Best Hostel Threepeat for YHA NZ, 1st for Rotorua

YHA New Zealand has taken out the prestigious Hostelworld award for Best Hostel in Oceania for the 3rd year in a row.  This year the award was picked up by new YHA hostel YHA Rotorua, Treks, following back to back wins in 2007 and 2008 by YHA Wellington.

The award is based on customer ratings posted on the Hostelworld website.  More than 600,000 backpackers contribute to the rankings, making them a real reflection of travellers’ experiences and satisfaction.

Hostels are judged on six criteria - character, security, location, staff, fun-factor and cleanliness.

YHA Rotorua, Treks was acquired by YHA NZ in November 2008 and the award is a welcome confirmation of the exceptional quality of both the building and also the staff, who were all re-employed by YHA NZ.

YHA NZ CEO, Mark Wells, said, “The award illustrates the creative thinking, hard work and good service that has gone into the hostel.  From that point of view it really supports our purchase decision and is the perfect fit with the high standards that we work to throughout the YHA Network”.

The high standards that YHA operates to are becoming increasingly evident with YHA NZ racking up an impressive list of wins and accolades in recent years:

• 2009 YHA Rotorua, Treks – Hostelworld Best Hostel in Oceania
• 2007, 2008 YHA Wellington City – Hostelworld Best Hostel in Oceania
• 2008, YHA Te Anau – Hostelbookers Cleanliness Award
• 7 Qualmark 5 Star Hostels nationwide
• First 2 Qualmark enviro gold backpackers
• NZI National Sustainable Business Network Award – Trailblazer, winner - Not for Profit Section – YHA Wellington City

Wells says, “We don’t set out to win awards.  Our focus is on providing the best possible hostel experience for our guests. But, the awards, especially those based on guest feedback are welcome recognition that other people value what we’re doing., They provide an opportunity  to reflect and take some satisfaction that the hard work of our staff is paying off.”

While YHA NZ is focused on doing its business well its success in the Hostelworld awards is gaining attention across the Tasman.  Several large Australian hostels launched campaigns this year to gather sufficient high level ratings to knock YHA NZ off its perch.  For YHA NZ to achieve wins three years is a real testament to the quality of backpacking and the YHA network in New Zealand.

YHA New Zealand has 52 hostels nationwide, providing high quality budget accommodation to New Zealanders and international travellers.  Operating since 1932 YHA is one of the most enduring and largest tourist accommodation providers in the country.  YHA New Zealand has succeeded by staying true to its objects of cultural and environmental understanding through the provision of budget accommodation for travellers.  Most recently this is demonstrated by its commitment to a sustainable hostel network.