YHA was honoured with several awards at the 2013 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, held in Sydney on 7 February 2014.
Sydney Harbour YHA took out the top gong for 'Best Backpacker Accommodation' in Australia for the third year running, entering the Hall of Fame. Manager, Ross Lardner, thanked all the staff and guests who had contributed to the hostel's success in the five years since opening. To date the hostel has hosted over 150,000 guests, and received over 5,000 reviews on www.yha.com.au
Cairns Central YHA was also acknowledged with a bronze award.
The final award, for 2013 'Australian Tourism Legend' went to Julian Ledger, CEO of YHA Ltd. Julian was crowned with this award for 'National Outstanding Contribution by an Individual' for his work over 35 years to help professionalise the backpacker industry, raise standards and improve the image of this sector. In his acceptance speech, Ledger said that when he first joined YHA, the words 'youth' and 'tourism' were not often found together. He said: "This award represents recognition at the peak Australian tourism event of the year, of the significance of the youth tourism sector as a high yield and substantial part of tourism, which makes an outstanding overall contribution."
The backpacker sector in Australia is now made up of over 600,000 people per year staying an average of 80 nights and spending over $7,000 each, and worth over $4 Billion to the economy.
YHA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organisation, and part of the world's largest budget accommodation network, Hostelling International, with 4,000 hostels in more than 90 countries.
In 2014, YHA Australia is celebrating 75 years of providing 'opportunity for all, but especially young people, for education by personal development, fostering friendship, and bringing about a better understanding of the world around them'.
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