YHA

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This article is about the Youth Hostels Association, for the IATA code YHA see Port Hope Simpson Airport.

YHA logo.

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YHA and Hostelling International (HI) hostels are found in over 60 countries around the world, with over 4,000 youth hostels.

YHA is an initialism or abbreviation for Youth Hostels Association, particularly that of YHA England & Wales, which is a registered charity. These are part of the Hostelling International (HI) network. They have long provided low-cost overnight accommodation, originally in scenic parts of the country, and on the assumption that all guests would cook for themselves.

The YHA/HI hostel network, now with the support of UNESCO, enables young people of differing nationalities, cultures and social background to meet informally, share experiences, learn about themselves, each other and their surroundings.

YHA is dedicated to playing an active role in environmental conservation and is leading the way in mainstream tourism with its commitment to best practice management. Eco-hostels have been developed where travellers can experience environmentally self-sustainable living.

YHA aims to provide an atmosphere that encourages interest in the surrounding cultural and natural environment, and recognises that these are two elements that are essential to meaningful travel. The future wellbeing of all people depends on the actions of today, and because of this, YHA strives to be a responsible quality accommodation provider.

YHA facilities have become more varied and less spartan in terms of comfort and amenities. In England & Wales as part of the 'Eat the View' scheme, and an initiative by Food and Beverages Manager Colin Rich, many hostels now offer local dishes as part of their menu, with organic food supplied by local farms and producers. Gone also are the Nestle coffee and chocolate bars, in favour of fair trade products. The YHA is aiming to open up its membership to people from all walks of life - despite the organisation's name, membership has always been open to people of all ages. Youth Hostels in England & Wales also provide a base for field trips.

Wastwater Youth Hostel in the English Lake District

In England & Wales, there are many very small hostels. You can usually drink alcohol on the premises, but some have their own bar and frown on customers bringing in their own. Many hostels are in local beauty spots. The catering, if available, differs very much too. Most, but not all hostels have a members' kitchen and certainly not all hostels are staffed. Many of the large dormitories have been split into smaller, cosier bedrooms, including rooms reserved for couples or family groups.

In the UK some people are put off youth hostels by an allegedly 'naff' image, where elegant hallways are spoilt by promotional posters pinned to walls, but the hostels provide inexpensive accommodation in a very informal atmosphere.

In the wider hostel sector, YHA hostels have a reputation for being slightly more upmarket than average although this is not always reflected by the prices charged.

YHA has traditionally been supported by a network of local groups dedicated to supporting the network by patronising the hostels and providing voluntary labour. As the membership of these has aged and diminished, conflict between these "conservative" elements and the modernising centre has increased and is ongoing.

The YHA's finances were affected quite badly by the 2001 foot and mouth crisis and the organisation continues to service seven figure debts.