HI is a non-profit membership organisation, with a proud history and a relevant philosophy. We work with a number of partners around the world to develop hostelling and promote peace and international understanding. To find out more, select a topic:
Our Mission
To
promote the education of all young people of all nations, but especially young
people of limited means, by encouraging in them a greater knowledge, love and
care of the countryside and an appreciationof the cultural values of towns and cities in all parts of the world, and as ancillary thereto, to provide hostels or other accommodation in which
there shall be no distinctions of race, nationality, colour, religion, sex, class or political opinions and thereby to develop a better understanding
of their fellow men, both at home and abroad.
This is our mission, as stated in Article 2 of the Constitution of the International Youth Hostel Federation. How Hostelling began with Richard Schirrmann Originally created to help young people of limited
means to experience the countryside and cities of the world, hostels are now at the heart of international
tourism for a wide age group. Hostellers contribute up to US$1.4 billion to tourist revenues world-wide every year.
Since 1909, when hostelling was born out of the excursions of German schoolteacher Richard Schirrmann and his pupils, it has become one of the world's biggest international membership
organizations for youth, with over 3 million members and a philosophy that has never been more relevant.
Hostelling's Global Growth
Hostelling International currently provides 35 million overnight stays a year through more than 4,000 hostels in over 80 countries. Advance online reservations are a cinch on this site.
Today's hosteller is just as likely to be in his thirties and bring his family by car, as to arrive alone on foot with a backpack, or be part of a school group. Nor is hostelling an end in itself. All ages use hostels as their
gateway to cultural exploration and the appreciation of nature. The economic, social and political environment surrounding hostelling
has changed dramatically during the last century. The hostel movement has expanded from its European core to embrace the world and fulfil the
expectations of today's young people who have more money, more free time and greater mobility than ever before.
Hostelling and Young People
The hostel network enables young people of differing nationalities, cultures and social background to meet informally, share experiences, learn about themselves, each other and their surroundings. Hostels
foster a remarkable international awareness about current issues. Hostelling also has a fundamental, but unofficial, role in the development of young people as future employees in a global market.
The hostel environment encourages social awareness and the importance of living in a community, plus it develops the kind of selfdiscipline skills that result from experiencing different situations, having
to make individual decisions and learning from them.
The young have become the spearhead of environmental concerns on this planet and they expect us to join them. Through the continuing vigour of the youth hostel movement, we are living up to their
expectations. And we will continue to do so as new generations are born, and as today's youth become the hostelling families of tomorrow.
Hostel Developments
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.