American Youth Hostels, Inc. HQ

In 2012, HI USA adopted Vision 2020 which challenges us to become the following by the end of the decade:

1. A leading hostel provider in the world

2. A valued source of experiential learning

3. A widely recognized champion for intercultural understanding

4. An effective advocate for youth travel

5. A vibrant presence in communities across the United States

1. Deepen the hostelling experience by effectively engaging novice and experienced travelers and those passionate about travel.

2. Enrich the hostel stay with mission-focused activities and environmental operational best practices.

3. Empower and mobilize the community of travelers to advance youth travel by developing young community leaders and growing the movement.

4. Grow the hostel network and overnights through increased capacity by using a proactive expansion strategy in developing a diverse array of hostel options.

5. Develop facilitated learning opportunities using experiential learning to provide experiences designed to develop intercultural and global citizenship skills.

In 2014, the 26 local regional councils of Hostelling International USA unified with the national organization, into one stronger, more effective organization.

As a unified organization, HI USA is poised to deliver its programs to more young people across the United States. Combining the talent and dedication of staff and volunteers around the country with fifty hostels across the United States, HI USA has increased its capability to ensure effective mission delivery.

The achievement of unification, which was officially completed on March 31, 2014, was the first step in HI USA having greater mission impact across the United States.

The close of FY17 concluded our third year as a fully-unified organization and signaled our continued momentum. We advanced our education, engagement, and volunteer goals, while being named the #2 hostel network in the world (out of more than 70) based on guest feedback. With new branding outreach and hostel messaging we made huge strides in better promoting our mission.

A few notable recent accomplishments of our mission impact include:

• Receiving recognition as a leader in youth travel education by the United Nations, the UN World Tourism Organization, and other respected global entities.
• Providing safe and affordable accommodations for young travelers, as well as receiving awards for responsible environmental practices and stewardship.
• Offering over 5,800 hostel programs and activities, with nearly 124,000 participants in FY17.
• Increasing our Explore the World travel scholarships to nearly 100 for young people from underserved communities throughout the U.S.
• Expanding our hostel network in destinations that attract young travelers. In October 2017, we broke ground for our new hostel in New Orleans, which involves the rehabilitation of a historic building in the heart of that city.