The National Office for Hosteling International is improving hostel services and
refining the role of the Councils in HI-AYH. They completed a survey of hostel
users to learn that most hostelers make reservations via internet or phone, they
value cleanliness, low rates, security, the ability to reserve ahead, and that
many hostels do not have curfews. Hostels should provide decent beds and
bedding, lockers in rooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, storage, and decent
bathrooms. HI-AYH is busy upgrading its on-line reservation system, revising
standards for hostels, improving training for the hard working people who run
hostels, and redefining the goals for HI-AYH.
One part of the redefining process
has involved National’s goals for the Councils. National is rolling out a new
program called Opening Doors Opening
Minds,
emphasizing expanding HI-AYH’s base by letting people know about hostels and
councils.
To learn more about National’s
direction for councils and hostels, read the articles on their web site http://www.hiusa.org
Applying Opening Doors Opening Minds
can invigorate a council, challenging us to review our methods and perhaps
improve a good thing.