About HostelsWales

Who are we?

What are our aims?

Who can join us?

How can we be contacted?

HostelsWales is the web-site of the

Association of Bunkhouse Operators

and the above questions are best answered by outlining the history of the Association:

Bothies, bunkhouses and hostels of differing styles and sizes have been in existence for many decades providing simple accommodation for adventure-seeking individuals and groups.

In the late 1970s the Countryside Commission and the Yorkshire Dales National Park began a new initiative and grant-aided the conversion of a number of redundant agricultural barns into bunkhouse accommodation. By 1984 there were 5 such 'bunkhouse barns' in operation located strategically close to the long distance footpaths. It was thought that these bunkhouses would attract hikers from the long distance walkways for a simple one-night stay. While this was the case, an unexpected market began to evolve. Experience soon showed that the bunkhouses were popular with groups that wanted to stay for 2 or 3 nights or more, using the bunkhouse as a base from which to undertake the many activities in the area. They required 'sole occupancy' so that they could determine their own programme and routine, rather than having to conform to the rules of a shared hostel. Over the years bunkhouses have evolved to cater for both these markets.

Bunkhouses began to appear in the Brecon Beacons area of Mid Wales in the late 1980s, and since then have grown in number to about 20 establishments currently in operation with several more under development. It was recognised that the owners, proprietors or operators of these bunkhouses had matters of common interest or concern and as a consequence in 1994 the Association of Bunkhouse Operators was formed with the following aims:

The aim and objectives of the Association shall be to provide support for its members in matters of mutual concern such as operations, finance, marketing, technical; and to provide effective communications with other organisations, all with the mutual purpose of promoting and enabling the businesslike success of members' enterprises.

This web-site is just one example of our joint marketing activities, which includes a brochure distributed through our own 'call-centre'.  Telephone 07071 780259 for your copy.

Membership is open to accommodation operators and potential operators who are in sympathy with these aims and objectives. The only proviso is that for marketing purposes the accommodation complies with the Wales Tourist Board Grading Scheme and with our Association's own verification criteria.

Whilst the Association's roots and the majority of the membership are bunkhouse operators located within the Brecon Beacons National Park, the status quo is changing on a number of fronts:

Firstly operators from further afield have seen the benefits of such an organisation. Interest has been expressed all over Wales and it is projected that the Association will expand into an all Wales organisation. This all Wales Association would need to be based a branch structure (the current group becoming the Brecon Beacons Branch of ABO, other branches could be set up in Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire Coastal, and other area of Wales).

Secondly although we are the Association of Bunkhouse Operators, there was never any intention to limit membership to 'bunkhouse' operators only. Indeed one person's bunkhouse is another's independent hostel or backpackers hostel. We also welcome operators of other forms of budget accommodation such as these into the Association.

From this it is easy to see how we arrived at the name HostelsWales for the web-site.

If you are interested in joining the Association and have your establishment appear on this web-site, or would like to form a new Branch of the Association in another part of Wales, or would like to set up a 'link' between this site and your own, or have any other questions regarding the Association then please contact the Secretary of The Association of Bunkhouse Operators by Email at:

Email

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