Douzelage and Youth Köszeg 2006 Youth Associations’ involvement in the development of youth tourism Marie-Antoinette Paquet-Tondt Douzelage Committee Niederanven (L)

If we travelled more, the world would be a better place "If we travelled more, the world would be a better place" W orld T ourism O rganisation (WTO) defines the “young” tourism market as travellers aged 16-25, who take a trip of at least one night’s stay WTO estimate youth tourism accounts for more than 20 % of tourism worldwide 140 million international arrivals per year More than 70 % of youth tourism is in Europe

Young tourists are travelling more frequently, further from home and at a younger age than previous generations The youth travel market can be divided into two broad categories:  Independent youth travel,  Youth Group travel - School/college based youth group travel - non-school/college based youth group travel Each have distinct characteristics and requirements

A ssociation of T ourism and L eisure Education (ATLAS) and the I nternational S tudent T ravel C onfederation (ISTC) commissioned research in the last years. Independent Youth Travellers

Key findings: The high economic impact of youth travel: - Longer stays mean high total spent and money tends to be spent directly within the local community The cultural impacts of young people’s travel: - Pioneering of new destinations, experiences, new sports, etc. - Young people’s positive impact in cultural attitudes (respect for other cultures, volunteering in social projects, etc.) Independent Youth Travellers

Economic factors Educational aspects (travel as learning experience) Intercultural issues/language skills/youth mobility Recreational value Why is support for Youth Associations’ development of youth tourism so important?

Many Youth Associations have an international structure Youth Associations facilitate youth travel - Accommodation with prices as low as possible - Discounts on travel, etc. Youth Associations offer activities: - International exchanges and volunteering opportunities, - Sports events, - Cultural experiences and encounters, - Youth camps, etc. Youth Associations’ contribution to the development of youth tourism

FIYTO ( F ederation of I nternational Y outh T ravel O rganisations) Founded in 1950 to encourage youth exchanges and travel among the nations who fought against each other in WW2 Now a trade forum (with Annual Convention) for youth travel professionals Youth Associations’ initiatives to support and strengthen the development of youth tourism

ISIC ( I nternational S tudent I dentity C ard) The only internationally recognised proof of full-time student status and is endorsed by UNESCO Carried by 4 million students worldwide Key to thousands of discounts, benefits and services worldwide for students and youth Youth Associations’ initiatives to support and strengthen the development of youth tourism

ISTC ( I nternational S tudent T ravel C onfederation) Created in 1949 with the aim of improving international understanding between countries through affordable travel opportunities for students and youth Youth Associations’ initiatives to support and strengthen the development of youth tourism

EYCA ( E uropean Y outh C ard A ssociation) European card for young people under 26 Used by 4 million young people Issued and welcomed in 37 countries 60 websites, 20 magazines and many electronic newsletters informing young people about youth issues, mobility, culture, activities and participation in Europe in their own language Promotes youth mobility across Europe through discounts, special offers and information Supported by European Commission (DG Education and Culture: Youth Unit) Youth Associations’ initiatives to support and strengthen the development of youth tourism

World Scout Association Today, there are more than 28 million Scouts worldwide In 2007, Scouting celebrates its worldwide centenary under the banner “One World One Promise” Tens of thousands of young people from around the world expected to participate in the 21 st World Scout Jamboree in 2007 (to be held in UK). Youth Associations’ initiatives to support and strengthen the development of youth tourism

World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Mission: to enable girls and young women to develop their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world 10 million members International conferences and projects (including with the United Nations) Youth Associations’ initiatives to support and strengthen the development of youth tourism

European Alliance of YMCAs Not-for-profit accommodation provided with “added value” activities, training, seminars, etc. Christian mission and social inclusion projects and activities Youth Associations’ initiatives to support and strengthen the development of youth tourism

Bureau International du Tourisme Social (BITS) A Federation concerned with world social tourism More than 145 member organisations in 40 countries Youth Associations’ initiatives to support and strengthen the development of youth tourism

International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) Youth Hostelling movement began in Germany in 1909 Now, a worldwide movement in more than 40 countries IYHF Youth Hostels generate more than 32 million overnight stays a year (mostly by young people, many in Europe) Peace and International Understanding Campaign in conjunction with UNESCO Youth Associations’ initiatives to support and strengthen the development of youth tourism

International Friends of Nature Founded in Vienna in members worldwide Provide environmentally responsible leisure-time and travel programmes and operate more than Nature Friends Houses in Europe and overseas Youth Associations’ initiatives to support and strengthen the development of youth tourism

Increase of EU direct funding for Youth Associations National Youth Agencies offer a lot of interesting Many EU funds are allocated to projects and programmes aimed at increasing  youth tourism and mobility (i.e.: internet/e-marketing initiatives; cultural exchange programmes; environmental initiatives) What specific measures of support does the EU provide?

Support for development of activities and events for young by informing on the existing EU programs and by building contacts with the National Youth Agencies Support for provision of improved infrastructure in terms of meeting points/places for young people (security is also a vital issue) Offer special support to young people with special needs (especially those with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds or from geographically remote locations) We can identify the best way to find in our countries a better access to public transport for young people (at preferential rates) What specific measures of support can the Douzelage provide?

Young people are thirsty for experience of different cultures, open to new ideas and pioneers for new destinations Need to recognise that young people are very budget and image conscious Provision of accommodation is not enough  need to provide “ added value ” ( meeting areas, activity programmes, while ensuring a high level of safety and security ) Youth Associations’ merit our full support and every effort should be done to involve young people in the Douzelage activities National Youth Agencies should be our most important partners for all activities involving young peopleNational Youth Agencies Conclusions "Investing in youth is investment in our future "Investing in youth is investment in our future"

Thank you very much Douzelage and Youth Köszeg 2006