Retrospect, Prospect and Youth Challenge

28. FEB. 2023

After two difficult years due to the COVID pandemic, the Swiss Youth Hostels concluded 2022 with accommodation numbers above the pre-crisis level, starting the new year off with strong booking numbers. There are various new things coming to the hostel network in 2023 as well, plus both the Swiss Youth Hostels and the Swiss Foundation for Social Tourism are heading towards their 100th and 50th year anniversaries, respectively. Numerous anniversary activities are on the agenda, starting with the Switzerland-wide «Youth Challenge», based on the values of the non-profit organisations.

The Swiss Youth Hostels present their latest figures and report a positive upswing in 2022. After the pandemic-related losses of 2020 and 2021, the number of overnight stays in 2022 was even 2.1 percent higher than the end of before Corona (2019). But it's not just the numbers that are forward-looking. Despite the pandemic, SYH has continued to invest in its offering and network. Among other things, the SYH further increased its social commitment to obstacle-free vacations as part of the OK:GO project, expanded its cooperation with "KulturLegi", reduced prices for young people staying in their parents' rooms and expanded its gastronomic offering. In addition, several youth hostels were newly opened, reopened after complete refurbishment or extensively renovated. Network development is also progressing in 2023.

At the beginning of March 2023, a new member will join the SJH family in Scudellate in southern Ticino. Other projects are also underway in Montreux, Martigny-Bourg, Geneva, Lucerne and Pontresina. And then there are two very special events coming up: within one year, there are two major anniversaries to celebrate. In May 2023, the Swiss Foundation for Social Tourism (SSST) will be 50 years old, and in April 2024, the Swiss Youth Hostels will celebrate their 100th anniversary. Off to the next century! More information can be found in the media release.

Press release