[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18164-18165]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL USA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 2009

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hostelling 
International USA, which is celebrating 75 years of promoting youth 
travel and intercultural understanding.

[[Page 18165]]

  Hostelling International USA is a nonprofit organization founded in 
1934 to promote hostels and educational programs throughout the United 
States, especially for young travelers. The organization aims to help 
travelers of all ages, but particularly young people, gain a greater 
understanding of the world and its people. Annually, its hostels host 
nearly one million overnight stays by domestic and foreign travelers. 
Hostelling International USA creates cultural exchange through travel 
and education, and its 70 hostels across the country bring jobs and 
tourism revenue to local economies.
  In my own community of Chicago, Hostelling International's local 
nonprofit hostel, the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel, provides 
85,000 overnights for travelers every year. The hostel offers an 
inexpensive, safe, and comfortable place for visitors of all ages to 
stay in Chicago, and was rated by travelers as the Best Large Hostel in 
the World in 2006 and 2007.
  Hostelling International Chicago not only welcomes international 
visitors, but it also serves our local community. The hostel teaches 
cultural understanding to over 1,500 local students each year through a 
variety of programs, including Exchange Neighborhoods and Cultural 
Kitchen. These programs are offered in partnership with the Chicago 
Public Schools and the Girl Scouts, as well as other youth-serving 
organizations.
  Madam Speaker, Hostelling International encourages young people to 
travel, to see the world and meet people from other countries, and to 
become responsible global citizens. I congratulate Hostelling 
International USA for its 75 years of service, and I thank Hostelling 
International Chicago for its service to the metropolitan Chicago area.

                          ____________________