15, June 2015: Hostelling International (HI) is the only global network of Youth Hostel Associations. Located in some of the world’s most inspiring locations, the HI network offers 4,000 unique hostels in 91 countries worldwide. The company has recently acknowledged 17 hostels for their excellence and dedication to customer service.

The hostels in Austria, Czech Republic and Switzerland have been able to successfully demonstrate their ability to “constantly improve and excel in being customer-orientated”. The Hostelling International HI-Q framework is used as an initial instrument by all to run their hostels and most even started to use HI-Q several years ago to build their own Quality Management System. In Prague for example, Hostel Downtown has been able to gradually climb the ladder of customer satisfaction in the ratings on the Hostelling International website, and now is regularly placed under the first 10 best rated hostels worldwide.

Regional CEO Petra Webberegger from Upper Austria, responsible for four re-certified hostels from the OJHV says: “The audit itself was a very good experience for all of us and the most recent drop box examples of checklists, guidelines and forms are most useful.”

Trainer and auditor this time around, Jurgen Gross, HI-Q project manager, explained that: “Every time we audit hostels, we hope to establish the experience, that this is not an exam, but a true exchange of professionals in the Operation and Management. Getting somebody from outside that is still part of the family in the hostel or an office and establishing mutual progress when talking about plans, methods, challenges or achievements, is exactly what we need!”

Hostelling International has congratulated all 17 hostels that have been supporting not only themselves but also the entire network in striving for the best customer experience.

To explore the huge range of hostels all over the world, visit the Hostelling International website.

About Hostelling International:

Hostelling International (HI) is the only global network of Youth Hostel Associations. Located in some of the world’s most inspiring locations, the HI network offers 4,000 unique hostels in 91 countries worldwide. HI is a non-profit membership organisation, with a proud history and a relevant philosophy. All hostels meet assured standards, guaranteeing a range of good quality safe accommodation, in friendly surroundings at affordable prices. Find out more at the website: https://www.hihostels.com/

For Media Contact:
Hostelling International
2nd Floor, Gate House
Fretherne Road
Welwyn Garden City
Herts AL8 6RD
England
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1707 324170
Fax: +44 (0) 1707 323980