Released on May 25, 2009
The province celebrates 35 years of international hostelling by proclaiming May 25 to 31, 2009, as Hostelling International Week in Saskatchewan.
"Tourism is big business in Saskatchewan and hostelling is a unique way of touring new places at a low cost," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said. "Hostelling International Week is a great opportunity to promote education through travel."
Hostels are low-cost, dormitory-style accommodations that are operated by non-profit organizations intended for travellers seeking a local experience. Hostels foster camaraderie amongst their occupants because of their open door to anyone travelling provincially, nationally or internationally. The experience exposes travellers to new people and cultures and fosters understanding for the common problems facing people around the globe.
This year, the hostelling movement celebrates 100 years internationally, 76 years in Canada and 35 years in Saskatchewan. The movement was started by a German school teacher and has grown to become a federation of more than 90 hostel associations in more than 80 countries running more than 4,500 hostels.
Seeing and experiencing how other cultures express themselves through architecture, art, music and history, helps foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for experiences right here at home.
Hostelling International - Saskatchewan has more than 1,000 members and one hostel: Turgeon International Hostel in Regina. Last year, Turgeon Hostel hosted 2,975 guests.
For more information on Hostelling International Week in Saskatchewan, please visit www.hihostels.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Janet Peters
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: janet.peters@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-4909
Glenda Brezinsky
Hostelling International
Regina
Phone: 306-791-8160