Boom and innovations in youth hostels next year: “Tourism should not only be the business of the rich”

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Spending the night in a youth hostel in Switzerland is more popular than ever. Although many still see mass beatings, smelly socks and itchy covers. Janine Bunte (51) believes we are far from that today. The president of the Swiss Youth Hostel Association (SJH) welcomes Blick to Jugi in Zurich-Wollishofen. If it weren’t for the colorful crowds of school classes, foreign backpackers, and businessmen with laptops, you’d feel more like you were in a traditional hotel there; but what really stands out is the sheer number of families.

BLICK: Ms. Bunte, shouldn’t we be talking about “family hostels” today instead of youth hostels?
Janine Bunte: This is not necessary. (laughs). We have been fulfilling a civil society mission from the very beginning. This means: being able to offer affordable accommodation to young people and families. Approximately 20 percent of our customers are families. The other 40 percent come from schools or other groups, and another 40 percent are individual travelers.

Overnight stays at Jugis are increasing rapidly. Is there a record year for you?
Following very good fall holiday business, we expect to exceed the 800,000 stay night mark for our own properties for the full year 2023. This will make 2023 the most successful year in the history of Swiss youth hostels in terms of overnight stays. By the way, approximately 70 percent of the guests come from Switzerland. Europeans make up slightly more than half of foreign guests. The rest comes from Asia, North America and Oceania.

What are you offering your guests today?
75 percent of our offer still consists of shared rooms. Newer youth hostels have rooms with 2 to 6 beds. Families can book a family room or sometimes stay with other families. Lockable lockers are available for all guests. Individual showers are on the same floor.

This doesn’t seem like a revolution.
Our mission has not changed, but we have modernized over the years. We no longer have straw beds like 100 years ago. We attach great importance to sustainability and have installed photovoltaic systems and heat pumps. More than 30 Jugis in Switzerland have facilities for people with reduced mobility. When it comes to food there is always seasonal food from Switzerland. In addition to vegan menus, we also offer meat menus. We want to meet as many needs as possible cost-effectively, but we do not lose sight of quality.

How are things going financially?
A cheap thing is not necessarily bad! We make Switzerland accessible to our guests who have to pay more attention to prices and want to enjoy the nature and security of Switzerland despite the high prices.

Can they sustain themselves?
Yes, barely. We increased prices only modestly; inflation will have a full impact on earnings this year. As a result, it is stated that the profit will be between 0.5 and 1 million francs. We have various supplier partners who support us with special prices. We can pass the discounts on to the guests. Our real estate is part of a foundation.

What is the average cost of an overnight stay in Jugi today?
A bed in a shared room costs 45 francs. Prices are dynamic, sometimes reaching up to 70 francs. In addition to international Jugis discounts, our members always receive a 7 franc discount. Families benefit from child discounts. An innovation: Schools will be able to benefit from member prices through our 2024 anniversary.

What are you planning for the next 100th anniversary?
In autumn 2024, another Jugi will open in Martigny VS, a new building will be built in Geneva and a replacement building is planned in Pontresina GR. The youth hostel in Lucerne is planned to be moved to the Transport Museum. We will lay the foundations of a modern presentation in 2024. We are launching a completely new platform at the end of April. Affordable experiences should also be included here, from museum admissions to fun offerings. What’s important to us is integrity: making Switzerland a place to live on a budget.

Why should Switzerland be a cheap experience?
The main idea was to save young people from the cramped conditions of the industrial age and take them out into the fresh air after the war. The pandemic, in particular, has shown that this is still important. Even with a limited budget, we want to give you the opportunity to experience our wonderful country, its nature and culture outside of school and work. Tourism should not only be the business of the rich. There must be a sustainable, contemporary tourism offering for everyone. We play a central role there.

Source :Blick