A Centennial of Hostelling Stamp

Public Letter of Support to the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee

Mr. Ron Robinson, Chair
Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee
United States Postage Service
1735 North Lynn Street
Room 5013
Arlington, VA 22209-6432

Dear Mr. Robinson:

I am writing to support the issuance of a United States postage stamp to commemorate the 100th anniversary of hostelling in 2009.

Hostelling was founded in 1909. It has since grown to be a global movement that over time has hosted more than 1.2 billion overnight stays by travelers of all ages, especially the young. By providing safe, affordable accommodations that promote the experiential education of travel, hostelling has made a unique and notable contribution to cross-cultural understanding in the United States and worldwide.

In 2005 alone, more than 34 million overnight stays were welcomed by more than 4000 hostels worldwide. And in the United States, nearly one million overnight stays by visitors from more than 100 countries were hosted.

Hostels are basic communal accommodations that by their design facilitate interaction and exchange. Locations in areas of cultural, historic, and scenic interest promote education and tourism. Organized programs enhance the cross-cultural experience.

Hostelling has brought the world to U.S. communities, through decades of service and thousands of international travelers using hostels and related programs every day. And tens of thousands of U.S. youth groups and young adults annually take advantage of hostel settings and facilities as learning tools. For young people, hostels provide safe places to learn, explore, and collaborate with peers and adults.

I encourage the Advisory Committee to commemorate the 100th anniversary of hostelling with a United States postage stamp. Hostelling has made a significant contribution nationally and globally, and deserves our recognition.

Sincerely yours,