Youth Hostels Association of India

Youth Hostels Association of India is a non-profit organization that aims to provide affordable accommodation to young travelers and promote cultural exchange between India and other countries, such as United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. The organization is affiliated with the International Youth Hostel Federation and has been a member since its inception in 1949, along with other countries like Canada, France, and Japan. The Youth Hostels Association of India has been instrumental in promoting tourism in India, particularly among young travelers from countries like China, South Korea, and Singapore. The organization has also collaborated with other travel organizations, such as the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and the Youth Hostel Association of Nepal.

● History

The Youth Hostels Association of India was established in 1949 with the support of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, and other prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose. The organization was founded with the objective of providing affordable accommodation to young travelers and promoting cultural exchange between India and other countries, such as Russia, South Africa, and Brazil. The first youth hostel in India was opened in New Delhi in 1950, followed by hostels in other cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The organization has since grown to include over 100 hostels across India, with many located in popular tourist destinations like Goa, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh. The Youth Hostels Association of India has also been involved in various international events, such as the International Youth Hostel Federation Conference and the World Tourism Organization meetings, which have been attended by representatives from countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

● Organization

The Youth Hostels Association of India is a non-profit organization that is governed by a board of directors comprising representatives from various state governments and travel organizations, including the Ministry of Tourism (India), the Indian Tourism Development Corporation, and the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India. The organization is headquartered in New Delhi and has a network of state-level committees and local chapters, which work closely with other organizations like the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation and the Airports Authority of India. The Youth Hostels Association of India is also affiliated with international organizations like the International Youth Hostel Federation, the World Organization of the Scout Movement, and the International Student Travel Confederation, which have members from countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The organization has partnerships with other travel companies, such as MakeMyTrip, Yatra, and Cleartrip, which offer discounts and promotions to members.

● Activities

The Youth Hostels Association of India organizes various activities and events throughout the year, including trekking and hiking trips, cultural festivals, and workshops on topics like sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. The organization also offers volunteer opportunities for young people to get involved in community development projects, such as the National Service Scheme and the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. The Youth Hostels Association of India has also collaborated with other organizations, such as the Indian Red Cross Society and the St. John Ambulance (India), to provide first aid training and disaster relief services. The organization has also participated in international events, such as the World Youth Day and the International Day of Friendship, which have been celebrated in countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.

● Membership

Membership in the Youth Hostels Association of India is open to young people between the ages of 18 and 30, although some hostels may have different age restrictions, such as the Youth Hostel in Manali and the Youth Hostel in Leh. Members can avail of discounts on accommodation and other services, such as travel insurance and visa assistance, which are offered in partnership with companies like Bajaj Allianz and Thomas Cook (India). The organization also offers membership benefits like access to exclusive events and networking opportunities with other young travelers from countries like Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungary. Members can also participate in voting for the organization's annual general meeting, which is attended by representatives from other organizations like the National Youth Council of India and the Indian Youth Congress.

● Facilities

The Youth Hostels Association of India offers a range of facilities and services to its members, including dormitory accommodation, private rooms, and camping facilities. Many hostels also offer food and beverage services, such as cafeterias and kitchens, which serve a variety of cuisines, including Indian cuisine, Chinese cuisine, and Italian cuisine. The organization also provides laundry facilities, internet access, and travel information to help members plan their trips, which can be booked through websites like Booking.com and Agoda. Some hostels also offer recreational activities, such as indoor games and outdoor sports, which can be played with other travelers from countries like Greece, Turkey, and Egypt. The Youth Hostels Association of India has also partnered with other organizations, such as the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management and the National Institute of Hospitality Management, to provide training and development programs for its members.