Independent Hostels Ltd
Role in programme(s):
Commitments:
Businesses
Travel Agent & OTA
Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
Independent Hostels was founded in 1993 by Sam Dalley who realised that independent hostels across the UK lacked a unified voice that larger, YHA hostels had. As many independent hostels are in isolated places, she wanted to create a platform where hostels could feel part of a wider community. Independent Hostels provide a space where holidaymakers, families, groups, schools, travellers, and outdoor enthusiasts can find affordable accommodation in incredible locations.
Independent Hostels have seen many changes over the last 30 years, such as moving from print to digital and embracing social media. Always with the belief that travel makes the world a better place. It helps people learn about the world we live in, open up new possibilities, make meaningful connections and support local communities.
With this in mind, we are also painfully aware that UK travel has a hugely detrimental impact on the environment. Transportation to a hostel and running a hostel that requires constant maintenance is carbon-intensive. Not to mention, swathes of tourists in Areas of Natural Beauty can lead to the destruction of delicate ecosystems. This is catalysing a climate emergency that is becoming increasingly hard to ignore.
That is why we have decided to follow in the footsteps of other companies within our industry and publicly declare a climate emergency by becoming a signatory to The Glasgow Declaration. We will also be encouraging the 360+ hostels within our network to do the same. Our voices are louder together!
We know we can’t solve all of UK tourism’s problems. Solving the climate emergency would take a huge U-turn from the government, billionaire corporations being held accountable for their actions and big changes in people’s day-to-day lives. In the meantime, Independent Hostels can do their part to reduce waste and carbon emissions, speak about our action plan publicly and encourage others to do the same.
Independent Hostels have seen many changes over the last 30 years, such as moving from print to digital and embracing social media. Always with the belief that travel makes the world a better place. It helps people learn about the world we live in, open up new possibilities, make meaningful connections and support local communities.
With this in mind, we are also painfully aware that UK travel has a hugely detrimental impact on the environment. Transportation to a hostel and running a hostel that requires constant maintenance is carbon-intensive. Not to mention, swathes of tourists in Areas of Natural Beauty can lead to the destruction of delicate ecosystems. This is catalysing a climate emergency that is becoming increasingly hard to ignore.
That is why we have decided to follow in the footsteps of other companies within our industry and publicly declare a climate emergency by becoming a signatory to The Glasgow Declaration. We will also be encouraging the 360+ hostels within our network to do the same. Our voices are louder together!
We know we can’t solve all of UK tourism’s problems. Solving the climate emergency would take a huge U-turn from the government, billionaire corporations being held accountable for their actions and big changes in people’s day-to-day lives. In the meantime, Independent Hostels can do their part to reduce waste and carbon emissions, speak about our action plan publicly and encourage others to do the same.