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EUROPEAN UNION FEDERATION OF YOUTH HOSTEL ASSOCIATIONS |
EUFED e-bulletin
We are pleased to send you the new edition of the EUFED e-bulletin, with latest information from the Federation, a summary of relevant EU developments and a selection of news items from our member Associations.
Mario Mohr, Operating Director
Michèle Obert, Coordinator
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EUFED 20th Anniversary - 3rd May 2007
The preparation of EUFED 20th Anniversary is underway. It will consists in a joint EUFED/DJH European Parliament evening in Brussels on 3rd May in the headquarters of the State of Bavaria Representation to the EU and hosted by the Regional Minister of European Affairs, Mrs. Emilia Müller.
Invitations will be sent shortly to EUFED Member Associations.
EUFED Executive Committee reviewed the composition and implementation of the Task Groups:
- Task Group 1 (Peter Kaiser)- Strategy/Third way: Belgium (LAJ - Christian Vanderwinnen), France (FUAJ - Patrick Bernard), Slovenia (PZS - Igor Jurišič) and UK (YHA E&W - Chris Boulton) were contacted and agreed to participate.
- Task Group 2 (Bernd Dohn)- Harmonization/Preferred Access/Membership - Austria (ÖJHV - Marcus Strohmeier), Belgium (LAJ - Bernard Fauville and VJH - Roger Van Kelst) and Luxembourg (CAJL - Serge Pommerell) confirmed their participation.
- Task Group 3 (Roger Clarke)- Marketing/Co-operation: Netherlands (STAYOKAY), Portugal (MOVIJOVEM) and IYHF were approached.
Meetings of the 3 Task Groups are planned on 3rd May afternoon ahead of EUFED Anniversary and European Parliament event.
EUFED President meets with MEP Lidia Geringer de Oedenberg
Polish Member of the European Parliament Lidia Geringer de Oedenberg and EUFED President Peter Kaiser met in Tangern (Austria) to discuss the issues of Tourism and Culture, possibilities of Youth exchanges between EU member Countries and the involvement of EUFED/national Youth Hostel Associations.
EUFED Operating Director Mario Mohr continues the cooperation with Ms Lidia Geringer de Oedenberg and other MEPs in Brussels.
EUFED attends the European Commission Conference on Social Tourism in the EU, 6 February 2007
EUFED President Peter Kaiser, and Igor Jurišič President of HI Slovenia together with EUFED Operating Director Mario Mohr, attended the Conference on Social Tourism in the EU held in Brussels on 6 February. The Conference was hosted by the European Commission and chaired by Pedro Ortún (Director of DG Enterprise and Tourism) and Francesco Ianniello (Head of Tourism Unit).
Igor Jurišič gave a presentation on “Cross border Programs and citizenship activities for Youth” and Peter Kaiser draw the conclusions of the morning session which will be sent to the Tourism Unit and published on their internet web page.
More information: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/services/tourism
EUFED Operating Director participated in one of the main initiatives of the European Year, the first ever Equality Summit which took place on 30-31 January in Berlin and brought together EU leaders, Equality Ministers and senior Representatives of civil society. It was also the opportunity to renew contact with Members of the European Parliament.
The Year will be marked by hundreds of different activities staged throughout the European Union, locally, regionally and nationwide. http://equality2007.europa.eu/
On 12 February, EUFED Operating Director and EUFED Coordinator attended the Lifelong Learning Programme "Info Days" in Brussels which involved more than 500 participants.
The new Life Long Learning Programme runs for the period 2007-2013 and is the successor to the current Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci and eLearning programmes. The 2007 funding opportunities under this programme have been launched on 20 December 2006. The participants in the Info Days had the chance to know more about the policy orientations that determine the Programme, about the Programme's contents, and about administrative and financial aspects. Various sessions and workshops, and key speakers highlighted the news and changes since the previous programmes.
IMPORTANT - we advise you to check carefully the following links for funding opportunities in the framework of the Lifelong Learning Programme:
The 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All seeks to make people in the European Union more aware of their rights to equal treatment and to a life free of discrimination. These are two of the basic principles underpinning the EU. The Year will also launch a major debate on the benefits of diversity both for European societies and individuals. The new EYEO web site will be an important communication tool throughout the Year, providing up-to-date information on activities in which citizens can participate: http://equality2007.europa.eu/
On 9 February 2007, the Executive Director of the European Travel Commission, Rob Franklin OBE, was awarded the prestigious annual European Tourism Gold Star Award by the members of the European Travel Press (ETP). At a ceremony conducted during the Salon de Vacances in Brussels, Mr. Salvador Alves Dias, President of the European Travel Press, presented the award to Mr. Franklin (photo credit to Guido Marcon). “I am honoured and delighted to receive this award from the members of the European Travel Press today, in recognition of the work that has been done by the European Travel Commission. We are a small professional team, and each one of them deserves much of the credit for the achievement of our goals. I therefore accept on behalf of all of them as well,” said Mr. Franklin.
For the full text of this ETC Press Release please use the following link: Press Release
Luxembourg and its surrounding region and the Romanian city of Sibiu are the European Cultural Capitals for 2007 with fantastic programmes of events and activities for the year. Luxembourg already started with a big party on 9 December, while Sibiu held its festivities on 1 January, after celebrating EU accession on New Year's Eve.
Detailed information about the various activities in these two cities is available on their own web sites:
Luxembourg 2007
25th March 2007 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome which established what the European Union is today. The anniversary is a great opportunity not only to celebrate, but also to highlight what European integration process has brought to our lives since its inception. It will also be a chance to reflect on where Europe was 50 years ago, the main European Union achievements and failures and what we European citizens expect from the European Union in the future. The objective therefore is not only commemorating a milestone in European history, but also encouraging debate, discussion and reflection on the European Union’s principles, achievements and future.
In order to commemorate this Anniversary, the Directorate General Communication of the European Commission has created a special EU 50th Anniversary site, which has now been published at http://50.europa.eu.
The main objectives of the site are:
- To be a net-working platform with information on events on the anniversary;
- To provide general background information on the EU and 50th years of European cooperation;
- To highlight the benefits that European integration has brought to its citizens;
- To reflect on where we are heading and what we expect from Europe in the future.
The site has several sections dedicated to the celebrations, anniversary-related news stories and European Union basic facts, history and achievements. It is available in 22 European Union official languages and will be constantly updated for the duration of 2007.
AIG (Italian Youth Hostel Association) - "AIG Points"
A great opportunity offered to Hostelling International members is the possibility to make use of the “AIG Points”, hotels, summer villages and Bed & Breakfast cooperating with AIG to promote youth tourism in the localities where there are no Youth Hostels. To HI members, these lodgings grant discounts on normal rates, and guarantee the same services provided to regular customers. The “AIG Points” that adhered to this initiative are in the following localities: Acireale (Sicily), Catania (Sicily), Castiglione (Sicily), Lipari (Sicily), Ortigia (Sicily), Frabosa Soprana-Cuneo (Piemonte), Lanusei (Sardinia), San Donato Val di Comino (Lazio), Tonezza del Cimone (Veneto).
www.ostellionline.org
Sleepzone the Burren, sister Hostel of Sleepzone Galway City & Sleepzone Connemara has joined the An Óige chain and will open its doors for business on 1 March 2007. 130 beds with all en-suite rooms, this Hostel will deliver the same superb standards as its other 2 sister Hostels. Private rooms, restaurant, conference facilities, free internet and wifi access, free breakfast, fully licensed bar, free car parking and a walled garden for visitors – this newest Hostel guarantees the highest of standards. Located in the heart of the Burren, Co Clare and only a 3 minute walk from the centre of the world famous Lisdoonvarna, the Burren offers a friendly and relaxing stay in this stunning corner of Ireland.
On top of that, An Óige brand new 5 star Hostel in Errigal will be opening its doors for business on July 1st. www.anoige.ie
DJH (German Youth Hostel Association) - Contacts renewed with Libya
Following an invitation from LYHA, five DJH Board Members went for four day business meeting to Libya.
The German delegates informed themselves about the potentials in youth tourism and visited some of the 22 youth hostels, e.g. in the capital Tripolis as well as in Sabrata and Leptis Magna, both appointed world cultural heritage cities. Contacts between the two Youth Hostel Associations were suspended in 1992 following the international sanctions for political reasons.
The delegations agreed upon a youth exchange and a workcamp for young people from Germany and Libya. www.jugendherberge.de
For their annual seminar, the CEOs of the 14 Regional Associations of DJH met in Luxembourg, actually the 2007 European Cultural Capital.
The meeting with the topic of personal costs, took place in the new Echternach Youth Hostel. In addition, the leading employees visited the renovated Youth Hostel in Luxembourg city and exchanged views with the Board Members of CAJL.
IOU (I owe you) respect, the multinational youth encounter of several Youth Hostel Associations will be continued in 2007 in Tunisia. The preparatory meeting, with nine representatives from six national Associations, took place between 7 to 11 February 2007 in Tunis. In 2004, DJH took the initiative to invite young people from different countries and different cultural backgrounds. The first project was held in Dachau/Bavaria. After a positive evaluation of the 2006 meeting in New York, the program will be the model for the Tunis meeting. Young people from Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, France, Germany and the US are expected to take part in the youth
encounter.
Liège Youth Hostel is organising a serie of concerts on the following dates:
- 09/03: Dan San concert, duo folk/rock (piano/guitar)
- 16/03: evening 'Guest of...' Blues special
- 04/04: evening 'Guest of...' jazz/blues/rock
- 20/04: Les Confrères (duo guitars electro-acoustic, personal compositions)
- 16/05: evening 'Guest of...' soul/funk/blues
- 30/05: Titi Twister Band, psycho 50's rock'n roll !!! Party night
All the concerts are free. Opening of the doors at 20.00 h, concerts from 20.30 h to 23.00h. www.laj.be
Experience nature, meet friends, have fun, be active and creative…In the heart of the Carinthean Lake District at an altitude of 1600 m in the Goldeck mountain lies Austria’s highest Youth Hostel. The house is far away from road traffic, but can be easily reached by cable car.The Youth Hostel combines the charms of a comfortable alpine cottage with a truly unique atmosphere. 
The place is perfect for family holidays and the hostel managers will help the guests arranging leisure
activities. Accommodation is in family rooms and healthy food is served. Spittal an der Drau is an enchanting and friendly little town in the heart of the Carinthean Oberland (1500 m above sea level) with approx. 15.000 inhabitants, as well as a holiday region with many cosy rural villages for recreation. The warm Millstätter See (Lake Millstätter) has marvellous mountain scenery, clear rivers and creeks, good fresh air and a mild climate. Various day trips can be made to Carinthian sights, even a short trip to Italy (e.g. Venice or Tarvis) is possible. More information....
After a long break, the old school in Korte opened its doors as a Youth Hostel in November 2006. The aim was to develop tourism in the surrounding area of the Slovene Istria which, through its extremely rich tradition, interesting history, beautiful nature and environment offers a unique holiday experience to visitors.
The Youth Hostel is located in the centre of an old genuine Istrian village which offers a peaceful location for those who seek tranquillity and nature.
The Youth Hostel Old School Korte is divided into “seasons”, which 
are defined by colours – blue represents winter, orange autumn, yellow summer and green spring. 58 beds are available in 12 4-bedded rooms and and 5 2-bedded rooms. All the rooms are equipped with air conditioner and TV sets. Computers with free internet service and wireless internet connection are also available. The Hostel complex also offers two seminar rooms for a capacity of at least 30 participants and both rooms can be joined together, giving space to more than 60 persons.
Programmes are currently being planned for sport, culinary and cultural activities... www.youth-hostel.si
ISIN Youth Hostel (HUESCA)
The Youth Hostel rooms are all adapted for disabled people. Besides two dining rooms and common areas, it provides as well a swimming pool, a multi-sport area, and 24.000 square meters of green zone including a farm school, ideal for the guests who want to be in touch with the nature in that privileged zone located in Sabiñánigo.
Os Biocos da Vía Nova Youth Hostel (San Xoan de Río - Ourense)
The Youth Hostel "Os Biocos" provides seventy beds and three independent apartments which can accommodate eight people each. A more typical feature to outline is that it is the only structure in Galicia with an astronomical observatory. Another building provides a fully equipped laboratory with experimentation material for educational ends.
Jaen Youth Hostel
The new Youth Hostel is located in the former hospital God's San Juan, in the centre of the city. After its rehabilitation and significant improvements it provides exhibition rooms, lounge, rooms multi-use, dining room, covered swimming pool, and even a spa. The cultural and architectural heritage of the building were respected. All the rooms are climatized and equipped for disabled people.
Glasgow is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe. With arts, culture, sports and attractions as well as fantastic shopping, restaurants and nightlife, Scotland’s largest city is always alive, bustling with people and activity.
SYHA is offering the chance to enjoy a two night stay at their Glasgow Youth Hostel. Situated in the historic West End of town, the Hostel is ideal for exploring all that Glasgow has to offer.
The Glasgow City break Package includes two nights accommodation, a City Sightseeing bus tour and free entry into some of the top art galleries, museums and gardens in Glasgow. Continental breakfasts and a welcome pack are also included in the price.
For further information: www.syha.org.uk
YHA E&W (Youth Hostel Association England & Wales) - New bunkhouse - a work of art
YHA has joined forces with an innovative arts and environment education centre in North Wales and can now provide young people with a vital insight into the natural world. Ffynnon Wen, a traditional farmhouse on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, has joined the YHA network and now offers packages run by experienced artists and specialist practitioners for school and other groups. Current programmes include environmental sculpture, textiles, ceramics, alternative energy and sustainable living. The building, now known as YHA Ffynnon Wen sleeps up to 36 in bunkhouse accommodation, with adjacent rooms for group leaders when required. Substantial outbuildings provide room for workshops, classrooms, studio area, kitchen and dining room. Meals of the highest quality are available with fresh ingredients produced on site or sourced locally. The centre is also keen on promoting sustainable living, with a number of energy saving features including a wind turbine plus highly efficient boilers, insulation and glazing. YHA Ffynnon Wen is due to open in March. www.yha.org.uk
YHA E&W (Youth Hostel Association England & Wales) - YHA makes a splash down south
It’s action adventure all the way as YHA adds another dedicated activity centre in Devon to its network. YHA Mount Batten, a stunning water-side property on Plymouth Sound, is the perfect place for an action-packed holiday for families and groups. The specialist water-sports centre provides tuition in a number of adrenalin fuelled activities including sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and power boating as well as RYA and BCU-approved courses for all abilities. For ‘land-lovers’ climbing, caving, orienteering and other land-based opportunities are also available. The 54-bed property has private 2, 3 and 4-bedded rooms, some of which have en-suite facilities, plus TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The centre also provides conference facilities, a classroom and catering. The restaurant and bar offers stunning panoramic views over the river and serves meals using local Devon produce. If you want a break from all the action, the nearest beach is just 200m away and Plymouth city centre with museums, shopping centres and other main attractions is easily accessible by ferry. Dartmoor is only 20 minutes drive away with walking and caving on offer, and the centre also sits right on the South West Coast Path. www.yha.org.uk
Baden Youth Hostel was one of the first accommodation providers in Switzerland to get certification with the EU Eco-label in autumn 2006. In 2007 the Association aims to get around 20 Hostels certified and another 10 Hostels should follow in 2008. The Swiss Youth Hostel Association will start with the first training in April/May 2007.
More information: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/index_en.htm
A new hostel will open soon in the Grison Mountains. Scuol is well known as a snow sports and mountain bike resort. The Swiss Nature National Park is close to the village. The work on the Hostel is going to start beginning of March and the opening is anticipated mid-December 2007. The Hostel will offer 160 beds and a very modern infrastructure. More information: www.youthhostel.ch/scuol
With support from the General Budget
of the European Communities
The information contained in this publication does not necessarily reflect the position
or opinion of the European Commission
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