Australia’s network of youth hostels is growing. YHA is on track to open three new properties, one in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane during 2009, an investment of over $50 million, as the demand for high quality budget accommodation from both domestic and international travellers remains strong.

With very few new hotels currently under construction in Australia’s capital cities YHA’s confidence demonstrates a resilience of the youth and budget travel sectors.

Tourism forecasts are for a reduction in the number of travellers coming due to the global economic crisis, however demand for quality budget accommodation to remains steady. Applications for Australian working holiday maker visas have increased from the UK and traditionally, the backpacker segment is less adversely affected by economic downturns.

In April 2009 the new Melbourne Central YHA opened on Flinders St in the heart of the city, representing a $14 million dollar investment in the revitalisation of this Melbourne precinct. This will be followed by Brisbane City YHA, to open at a cost of $16 million in June.

The most unusual of YHA’s three new properties is the $25 million Sydney Harbour YHA and The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre under construction on the site of the Cumberland St Dig Site in The Rocks adjacent to the spectaculat Sydney Harbour. YHA won a strongly contested open tender process to develop the historic site, owned by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) in 2006.

This 106 bedroom property will be the first budget accommodation to offer Opera House views from its rooms and panoramic Sydney Harbour views from its roof terrace, to rival the five star properties in the precinct. The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre will offer groups experiential learning through hands-on activities, which will include a simulated dig

Each new YHA property will include state-of-the art technology and a range of features that demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to environmental sustainability.