[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 23 (Thursday, February 5, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S1677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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            75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL USA

 Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, today I recognize the Hostelling 
International USA for 75 years of service to intercultural 
understanding and youth travel.
  Hostelling International USA is a nonprofit organization founded in 
1934 to promote hostels and hostel-related programs in the United 
States. Today hostels across the country host nearly 1 million 
overnight stays by both domestic and foreign travelers. In doing so, it 
promotes cultural exchange through travel, supports tourism in small 
and large communities throughout the country, and makes travel 
available on very limited funds.
  Hostels make travel safe and affordable for young and old. Hostelling 
International boasts more hostel rooms than most hotel chains and 
offers a unique experience in friendly and varied surroundings. Instead 
of staying in a standardized hotel room every night, travelers in a 
hostel have the opportunity to share a meal and engage with fellow 
travelers from every nation and cultural tradition they can imagine. It 
is these shared experiences and the unexpected encounter that makes 
hostelling such a unique and valuable experience for travelers across 
the country and around the world.
  In my home State of New Mexico Hostelling International has operated 
hostels in Las Vegas, Silver City, Truth or Consequences, and Datil. 
Today their hostel in Taos offers travelers the opportunity to 
experience the majestic beauty of the New Mexico landscape and the 
unique culture of Taos pueblo, as well as a little celebrity sighting. 
These hostels have exposed New Mexico to a variety of travelers who, I 
am certain, will never forget their experiences in the Land of 
Enchantment.
  I commend Hostelling International for their work in the last 75 
years and hope that they look forward to at least another 75 years with 
an increasing number of hostels and travelers around the world.

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