“We are on a journey” says Paul McGrath, YHA
YHA Sydney Harbour – The Rocks hosted an intimate tour and lunch for a group of travel media on Thursday, and the take away was clear, environmental sustainability and regeneration is top of the bill.
Having recently released its first ‘integrated report’ highlighting a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, YHA Australia’s CEO, Paul McGrath, said, “(the report) reflects the changes YHA Australia has undergone in the last two years and how we as an organisation have evolved into a more innovative and impact-focused organisation because of it.”
“We are proud of the commitment we have all made across all areas of the organisation to operate in a more responsible and transparent way and know that our focus on regenerative practices and experiences will continue to resonate with travellers who stay with us as we look to 2023 and beyond.”
The Youth Hostel Association (YHA), which has over 40 accommodation options around Australia, has undergone a significant change in their strategic outlook since the pandemic halted majority of its operations.
Gone are the days of catering to backpackers keen for a game of beer pong in the common area, instead, the goal is to provide classy, low cost accommodation to the modern traveller – one who is more likely to arrive with a designer suitcase rather than a rucksack, according to McGrath.
Locations around the country are in the process of being overhauled. In the case of the Sydney Harbour property, there are a range of features that have been incorporated into the revamp that limit the carbon footprint of every guest.
While each room is fitted with air-conditioning, modern louvers have been installed to the outer of every window to promote airflow as well as a sensor that will switch off the A/C automatically when the window is open. The entire building has an open air rooftop, and has been built in a way that cool air flows from the base of the building up through each floor and out the roof, eliminating the need for A/C in the hallways and common areas.
Couple this with solar panels on the roof or the use of only emergency lighting in hallways or a seemingly endless list of sustainable practices and you end up with an incredible difference in carbon usage numbers per guest compared to most other hotels. YHA Sydney Harbour – The Rocks the have a carbon footprint averaging 5.4kg per guest, whereas the broader hotel market can sit anywhere between 40 and 60 kg per guest.
YHA Sydney Harbour – The Rocks has a number of accommodation options to suit all travellers, from 6-bed co share dorm rooms, to king and queen private rooms the property is the perfect base for anyone looking to explore Sydney’s bustling harbour precinct at not only a low cost but with sustainability in mind!
Latest News
Alluna Motel, Armidale undergoes reimagining with Choice Hotels Asia-Pac
A little bit of country comfort is fine, but we like our modern conveniences, and a little style as well.
ASIC to sue REX over allegations of deceptive and misleading conduct
What's that? An Aussie airline in legal trouble again... You guessed it.
ICC Sydney team and social impact initiative triumphs at ABEA inaugural awards
Top of the tree at an inaugural awards event? Great work again from the ICC Sydney team.
Fiji Airways first-ever direct service to DFW plus new Business Class amenity kits
Are you a fan of long flights? We don't want any answers from those who turn left...
Taylor Swift closes largest grossing music tour ever, providing huge global tourism boost
With these kind of figures, Swift is a welcome guest!
Mackay Airport flying high for festive season
Mackay is hot right now and expected to get hotter with more Virgin flights to Brisbane.
Crowne Plaza announces refurbishment of Sydney Airport property
Missed that flight - again! Then here's a place to rest your head, just make sure to set your alarm for AM.
The future is here! Travel DAZE is back for 2025
Check out all the details for the 2025 Travel DAZE here! It is not one to miss!
Blossoms, Louboutins and tears: behind the scenes at the Women in Travel Awards 2024
Behind the scenes of one of the travel industry's most colourful and important events!
An event producer’s take on Alma Resort – the ultimate MICE destination
We dispatch one of our own events brains to Cam Ranh in Vietnam to put its MICE facilities to the test!
Tonight is the night! Industry braces for the 2024 Women in Travel Awards
We are so excited we could literally scream. Okay we are doing it, we are screaming!!!
Philippines’ Department of Tourism launches its first dive experience
One to check out if you are a keen diver! See you under the water.
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon draws over 55,000 participants
Given our performance at the City to Surf this year, we're not going to be adding to the numbers at the next marathon.
Celestyal F1 Doha trip offers triple treat for travel advisors and destination managers
Seeing Piastri snatch third almost made us want to jump onboard again for the next race.
Events deliver $777 million in impact for Melbourne, Geelong and beyond
Events are big business in the State of Victoria!
Events deliver $777 million in impact for Melbourne, Geelong and beyond
Events are big business in the State of Victoria!
Korea strengthens MICE play with new convention centres
Okay, here us out. What about a Squid Games-themed conference!? We'll see ourselves out.
Crown Resorts to house new Golden Century restaurant and Icebergs Harbour Bar
An old inner-city favourite and an Eastern Suburbs hotspot to open at the Crown, seems like a winner to us.
Major events shape Accor success as new openings promise even more
Now that Taylor Swift and Coldplay have been and gone, who's going to do the numbers for Accor in 2025?
Celestyal Journey debut and F1 race mark busiest week in Qatar, since 2022 World Cup
A feast of options for cruise, fight, MICE and motor racing fans. It's a hot destination - literally.
All the details for Travel Weekly’s 2025 luxury roadshows
We've had a bunch of you sign up already! The appetite for luxury is high.
An afternoon of elegance and exploration with The Peninsula Hotels
This sounds like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Much better than sitting at the desk.
Finding life’s potential at Kamalaya: a conversation with Gopal Kumar
A must-read for all our wellness fans out there!
Creating a lounge experience for everyone is what brings me joy, says Song
Speaking of lounges, we wonder who will get a start at the new Western Sydney International!
Nibbler publisher shortlisted for Best Conference Award
Misfits Media, publisher of The Nibbler, Travel Weekly and B&T, has been shortlisted at the Australian Business Events Association Awards for Best Conference Award which was held at Cairns Convention Centre. Cairns Convention Centre was shortlisted as a finalist in three prestigious categories at the Australian Business Events Association Awards, including Best Conference for Cannes […]
Victoria Tourism Awards celebrates leading tourism operators
We imagine there are some sore heads and happy hearts this morning!
Skyscanner surprises Scotland rugby captain by flying in his Aussie grandma
A story to warm the cockles, but we still hope the Wallabies smash Scotland. Although we'll claim it either way.
Major events help Sunshine Coast tourism shine in 2023-24
From Surf Life Saving titles to long lunches or a marathon, the Sunshine Coast had something for everyone in 2023/24.
MCEC earns best Business Event Venue Award for the second year in a row
Forget the gold and the bronze, we think the key is in the stainless-steel coffee cup initiative.
MCEC earns best Business Event Venue Award for the second year in a row
Forget the gold and the bronze, we think the key is in the stainless-steel coffee cup initiative.
Luxury Beverly Hills hotels unwrap Christmas festivities
No decisions on what clients want to do Christmas? Here's an idea, tell them to pack a bag and jump a flight to LAX.
The Bohoho opens in Camps Bay, Cape Town
There doesn't seem to be anything subtle about these content creator spaces. Beige walls are not an option.
New York City Tourism + Conventions launches NYC Hotel Week with massive savings
At up to a quarter off the price of a room, we might even be able to book one ourselves.
Webjet shares plummet 8% as group delays financial results due to ‘technical’ issue
While the vast majority of shareholders voted for this demerger, we now await the curly questions at the AGM.
Travel Weekly to host 2025 three-city Luxury roadshow across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
Clear your diary now! The hottest event in luxury travel is coming to a venue near you.
Vale Jackie McKeown of Visit Canberra
Our thoughts go out to all those who knew and worked with Jackie over the years.