YHA severs links with its smallest affiliates.

From the end of February camping barns in England and Wales will no longer be supported by the YHA who have, up to now, provided marketing and booking services for these small businesses- Independent Hostels UK reports.

Late last year the YHA decided they could no longer support the smallest businesses in the YHA network with their affiliate scheme. Camping barns and bunkhouse owners were informed that their small operations would lose all marketing and booking services at the end of February. The UK’s largest network of independently owned hostels, bunkhouses and camping barns; Independent Hostels UK have been fielding calls from worried camping barn owners ever since.

“We have quickly put together a dedicated page for ex-YHA camping barns on our website” said IHUK network owner and Independent Hostel Guide editor Sam Dalley. “We are providing extra marketing for these small businesses and enabling loyal users of the camping barns to find them once their presence has been removed from the YHA website ”

Providing good quality, affordable accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts has become an important source of income for many farmers and other landowners keen to diversify their income away from farming only. Camping barns can range from simple “stone tents” where visitors bring their own camping gear to plusher converted barns with bunk beds, hot showers and self-catering kitchens. For business owners they bring in a steady but not huge income. In recent years the YHA has changed its business model to concentrate on large hostels in popular areas providing accommodation for groups rather than the traditional individual traveller.

The list of Ex-YHA camping barns in the Independent Hostel Guide can be found here: Camping Barns. The page also showcases an ever growing list of hostels sold off by the YHA and SYHA, given a new lease of life by new owners using a variety of business models from private ownership to charities and social enterprises.

ENDS

For more information contact Independent Hostels UK:
Stay@independenthostels.co.uk
01629580427
Independent Hostels UK