EU Lifelong Learning project "Train to Change" on sustainable development was approved by the European Commission

EUFED was involved in drafting an application for a European project called "Train to Change" to help Youth Hostel Associations to implement a sustainability management strategy based on "Social Responsibility" (CSR). Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savez (the Croatian Youth Hostel Association) is a partner of the project. "Train to Change" starts in October 2011 and is managed by KATE - Center for Ecology & Development - which has a long standing experience in CSR and tourism.

Corporate Social Responsibility or "CSR" describes the contribution Youth Hostels can make by going beyond legal provisions and by integrating social and environmental responsibility into the daily management, which is at the same time economically sustainable. "Given the growing awareness of both, guests and business partners, as well as the publication of the ISO 26000 Social Responsibility Standard, European Youth Hostels can become beacon associations – ahead from competitors - by implementing CSR", Constanze Adolf, EUFED's Operating Director, stated. "Therefore, I am particularly pleased about the participation of the Croatian Youth Hostel Association. I hope that the project will be a big multiplier to inspire other Youth Hostel Associations. Congratulations to all involved!"

This EU-funded project aims at implementing Corporate Social Responsibility standards by developing a strategy for Youth Hostels. A comprehensive training with particular focus on practicability and feasibility will enable staff of European Youth Hostels to become a "CSR-Manager" within their association. In addition, the project will also prepare "CSR-trainers" as multipliers to train other employees. The skills learned in this process will be documented by a training certificate for CSR managers.

More information on CSR and tourism: http://www.kate-stuttgart.org/zmskate/content/e830/e2740/e4397/e5447/e5556/CSR-Leitfaden_ENG_ger.pdf