy,
and the support of corporate partners, government
and young people themselves, the IYHF is ideally
placed to do so, and keep the world open to youth.
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