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Intro…
Well folks, it’s a week or so after the meeting and everyone
who was in Prague has dispersed to different parts of Europe
from where they came.
We thought we’d put together this little review, with a look
back to what happened for those who need reminding,
and for those who couldn’t make it.
Before we look back on the couple of days in Prague we would like,
in best Oscar-winner fashion, to say some big thank yous from
the European Hostel Cooperation to all of those that helped
to make the event a success.
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Thank You!
Petr and Amur from the Travellers Hostel in Prague were
wonderful in providing contacts and information that us
outsiders to the city never would have found
(and provided the free beers and wine for the party on Saturday night, Cheers!),
and we also received invaluable help from Mathias and
the team from the Sir Toby’s Hostel.
We’d also like to thank the different venues…the Aloha Wave Bar,
the Minorite Monastery of St. James, and the NOD Gallery,
as well as all the hostels in Prague that offered those
coming to the meeting discounts on their nights stay.
Then there are the people that contributed to the workshops
and presentations, an overview of which is below, such as Andrew,
Peter and David (from the Scottish, German and Swiss hostel
networks respectively), Keith Marsh (Oz Traveller/Kiwi Experience),
Sion Llewelyn (Cardiff Backpackers), Nathan Gendreau (Nathan’s Villa),
Jim Zielinski (the Bulldog), Carolyn Zukowski (Krumlov House) and
all the software companies that presented their technical wizardry.
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Finally we would like to thank everyone that came - there is a list
of the delegates that attended the meeting somewhere on this page
in case you have forgotten who you are.
We were absolutely overwhelmed by the response to the meeting
and the number of people that joined us in Prague - we never expected so many,
and we are extremely grateful for everyone who was there who helped
create such a relaxed and wonderful atmosphere.
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Next Year…Already?!
The success of the 4th European Hostel Meeting has convinced us that next year we will
also host the meeting somewhere in Central Europe, to make it as easily accessible for
as many hostels as possible, and if there are any suggestions as to locations,
do not hesitate to get in contact with us!
In fact, if you have any suggestions and comments at all about the meeting…what
we could do better, what you would like to see…we want to hear them.
There is a reason why we call it a ‘European Hostel Meeting’…this is the chance for
all of us to get together, to share information, to meet, greet and have
a few beers - so if there is something that you want to see, let us know.
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The Review
OK, so enough of the platitudes, some of you want to know what
actually happened. Maybe you couldn’t make it to Prague,
or maybe you were there but got stuck talking by the flyer
exchange and missed a workshop or two. Never mind, here’s the
quick guide (with links and downloads) to the 4th European Hostel
Meeting in Prague.
Friday 8th April - Aloha!!
Welcome Drinks at the Aloha Wave Lounge, Dusni Street 11, Prague 1
Katrin, Susann and Joern had spent a few days running around the city
with Petr and Amur to get things ready and were probably looking forward
to what was advertised on this very page as a ‘relaxed and informal welcome drink’.
Well, as with the rest of the weekend, loads of people showed up - the word
having obviously got around that there was a free cocktail for those that made it.
It was a little packed, but lots of fun nonetheless, and a great chance to meet
old friends, new faces and those that were both. Vic and his master team of
cocktail-makers behind the bar made so many Sex on Beaches that there arms would
have been aching for days - so we’d like to say cheers and give them a little
link to their website. www.alohapraha.cz.
The EHC team enjoyed it immensely, until they realised what time it was and
how soon it would be the moment to meet at the Monastery the next morning…so
they headed quickly off to bed to get ready for…
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Welcome Presentation - The European Hostel Cooperation and GOMIO.COM
The meeting was opened by Katrin Schoenig, welcoming everybody as she took ten
minutes out from running the show, and then handed the microphone over to Andreas Becker,
the Managing Director and General Manager of the European Hostel Cooperation.
Andreas went over the first year’s activities of the EHC and GOMIO.COM,
the successes and failures, the good and the bad, and outlined the activities
for the coming year.
Andreas highlighted how the EHC has worked and will work, from representation and
support for hostels through to the activities of the GOMIO.COM booking portal.
He also thanked everyone for their support for the EHC and GOMIO.COM over the last
year because, without which, we wouldn’t still be here.
So all of us would like to take this opportunity to second Andreas’s thoughts
and say a big CHEERS!
If anyone wants more information about Andreas’s presentation,
they should get in contact with him directly at andreas.becker@gomio.com.
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Regional Hostel Networks
Three people, three countries, three networks. The representatives of the regional hostel
networks workshop brought together were; Andrew Donaldson (Scottish Independent Hostels),
David Buehler (Swiss Backpacker Network) and Peter Weissbach (Backpacker Network Germany)
to discuss their experiences and pass on what they had learnt through their regional hostel networks.
They outlined the history of their networks, how they functioned, and what issues had come up in the
process that might be of interest to others thinking of establishing such a network in their
own region or country.
In terms of what the three involved in the workshop felt, it can be best summarised by
Peter from the Backpacker Network Germany: “What we found in preparing the workshop,
and what was pointed out in talks after the presentations, was that even though these
three networks established themselves without knowing each other before,
and in quite different markets too, their structures, methods and aims are very similar,
which proves for me that this is a way to go.”
One of the most important conclusions that came from the workshop was the importance
of these networks in representing independent hostels, and this area of the market,
towards authorities, and helping define and differentiate between hostels and other
budget accommodation.
The presentations are all available to download from the three networks,
and we are sure, that if anyone is interested in setting up something similar where
they are then these three established networks will be happy to pass on their advice
and experience.
Downloads:
Workshop_ScottishIndependentHostels.pdf
Workshop_SwissBackpackers.pdf
Workshop_BackpackerNetworkGermany.pdf
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Swiss Backpackers
Scottish Independent Hostels
German Backpacker Network
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Working with National Tourist Authorities
Anyone who has dealt with tourism boards or government agencies know how difficult
it is to persuade them as to the value and importance of the sector of tourism that
we all work in.
This workshop was hosted by Sion Llewelyn (Cardiff Backpackers, Wales)
who put together some interesting information as to how hostels can work with
national tourism authorities and get them onside.
The presentation was in four sections: Who are we? What’s the Problem? Who are They?
and Any Solutions? Sion’s experience of working with the Welsh Tourism Board
(amongst others) means that he has some answers, which were very interesting,
especially for those in countries where the hostel-scene has been met with ignorance
and indifference by the tourism authorities.
After all his persuasion and good work, Sion is now the Cultural Tourism Consultant
for the Wales Tourist Board, Youth Tourism Advisor to Visit Britain and a board member
of Visit Cardiff. Sion’s great advice and information is contained on his presentation, which is available here to download.
Most importantly he explores the key arguments that can be used to persuade the
tourism authorities as to the importance of our market, everything from the use of
numbers, the benefits our guests bring, the long-term potential of encouraging
hostels and backpacking, and the key differences between ‘our’ guests and the
mainstream tourist market. Food for thought!
Download:
Tourism_Authorities.ppt
Tourism_Authorities.pdf
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Presentation - Overview of the Australian/NZ Hostel Market
Keith Marsh (Oz Traveller and Kiwi Experience) opened the afternoon session after
lunch with an interesting look at the Australian and New Zealand backpacking market,
the difference and similarities with the European scene,
and any lessons that can be drawn from this comparison.
Interestingly, Keith argued that although the impression might be that the Australians
and New Zealanders have a more established backpacking and hostel scene,
the ‘tide has turned’ somewhat with the growth of hostels and budget travel in Europe,
especially the no frills airlines, and that actually, in the end,
they can learn from us when it comes to current trends and developments.
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Reservations Software Introduction
It was lap-tops ahoy in the afternoon as a number of different software companies
from around Europe and Australia presented their reservations software and other
technical wizardry to everyone. We have a list of the companies involved,
with what they were presenting, email and website addresses,
as well as some of their presentations for you to have a look at:
Reservations Software, so you know who is staying where in your hostel,
was presented by:
Charts - Andrew Guzowski and Christopher Guzowski
Email: info@online-int.com.au
Website: www.online-int.com.au
Download: charts.pps
Dormproject - Andreas Arn and Christine Arn
Email: info@teccom.ch
Website: www.dormproject.ch
Enodux - Jose Juste and Andreas
Email: jjuste@telefonica.net
Website: www.enodux.com
Download: Enodux.pdf
GOMIO.COM Software - Joe Sheil and John Burnett
Email: info@gomio.com or joe@gomio.com
Website: www.gomio.com/members
Download: (http://www.gomio.com/members/software/)
Medallion Software/SoftBrands - Lesley Saunders and Wim Vaunhoof
Email: lesley.saunders@softbrands.com
Website: www.softbrands.com
Download: medallion.exe
MyBrilliant - Jan Willem van Roekel and Peter van der Wardt
Email: info@myhotelsoftware.com
Website: www.mybrilliant.net
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Internet Terminal and Access Software,
for receptions and elsewhere in the hostel, was presented by:
DaPhix Strobl and Krey GbR - Phillip Krey and Daniel Strobl
Email: info@daphi.de
Website: www.daphix.de
Download: DAPHIXatGOMIO.pdf
Ton Tauben Internet Service - Sebastian Dietrich and Sebastian Herrmann
Email: info@ton-tauben.de
Website: www.ton-tauben.de
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Hostel Booking Portal for Tour Operators,
was presented by:
Hostel-Booking.com - Kasper Ronnow
Email: support@hostel-booking.com
Website: www.hostel-booking.com
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Hostel Market Developments: A Comparison
The hostel market developments were hosted by Nathan Gendreau
(Nathan’s Villa Hostels - Warsaw, Krakow and Sighesoara), and Andreas Becker
(the European Hostel Cooperation and the Circus Hostels in Berlin).
Andreas talked about the rapid development of the hostel scene in Berlin,
which is experiencing rapid growth (in visitors, hostel beds and so on)
after a few years of plateau, probably due to the effects of various external
events (September 11th, Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq) that have impacted not
only on the hostel market, but on the tourism sector in general.
Nathan talked about the developments in Poland in general,
and Krakow in particular, which offered an interesting comparison
as an emerging market as opposed to the developed market of Berlin.
He presented tourism trends as well as the growth in hostels in Krakow,
from zero independent hostels before 2003 to somewhere around 15 being
opened by the main summer season in 2005. After Nathan and Andreas's
presentations there followed a lively discussion between those taking
part in workshop, as people discussed different aspects of what they had heard,
and shared some of their own experiences.
Download:
Workshop_Andreas.ppt
Workshop_Nathan.doc
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European Hostelling Research
Paul Scraton of the European Hostel Cooperation hosted this small workshop,
where the possibility of putting together a survey/questionnaire to be carried
out in hostels across Europe during the summer of 2005 was discussed.
The main reasons behind the idea were that:
(a) this would create some data and information about the European hostelling
market that could be used in representations to third parties such as tourism
authorities or governments, and:
(b) that it would give hostels themselves
info about the nature of the guests that stay in hostels across Europe.
Paul presented a draft of a questionnaire that was discussed by everyone
in the workshop, and suggestions and improvements were made.
At the end of the workshop it was decided that Paul would go away with the
ideas and create a ‘new’ draft that people could comment on with more time
(and when they were less tired ;-).
Anyone who is interested in helping with the survey in their hostel should
contact Paul in the EHC office or email to paul.scraton@gomio.com.
The draft questionnaire is here to download, with the ideas from the workshop added,
and any suggestions for improvements or missing questions that you might want
answered are much appreciated!
Download:
EuropeanHostelSurvey2005.doc
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Presentation - The Art of Hospitality
Everyone came together again after the afternoon workshops to listen to a couple
of presentations in the main hall, the first of which was by Jim Zielinski of
the Bulldog Hotel in Amsterdam, the subject of which is close to the hearts of
everyone in the hostel scene: ‘The Art of Hospitality’.
Jim told the story of the Bulldog, as well as some of his own experiences
travelling, lost and lonely in the triangle between Poland, Belarus and Lithuania.
He discovered what hospitality means, what it should mean, and how this
impacts on hostels and their guests. He talked about how this affects
all aspects of a hostel, from cleanliness to the reception,
and explored exactly what it means to be nice to strangers.
He ended his very well-received presentation with what could be seen as the
quote of the day, as well as a motto that could apply to all of us involved
in hostels and the hostel scene:
“To summarise my story in one sentence I would say: Always be nice to a stranger
(at least in the beginning) because you never know what kind of angels are
sitting on his shoulder.”
The text from Jim’s thought-provoking speech is available to read as a download
so take a look because, in Jim’s own words again, hospitality is important
“because it does not cost you a penny, and it makes your work more fun…”
Download:
Jim's_speech.doc
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Presentation - Bed Bugs: Information for Hostel Managers and Owners
Carolyn Zukowski (Krumlov House, Czech Republic) rounded off the meeting with an entertaining,
interesting and important talk on something that no-one likes to talk about…bed bugs.
Carolyn has done some research into this topic, and wanted to share what she had
learned about this topic that all hostels have to deal with at some point.
The text of her talk is available to download, so take a look,
as Carolyn looks at how bed bugs can be dealt with effectively,
when they arrive and what products should be used to get rid of them.
She also talked about how they can be prevented in the first place,
as well as how to help the guests that fall victim to these little critters,
despite hostels best efforts.
You can read Carolyn’s presentation by downloading it from here,
and there are plenty of excellent tips to keep the bed bugs at bay.
Download:
carolyns_speech.doc
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Saturday 9th April - The Party!!
The infamous, after-meeting hostel party took place at the NOD Gallery,
Dlouha 33, Prague 1. The NOD Gallery is next to the Travellers Hostel
(who kindly sponsored the beer and wine) and was decorated with some artwork
from the hostel as well as a sculpture of garden implements in the middle of the room.
The entertainment was provided by ‘DJ No P’ (Nopper to his friends) from here in Berlin,
who got everyone dancing despite the diversity of music tastes in the room.
The party was a great way to unwind after a long day, and was a nice chance for everyone to
socialise as well as discuss the things that we had seen and heard at the Monastery.
The most entertaining sights of the party were…well, maybe what happened in Prague
should stay in Prague ;-). Needless to say a fun time was had by all, and apparently
(though of course we were all tucked up in bed by this point) the DJ was still spinning at
five in the morning.
Sunday Morning…
We rolled out of…no, we sprung energetically out of bed on the Sunday,
tired but happy that everything had gone well.
We hope that everyone who
was in Prague enjoyed themselves as much as we did, and that if you weren’t there,
but have read this far, you enjoyed this little review of the weekend.
Hope to see everyone again next year!!
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