The youth hostel market - Italy

Hostels are distinct types of accommodation that date back to the early 20th century. Indeed, the first hostel was reportedly created in Germany in 1912 by Richard Schirrmann, who first transformed free school classes into bunk-bed rooms. The conceptual and functional significance of youth hostels, however, has much older roots. Indeed, in the Middle Ages, many structures were built to provide rest for pilgrims or travellers. These structures were known as "hospices" - from the Latin word hospitium. In the 1900s, these accommodations, originally known for their hospitable nature, underwent many transformations that brought them closer to the image they have today. The particularity of these accommodations is the sense of sharing: in general, inns have common dormitories and common facilities Hostels are usually preceded by the word "youth", which reinforces the intrinsic connotation of being designed for young people, hikers or travellers. Notable features include, for example, a common space and an affordable price. Although, since the way of life and travel habits have changed radically over time, hostels have adapted to an ever-changing demand. In Europe and especially in Italy, youth hostels are now flourishing as alternatives to short-term rentals (e. g. Airbnb) or typical hotels, with many features such as private rooms, social events, additional facilities (e. g. swimming pool, coffee lounge), extravagant facilities. [ Cloudbeds ]