Hi Canada : HI Network News

HI-Iceland and HI-Canada to cooperate more in the future - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2010-07-20 00:00:00

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�HI-Iceland and HI-Canada on July 6, 2010 signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to further develop the cooperation between the two associations and to strengthen the hostelling movement .

There are strong links between the Icelandic and the Canadian associations, as well as a strong cultural connection between the two countries. A significant number of Icelanders emigrated to Canada towards the end of the 19th century, mainly in the province of Manitoba. Today a lot of people still travel between the two countries to visit their distant relatives.

One of the key elements of the MOU is the twinning of the Winnipeg and Reykjavik hostels. In the future, the two associations plan to work closer together on marketing, quality and sustainability matters through staff and volunteer exchanges.

Stefan Haraldsson President of HI-Iceland and Brent Czarnecki President of HI-Canada signed the Memorandum of Understanding in Reykjav�k -�July 6 2010.

New hostel in the Papineau region: HI-Petite Nation - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2010-06-24 00:00:00

Saint-Andr�-Avellin has recently celebrated the opening of the hostel Petite-Nation. This establishment is the first of its kind to offer overnight stays at low prices in the Papineau region.�

Completely renovated from a former hotel, the new hostel can accommodate sixty visitors. The building has two dormitories each with eight beds, and there are 44 beds in private rooms. Prices vary between $25 and $50.

The facility is affiliated with Hostelling International network which has�4 million�members worldwide.

The owners hope that the P'tit Caf� in the hostel will be a meeting place and a place to create links between people in the community and tourists staying in the hostel. As well, regular live shows will be organized, along with cocktail hour, to invite guests to socialize.

It took two years of effort and investment of nearly one million dollars by the owners of the hostel for them to realize their project.

Brand New 188-bed Hostel in Whistler - opening July 1st - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2010-06-09 00:00:00

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WHISTLER, B.C.�- Hostelling International�- It took over 40 years of hopes and dreams for Whistler to get the Olympics and it took just as long for Hostelling International�- Canada�- Pacific Mountain Region (HI-C-PM Region) to get the Whistler hostel they always wanted.

Opening July 1, the new purpose-built HI-Whistler hostel will significantly enhance budget travel in Whistler for the first time. HI has been in Whistler since 1969 in a small, 25-bed hostel on the shores of Alta Lake. Since then, Whistler has grown from a nearly inaccessible summer fishing spot to arguably the best winter ski destination in North America. HI-Whistler, a fishing lodge built in 1945, has witnessed it all.

"HI has played a big role in making Whistler accessible to young travellers for decades," says Alistair McLean, CEO of HI-C-PM Region. "But the demand has far surpassed what we currently offer so we're excited to be opening a new property at this high point in Whistler's history."

Back in the 60s, HI was eyeing up the destination as the home for a new hostel when Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. set about developing the mountain as a Winter Olympic host resort. HI saw the need for a 100+-bed hostel in the area but funds were limited and the association settled on leasing a fishing lodge in 1969, which it eventually purchased in 1972.

For 38 years, not much changed and HI-Whistler continued to operate year-round on the shores of Alta Lake. Meanwhile, Whistler morphed into a dual-mountain, world-class resort, now covering over 8,000 skiable acres with more than 200 trails, three glaciers, 38 lifts and 12 alpine bowls

The four-storey building in the new Cheakamus Crossing subdivision first served as athletes' housing during the Games. It has room for 188 in four-person shared rooms, private ensuite rooms and family rooms. There is a large self-catering kitchen and dining room; a TV lounge; a games room; state-of-the-art ski, snowboard and bike storage; outdoor decks with BBQs; an on-site caf� with an outdoor patio; mountain views and internet and free WiFi.

Shared rooms start at $30 per person, per night for Hostelling International members (including taxes) and private rooms start at $99 per room. The hostel is located on Legacy Way, just off Function Junction, about 7 km south of Whistler Village. New bus routes run from outside of the hostel to the village.

Find out more and make reservations at www.hihostels.ca/newwhistlerhostel . See exterior photos at http://www.hihostelspm.ca/blog/2010/05/13/just-photos-new-hi-whistler .

HI-Canada, Flight Centre & Make-a-Wish Foundation - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2010-04-17 00:00:00

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HI-Canada supports the Flight Centre campaign in favour of the Make a wish Foundation, and�will give $1 to the Make-a-Wish Foundation for each HI membership card sold by Flight Center in its locations in Canada.

''We were very pleased with the collaboration from Flight Center again this year as the cheque to the Make a wish Foundation is 28% bigger'' says�Jo�l Marier.

Jo�l Marier, National Executive Director of HI-Canada presenting a cheque to Dahlia DeCoste, Area Leader, Flight Centre - Ottawa & Halifax.

Three More Canadian Hostels on HI-Quality Program - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2010-02-19 00:00:00

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�Hostelling International�- Canada is pleased to announce that three more Canadian hostels have joined the HI-Quality family.

After audits in early February 2010, HI-Q Lead Auditor Iddan Kroll certified HI-Edmonton, HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre, and HI-Montreal as having met the requirements for HI-Quality hostels. These three join eight other HI-Q hostels in the Canadian network.

HI-Q is a quality management system designed especially for hostels by the IYHF (International Youth Hostel Federation). It began with a pilot project in 2004 which involved twelve hostels from around the world (including one Canadian property). These hostels were audited and certified in 2005, after which the HI-Q system was revised and streamlined. The full program was launched in 2006, and in 2009 seven more Canadian hostels were also certified. As of the end of 2009, 274 hostels in thirty national associations were part of HI-Q.

On behalf of the HI-Canada network, congratulations to the managers and staff in Edmonton, Lake Louise and Montreal for their hard work and their accomplishment in this important international program.

Mural project at HI-Quebec - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2009-12-16 00:00:00

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Travel to the art of Quebec�

Quebec City, 14 December 2009 ? This last Thursday evening saw the opening of of the new murals at HI-Quebec City, the youth hostel on Sainte-Ursule street. The opening is the result of the Mural Project 2009 from the Jacques-Cartier Residential and Community Centre and was created by eight artists aged from 16 to 30 years, each coming from a different background but all having the same passion for art.

Looking for an original way to rejuvenate their image and to get some colour onto their walls, the hostel saw in the Murals Project at the Jacques-Cartier Centre a good opportunity to engage in practical terms with young people who would take part in an enriching experience in their professional and social lives.

Voted as hostel of the year in 2009, the hostel has already been involved with the community for many years. In fact, the hostel has already served as a work platform for youth rehabilitation. And for two years, the hostel has helped an autistic employee develop his social skills while working in the housekeeping team.

The artists in this project had a mandate do show and communicate their visions of Quebec through seven murals to the more than 40,000 travellers who pass each year through HI-Quebec City.

The next time you are in Old Quebec, do not hesitate to come admire the murals. The hostel is located at 19 rue Sainte-Ursule and is open seven days a week.��

From�: Nathalie Turbide
HI-Qu�bec
418.694.0950 *232 418.523.6021
nturbide@hostellingquebec.com

100 Years of Hostelling - TV interview (French CBC) - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2009-12-09 00:00:00

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In 2009 we celebrated 100 years of youth hostelling, an idea that emerged in Germany. Today there are over 4 000 HI hostels worldwide. Jo�l Marier, National Executive Director of Hostelling International�- Canada talks about the youth hostels, which have been in Canada for 75 years.

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*Note: the interview is available in French only.

WIN A TRIP TO VANCOUVER FOR THE OLYMPICS... - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2009-11-03 00:00:00

AS HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL'S VIDEO-BLOGGER

Vancouver, BC ? Hostelling International ? With 100 days to go before the Olympics hit centre stage and visitors flood Vancouver's streets, one lucky person is about to get a free trip to Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Blog the Games Contest, opening today, allows entrants to submit a one-minute video to be judged on YouTube in the hopes of landing a gig as one of HI's video-bloggers, which comes with a flight to Vancouver from anywhere in the world, five nights' accommodation at a downtown Vancouver hostel, a brand new camera and $500 spending money.

After their blogging stint, the contest winner will get a return flight from Vancouver to Calgary, and a five-day ski and stay package at HI-Banff Alpine Centre.

?With hundreds of thousands of international visitors expected in Vancouver and Whistler 100 days from now, nothing brings people together quite like the Olympic Games,? says Shelbey Sy, Marketing Director for Hostelling International Canada's Pacific Mountain Region. ?We hope to capture this special celebration though the eyes of a hosteller and visitor to Canada.?

The winner will be responsible for tracking down the on-the-street Olympic vibe in the city centre and posting regular, short videos to HI's blog, www.backpackerbuzz.ca. Readers can follow updates on Twitter or via RSS feed and post their own comments. The blog recently followed a backpacker on her nine-month backpacking trip around the world and regularly updates readers on hostel and backpacking news from Canada and around the world. To enter, visit www.hihostelspm.ca/blogthegames.�

NEW HOSTEL IN WHISTLER
This period will also be an exciting lead-up to the introduction of Hostelling International's latest addition to the family ? a brand new, 180-bed hostel in Whistler. The building will serve as part of Whistler's athlete's village during the Games but will officially open as HI-Whistler next summer. The finishing touches are being put on the building now. The first purpose-built hostel in Whistler will offer both dorms and private rooms; a fully equipped modern kitchen; a caf�; an outdoor patio and a deck with mountain views; state-of-the-art bike, ski and snowboard storage and more. Full details and photos are at www.hihostels.ca/newwhistlerhostel.

Some space is still available during the Olympics at Vancouver's three hostels. For information about reservations, visit www.hihostels.ca/2010 .

Hostelling International - Canada is a not-for-profit, membership-based association of travellers and is part of a budget accommodation network of 4,000 hostels in 80 countries. HI-Canada's mission is to help travellers gain a greater understanding of peoples, places and cultures through hostelling. Designed to meet the accommodation desires of budget conscious travellers, hostels provide safe and comfortable accommodation as well as opportunities to enjoy the fellowship of other travellers from around the world.

For more information or print-ready photos:
Shelbey Sy, Marketing Director
Tel. 604.684.7101
shelbey.sy@hihostels.ca

HI-Canada - 2009 OSHEAGA Festival Partner - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2009-10-02 00:00:00

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�More than 45,000 music lovers, mostly 18 to 35 years old and living in Qu�bec, Ontario and the US, got together at Osheaga 2009, an open air, music and arts festival held August 1st and 2nd at Montreal's Parc Jean-Drapeau.

With over 45 live performances, Osheaga 2009 showcased a talented line-up of musicians to satisfy all tastes. This included: COLDPLAY, YEAH YEAH YEAHS, THE ROOTS, JASON MRAZ, RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, BEAST, ARCTIC MONKEYS, LA ROUX, and several more...

Throughout the festival, HI members had exclusive access to a VIP lounge where they could enjoy a drink, courtesy of HI Canada ? St-Lawrence Region, and meet other network members as well as the Montreal Youth Hostel team.

With its red carpet and cool vibe, the HI tent caught the attention of many passer-bys and challenged a lot of negative youth hostel stereotypes. More than 300 people came to raise a glass with us, and many more took the time to stop and ask questions on who we were and why we were there. Because of our great location between the main stages, most festival goers probably passed by the HI VIP lounge at least once.

Looking back, we could not have asked for more: an incredible weekend of art and music, and tons of time to meet, greet and share stories with HI community members! We are already dreaming about next year's festival, and definitely planning to be there. Reserve your Osheaga 2010 weekend pass and, if you're in the neighborhood, don't forget to stop by!

HI members get Free Shuttle Bus service in Argentina - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2009-09-14 00:00:00

Four HI Hostels located in the Buenos Aires City offer FREE Shuttle Bus service from Ezeza International Airtport to the City, when booking at least ONE night from our International section or from any of the Canadian Booking Centers. These hostels are: Hostel Suites Florida, Hostel Suites Obelisco, Hostel Suites Palermo and Tango Backpackers.

To take advantage of this offer, after booking your stay, go to www.hostelsuites.com and book the timetable that fits better.

A taxi normally costs about 30 USD from Airport to city, so this FREE Shuttle Bus service is of great value to Hostelling members!

Not a member yet?

Celebrating 100 years of hostelling in 2009 - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2009-09-09 00:00:00

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Hostelling movement in Canada owes its beginning to Mary Belle Barclay and her sister Catherine. "Both sisters were teachers with a love of nature and Mary was an excellent organizer while Catherine had experienced European hostels when studying in France in the 1920s" said HI-Canada-Pacific Mountain Region member Janice Lowe.

The first hostel was a tent on a rented piece of land outside Wakesiah Lodge in Bragg Creek. A plaque was unveiled during the ceremony that will be mounted on the main road nearby to mark the site.
A commemorative journey to mark the beginnings of hostelling in Canada was recently organized at Bragg Creek to mark the 100th anniversary celebration of the movement.

By 1935, the Barclays had set up hostels at Jumping Pond, Morley, Canmore, Banff and Priddis, and by 1937, the association had less than 100 members and 10 hostels.

Full story available at: http://www.hihostels.ca/westerncanada/en/backpackerbuzz.aspx?postid=178&sortcode=2.44.49&blogID=1

The changing face of hostels - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2009-09-09 00:00:00

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The HI-Quebec City hostel has added new private rooms and increased the quality of their services. This recently certified HI-Q hostel received the HI-Canada's Hostel of the Year Award (more than 10,000 overnights) in June 2009.

Lyne Landry, hostel manager at HI- Qu�bec, appears in this two minute TVA report (in French) which aired on September 3, 2009.

Hostels Popular - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2009-09-03 00:00:00

With just six months to go before the 2010 games two of the largest hostels in downtown Vancouver are nearly booked up.
Watch this two minute news clip on the affordability of hostel accommodations leading to the 2010 Olympics.

Alistair McLean�- CEO, Hostelling International - Canada - Pacific Mountain Region is featured in this Global TV news clip.

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Algonquin Tourism and Travel Students run.. - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2008-12-08 00:00:00

Algonquin Tourism and Travel Students run HI booth on campus.

Students in the Tourism and Travel program at Algonquin College were assigned a project in which they had to run a booth on campus promoting a travel company of their choice, and incorporate research on a particular geographical area.

A group of 7 students chose to do their project on HI, focusing their research on Hostels in Europe. The event was advertised in advance around campus. The group collectively worked to set up and run the booth in a high traffic area, right in front of the campus travel shop. All 7 students involved in the project were dressed in matching black HI T-shirts and ball caps, provided by HI-Canada.

Each student researched a different country and put together a poster for display at the booth. The countries being promoted were Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Scotland, and Greece. Each poster highlighted useful travel tips, information on hostels, and pictures of popular hostel locations. The main display was full of practical tips for the first time hosteller, as well as information on our membership. Laptops were set up where students could visit the HI website or watch informative slideshows, including an HI presentation.

Visitors to the booth were offered refreshments, given a chance to enter some prize draws, and could take home an HI-bag full of brochures on hostel locations in Europe.

HI-Quebec City receives HI-Q certification - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2008-11-24 00:00:00

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On November 20, 2008, the Auberge International de Quebec was audited and certified by Jurgen Gross, the Project Manager for the HI-Quality project. HI-Canada is proud of the hard work the Quebec City hostel has undertaken to reach this achievement.

The HI-Quality project is the result of a seven-year-long effort to craft a quality management system especially for hostels; IYHF hopes to have
all key hostels operating with HI-Q by 2010 and all hostels worldwide
on a quality system by 2015.

The initial pilot project was launched in 2004-2005 with a group of a dozen hostels around the world: one of the participants was HI-Banff, the first hostel in North America to be certified. With the findings from the pilot project, the program was refined into "Level 1" and "Level 2" versions, with level 1 intended to be achievable for all hostels and level 2 intended for key or gateway hostels and national offices. The Quebec City is the first hostel since the pilot project to be certified at Level 2.

For more information on the HI-Quality program, visit the International Youth Hostelling Federation official website.

Homecoming Scotland: THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME! - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2008-11-04 00:00:00

2009 wll be a huge year for Scotland who will host its first ever Homecoming Year which has been created and timed to mark the 250^th anniversary of our National Poet, Robert Burns. But Homecoming Scotland is so much besides. It also centres around our country's great contributions to the world: golf, whisky, the Enlightenment, Innovation, and our rich culture and heritage.

The main focus for Homecoming is encouraging the Scottish Diaspora to visit us in 2009, and this invitation is extended to people who simply love Scotland and all things Scottish.

Whether you have Scots ancestry or simply a passion for our great nation, 2009 will be an exceptional year to visit Scotland. A programme of inspirational events will run throughout 2009, complementing the vast range of world-class attractions already offered in Scotland. From the world's biggest ever Clan Gathering in Edinburgh to Celtic Connections in Glasgow and from the Open Championship at Turnberry to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival - there's something special for everyone.

Organisations from all over the country are planning Homecoming activities and invite you to join the celebrations. From Orkney to Aberdeen, Oban to the Scottish Borders, there will be a packed calendar of events and activities to choose from.

Join the Burns birthday celebration; taste the fruity, malty undertones of one of the whiskies found at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival; applaud some of the world's greatest golfers at the Open Championship in Turnberry; rub shoulders with Real-life Clan Chiefs at Edinburgh's historic Clan Gathering or trace your roots at Scotland's People Centre. Whatever your interests, you'll be sure to capture a flavour of our passion for Scotland.

If you were ever contemplating a return to Scotland or planning to visit for the first time, there will never be a better opportunity. This year-long celebration will span the whole country and encompassing everything from culture to music, to sport and history. If you want to see Scotland at its best then join us for Homecoming Scotland 2009. You won't be disappointed!

The Scottish Youth Hostels Association, SYHA, has hostels all over Scotland, so if you travel here as part of the Homecoming you can take the opportunity to visit not only the capital city, Edinburgh, but also the Highlands and Islands, the coast and the wild countryside, and the cities and market towns which demonstrate the diversity of this wonderful country. The hostel managers and staff are great sources of information about the local area, and will be able to help you plan and make the most of your visit "home" to Scotland.

Here's to Burns, his enduring legacy, his pride in our great nation and his inspiration for our Homecoming celebrations - for auld lang syne!

For all the latest news about Homecoming Scotland 2009 visit www.homecomingscotland.com

For more information on SYHA or to plan your trip to Scotland, visit www.syha.org.uk

Eight New HI Hostels in Italy - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2008-02-18 11:40:00

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AIG's network continues to grow and now offers a wider choice and quality to worldwide members as well as an enlarged network for Italians. Eight new Hostels (making a total of 126) were recently opened, from the mountains of the northern cities to the sea of the south.

In the mountain village of Pontboset near Aosta, a 400-year old building, now perfectly refurbished, hosts the new Youth Hostel. Another Youth Hostel has been opened in the city of Parma, a medieval jewel.

Nearby or lying on the Adriatic

coast, HI members can now stay in the new Youth Hostels:

of San Benedetto del Tronto (Marche region), near Ancona, just a few hundred metres from the beach;
of Jesi (Marche region) , birthplace of the Emperor Federico II;
of Bari (Puglia region) ancient city filled with history;
and in Campania, Sorrento Youth Hostel opened its doors in a city of songs and poems;
in Sardegna, the Cagliari Youth Hostel is ideally situated in the historic centre for guests to discover every part of this fascinating city;
On the west side of Sardegna, the latest new structure is Oristano Youth Hostel with its quiet charm and the opportunity for cyclists to get to the beach via a cyclie road that starts from the Youth Hostel.

For more information, visit: www.ostellionline.org

Stayokay Zeeburg: new designed hostel in Amsterdam - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2007-12-12 00:00:00

Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg

In July 2007, Stayokay opened a third hostel in Amsterdam. Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg is housed in a former school building dating back to the start of 1900, located�in the east of the city centre, in a quiet, typical Amsterdam neighbourhood. The city's must-see attractions and the centre of Amsterdam are only 15 minutes away by bicycle or tram. Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg has its own caf��/restaurant. The old school is a hub of entertainment, boasting a cinema, theatre hall and cafe /restaurant to name but a few attractions. Guests at Stayokay can enjoy films, theatrical performances and special events. Definitely the place to be!

The hostel
The amazing building of Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg enables visitors to enjoy ultra-modern facilities in classical settings. The hostel features 105 spacious rooms, all with private sanitary facilities.

An overnight stay could cost as little as $22,20 per person, including breakfast. The beds have a flexible structure, the double bunks can easily be dismantled and reassembled as single or double beds. More information? Take a look at www.stayokay.com/zeeburg.

Stayokay forms part of the Hostelling International network counting more than 4,000 hostels worldwide. HI members receive $2,50 discount per night.

City trip Amsterdam: looking for a hostel?
Facilities:
open 24 hours�in dorms & private rooms�- �prices from� $22,20 (incl. breakfast)
+�bar + restaurant + TV lounge�+ internet facilities�+ luggage lockers�+ bicycle rent�+ discounts for main attractions�
and more...

Address
Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg
Timorplein 21
1094 CC Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Reservations department - Sales (during office hours)
PO Box 9191
1006 AD Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31(0)20-639 29 29
Fax: +31(0)20 639 01 99

HI Nanaimo, declared small hostel of the year in Canada - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2007-09-30 05:02:00

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Thurs 12th� July 2007

NANAIMO�S �PAINTED TURTLE� WINS TOP CANADIAN PROPERTY AWARD FROM HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL

NANAIMO, BC � Hostelling International Canada (HI-C) � part of the world�s leading budget accommodation organization, awarded the Painted Turtle Guesthouse HI-Nanaimo best Canadian property under 10,000 room nights at their recent annual general meeting in Banff, AB.�

Owners, Bruce Barnard and Angie Gottenberg were thrilled and were amazed to receive such a top honour on their third birthday.� Only three years ago, Barnard and Gottenberg put the finishing touches on a $350,000 renovation of a heritage building in downtown Nanaimo realizing their vision of a guesthouse/hostel that would raise all standards for their guests.

�They undertook an incredible redevelopment of their property,� explains HI-C spokesperson Robb Cryder, who was in Banff to announce the award.� �No one is more deserving.� We noted Bruce and Angie�s energy and enthusiasm for their product - they are great ambassadors of HI-C and of the tourism industry in British Columbia.�

Cryder says that in choosing finalists, HI-C chose recipients based on the standards and conditions of the hostel, amenities offered, and a high level of customer service.� He adds, �It was really a strong combination of these attributes that won them the award.�

The Painted Turtle Guesthouse is centrally located downtown Nanaimo next to trendy cafes, independently owned stores and Nanaimo�s bustling waterfront.� It is also proximate to bus, ferry and float plane terminals for ease of access.� It is in a unique 20-room heritage property with a combination of family rooms, private rooms and dorm beds.� Open 24-7, 365 days of the year, guests have access to a travel and information desk, free wireless and internet, lounge with fireplace, full modern kitchen, laundry, and free day storage.

For owners Barnard and Gottenberg, offering exceptional service is key to the success of their business.� �Angie and I believe in hosting our guests and establishing relationships with them by catering to their travel needs,� says Barnard.� �Our guest book is filled with exceptional comments about the friendliness, efficiency and knowledge of our staff.�

And, their personality is catching.� Thirty percent of business is from local families and residents, according to Barnard.� �We�re glad Nanaimo has embraced us the way she has.�� The award further proves to him that the �Guesthouse� concept works, and that he and Gottenberg have �listened and responded to the diverse needs of travelers, whether they be corporate travelers, groups, tourists, people visiting family, and so on,� he says.

The Painted Turtle has had a recent run of accolades, including Nanaimo�s Downtown Heritage Improvement Award, and the #1 position on online travel site Trip Advisor.�

Barnard invites sightseers and the curious, regardless of whether they need a room, to stop in and see this award-winning location for themselves.� �Our staff love to give tours and show off our rooms.� We are located downtown at 121 Bastion Street, across from the Flying Fish.� Come check us out!�

Angie Gottenberg, Your Host��
Painted Turtle Guesthouse��
121 Bastion Street, Nanaimo B.C.,� Canada��
Telephone (250) 753-4432��
E-mail stay@paintedturtle.ca ��

Robb Cryder, Operations Manager
HI-Canada, Pacific Mountain Region
Vancouver, B.C.
Telephone (604) 684-7111

New HI hostel in downtown Winnipeg - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2007-09-24 10:46:00

HI-Winnipeg is pleased to introduce its NEW hostel to travellers and visitors from around the world.�

Winnipeg�s first HI hostel, the �Ivey House�, had been in operation since 1980.� On August 16th, 2007, this 8 room, 39-bed hostel closed its doors to make way for the opening of a new 40 room, 120-bed hostel, the �HI-Winnipeg Downtowner�.

Located in the heart of Winnipeg�s vibrant downtown, the HI-Winnipeg Downtowner hostel is close to top arts, entertainment, shopping, dining and nightlife destinations.� The new hostel is within walking distance of the award-winning Manitoba Museum, the MTS Centre, the historical Forks Market and the incredibly dynamic Exchange District.
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The new hostel has been getting rave reviews from its guests since it�s opening on August 17th, 2007. The building is, however, still a �masterpiece in progress� as renovations are not expected to be completed until early in 2008. But, don�t let a few renovations slow you down, drop by and stay in the brand new dorm rooms, or one of our many private rooms, each complete with ensuite bathrooms. Visit our hip, on-site pub and sample one of our many locally brewed beers or organic, fair-trade lattes.�

The new HI-Winnipeg Downtowner hostel offers guests the luxury of hotel amenities with the affordability of hostel pricing. Also featured are: an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a complimentary HOT breakfast or a hearty meal; FREE WiFi access; 24-hour check-in; complimentary lockers and baggage storage; complimentary bed linens and towels; and NEW on-site laundry facilities.

Coming to the Downtowner in 2008 are; a NEW common kitchen and dining room, NEW TV and Internet lounges, and a NEW lush garden courtyard featuring a spacious deck and BBQ�s.

Check out the HI-Winnipeg hostel page for more information and to book your stay with us at the NEW Downtowner hostel today!

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The HI Misiones in Brazil honored - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2007-09-30 10:17:00

MISSOES Inn - THEME HOSTEL in S�o Miguel das Miss�es (RS) is awarded a prize by Brazilian business entities

Over 700 people amongst businesspeople, politicians and personalities from the most varied areas watched last May 25 � Industry Day � the �Destaques do Ano� Prize Award. Such an event was promoted by Jornal do Com�rcio and backed by FIERGS and SEBRAE, national representative entities for Brazilian businesspeople.

Miss�es Inn - Theme Hostel, located in S�o Miguel das Miss�es � world cultural heritage � has received the distinction award of the small and medium businesses. The prize was received by Carlos Augusto Silveira Alves, president of FBAJ � Youth Hostel Brazilian Federation.

Miss�es Inn - Theme Hostel, from the Hostelling International chain, is the first themed hotel of South America. It was designed by the Colombian architect Matilde Villegas and besides her proximity with history, differs from her thematization. The architectonic project is identified with the style of the ancient constructions of the Reduction of Sao Miguel Arcanjo, mainly in the porch and terrace, with the use of sandstones and mud roofing tile.

The thematization, from Ceres Storchi � architect from Porto Alegre, has as a base the Guarani culture and the story of the missions. On informative panels, on each piece of local craft, on each decoration object, the guest will face history. There are 30 apartments that tell the story of the Jesuits in the region.

S�o Miguel das Miss�es, located in the south of Brazil, near the border with Argentina, was declared UNESCO�s world heritage in 1983 along with San Ign�cio Mini in Argentina; Trinidad e Jesus in Paraguay; places that have labeled the Jesuitical movements in South America.�

Miss�es Inn - Theme Hostel intends to open next month (July), the first Restaurant � Bistro in the region of the missions.

For further information and booking, visit� www.hihostels.com� or� www.pousadatematica.com.br

First Ever �Discover Hostelling Challenge� in Canada - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2007-11-07 10:21:00

Press Release
June 2006

New Girl Guides 'Go Hostelling' badge shows that travel as education is growing in popularity.

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HI-Kamloops hostel closes - Nouvelles Du Site

HI- Canada — 2007-11-07 11:00:00

Press Release
October 2005
The HI-Kamloops hostel will permanently close its doors on Monday, November 7, 2006.

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