{"id":393,"date":"2025-02-11T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/?p=393"},"modified":"2025-02-15T12:06:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-15T12:06:18","slug":"hostelling-scotland-launches-appeal-for-gen-z-board-members-to-help-put-the-youth-back-into-hostelling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/11\/hostelling-scotland-launches-appeal-for-gen-z-board-members-to-help-put-the-youth-back-into-hostelling\/","title":{"rendered":"Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling"},"content":{"rendered":"

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THE organisation behind one of Scotland\u2019s most historic travel traditions \u2013 hostelling \u2013 is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.<\/p>\n

More than 350,000 people visit one of Scotland\u2019s 29 youth hostels and 24 affiliate hostels each year, helping the not-for-profit charity generate \u00a39 million in turnover and contribute an estimated \u00a325 million to the economy. <\/p>\n

While the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and shifting trends in travel temporarily slowed hostelling’s popularity amongst under 25s, Hostelling Scotland says interest has since soared amongst 18-24 year olds \u2013 narrowly behind only the 25-34 age group \u2013 signalling a revitalised hunger for affordable, social travel options.<\/p>\n

The surging interest has prompted Hostelling Scotland to seek greater Gen Z representation on its board of trustees to help shape the future of the charity and its hostels, and make it even more appealing to future generations. The organisation wants to appoint three volunteer \u2018adventure curators\u2019 to its board of 12 trustees, who will contribute to improving its offering for younger people, and crucially its efforts to communicate and connect with Gen Z travellers. <\/p>\n

While the hostelling experience is very different from when the charity was founded in 1931, perceptions have been slow to catch up. Hostelling has undergone an image change in recent years, driven by a programme of modernisation in the face of a more competitive market amid the rise of budget hotels and short-term lets. Hostelling Scotland\u2019s portfolio now offers high-quality facilities across the board, including private en-suite rooms and stylish communal spaces. <\/p>\n

Sophie Bell, 28, joined Hostelling Scotland\u2019s board in 2018 after taking part in a Santander initiative designed to upskill young people in governance. Now a fundraising manager at Scottish homelessness charity Cyrenians, she credits her time on the board with boosting her career and wants to see more young people take on similar roles.<\/p>\n

She said: \u201cHostelling is hugely popular among young people across Europe, but in Scotland, it\u2019s often seen as outdated or only for the countryside. The reality is very different \u2013 modern hostels have great facilities, private rooms, and are in cities as well as rural areas. The biggest challenge is awareness. More young voices on the board will help shape the way we reach Gen Z, whether through social media, influencers, or other modern approaches.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sophie added that board experience offers personal and professional benefits, adding: \u201cIt\u2019s given me insight into strategic decision-making, finance, and governance \u2013 things that have helped in my career. I\u2019d encourage any young professional to go for it. You don\u2019t need all the answers on day one, and the support available is fantastic.\u201d<\/p>\n

The call for new trustees is part of Hostelling Scotland\u2019s wider commitment to board diversity, ensuring young people have a voice in shaping its future. No previous board experience is required, and successful applicants will receive training in charity governance, finance, and strategic leadership.<\/p>\n

Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, said: \u201cWe want our board to reflect the communities we serve. Young people bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and energy, and a more representative board will help us evolve. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain governance experience, and shape the future of sustainable travel in Scotland.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hostelling Scotland is seeking applications from individuals passionate about sustainable travel and community. The role involves attending four to five board meetings per year, with some in person, and participating in a sub-committee.<\/p>\n

To express interest and receive a nomination pack, email Margo at companysecretary@hostellingscotland.org.uk<\/a>. Applications close on March 7 2025.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

THE organisation behind one of Scotland\u2019s most historic travel traditions \u2013 hostelling \u2013 is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers. More than 350,000 people visit one of Scotland\u2019s 29 youth hostels and 24 affiliate hostels each year, helping the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":395,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/393"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=393"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/393\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":396,"href":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/393\/revisions\/396"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/395"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=393"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=393"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/timsvideostore.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=393"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}