PRESS RELEASE

Hostelling International / Youth Hostels Associations Asian Countries Meeting New Delhi, 19th Nov 2011
Youth Hostelling (YH) will be used as an effective means of promoting Peace and Understanding amongst the people of different countries comprising Asia, especially the youth who constitute the largest chunk of the population. For this purpose, dialogue, discussion and exchange of views will be arranged from time to time, making it possible to adopt the best practices for YH prevalent within and outside Asia. This was the outcome of the Asian Countries Meeting (ACM) of Hostelling International/Youth Hostel Associations organized by the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) on 19th November, 2011 at International Youth Hostel, New Delhi. The purpose of organizing the meeting was to promote Peace and International Understanding and youth tourism in the Asian regions. The focus of the meeting was to create mutual synergies and bonhomie among the participating countries and resuscitate the movement in the countries where it has, for some reasons, remained stagnant. Also the idea was to expand the movement by entering new areas. The inaugural session was presided over by Mr Shafi Pandit, National President YHAI. He emphasized that the essential ingredients of YH are Patience, Empathy, Adventure, Co-existence and Eco-friendliness (PEACE). Dr. Harish K Saxena, while presiding over the business session of the conference, shared his rich experiences of YH in his capacity as Chairman, YHAI and also the only non-European (Past) President of IYHF (International Youth Hostel Federation). He said that there is tremendous scope for mutual and multi-lateral co-operation amongst the countries in the Asian region which will create a propitious atmosphere for giving a boost to the YH movement not only in the Asian continent but also in the global scenario as a whole. Delegates from 10 countries participated in the Meeting. H.E. Mr. Ronald B. Allarey, Ambassador of Philippines, Mr.Ba Hla Aye, Dy. High Commissioner, Embassy of Myanmar and Ms. Joohee Ahn, Programme Manager, Korean Cultural Centre and There were 17 delegates from Malaysia, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, U.A.E and India. Synchronizing with the ACM, the International Youth Hostel-Manali was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Ronald B. Allarey, Ambassador of Philippines, which is the second operated International Youth Hostel by the National Youth Hostel Trust created by YHAI. Amongst the other diplomats who participated, Mr. Ba Hla Aye, Dy. High Commissioner assured that he will send his recommendations to his Government to open at least one Youth Hostel in Myanmar which will promote tourism in the country.

With regards, Prasad B. Hanchate Chief Executive Officer Youth Hostels Association of India 5, Nyaya Marg, Chankaypuri, New Delhi Website : www.yhaindia.org