Sustainability

Sustainability at YOUNGSTAR TRAVEL: responsibility for the trips of tomorrow

As a youth trip organiser, we carry responsibility – for nature, for the regions we travel to, and for the young people who travel with us.

Today's participants are the shapers of tomorrow's world. That is why we want not only to give them unforgettable travel experiences, but also to teach them to treat nature and the environment with respect.

Many of our trips lead straight into nature – to the mountains, rivers or the sea. That is why it is important to us to use these places mindfully and look after them carefully. Sustainability considerations feed into our decisions again and again, even if they are not firmly anchored in all areas of our processes.

Travelling with the environment in mind

That is why we focus on the following, among other things:

  • Group travel to and from the destination in modern coaches to reduce individual car traffic

  • 100 % green electricity in our youth houses

  • Less meat on the menu

  • Repairing instead of buying new, to conserve resources

  • Durable materials in construction and furnishings

  • Outdoor activities such as skiing, canoe trekking, mountain biking or rafting that bring young people closer to nature

Our trips should not only be fun – they should also raise awareness of how valuable our environment is.

Sustainable accommodation

 

Jugendgästehaus Gerlosplatte

  • Solid timber construction using regional wood (approx. 1.840 m³) – stores large amounts of CO₂

  • Biomass district heating system

  • Photovoltaic system for generating electricity

  • E-charging points for electric vehicles

  • Certified to the klima:aktiv building standard

Jugendsporthotel Unterberg, Kössen

  • Very easy to reach by public transport

  • Ongoing switch to energy-efficient LED lighting, plus motion sensors and timer switches to reduce electricity use

  • Many activities take place right at the house or within walking distance – no additional coach journeys needed

  • Mountain bike tours start and end right at the accommodation using the house's own bikes (no coach transfer needed)

  • Use of a biodegradable ski wax alternative in the house's own ski rental

Familien- und Jugendgästehaus Schönfeld

  • Its own small ski area right at the house, run efficiently

  • Member of the Energiegenossenschaft Lungau energy cooperative (using regionally generated green electricity)

Jugendgästehaus Tauplitzalm

  • Modern pellet heating

  • Solar thermal system for hot water

Experiencing and appreciating nature

Experiencing nature is a central part of our trips.

Whether skiing in the Alps, mountain biking, climbing or canoe trekking in Norway – our programmes take young people straight outdoors.

In doing so, we enable participants:

  • to perceive nature consciously,

  • to develop a feel for their surroundings

  • and to enjoy and appreciate shared experiences in nature.

Social responsibility

For us, sustainability means not only protecting the environment, but also being responsible towards the people we work with and for.

Our trips thrive on dedicated supervisors, a strong team and an atmosphere where everyone can feel at ease. That is why we place great importance on respectful relationships, clear structures and safe conditions.

This includes, among other things:

  • Well-trained camp leaders who are prepared for their tasks

  • Training in first aid, safety and the supervision of children and young people

  • A clear supervision ratio so that all participants are well looked after

  • A respectful and appreciative camp atmosphere without exclusion or bullying

Working with regional partners is also important to us. Many of our programmes are run together with local providers – for example for outdoor activities. In this way we support the local economy and strengthen sustainable structures on site.

Economic sustainability

For us, sustainability also means acting in an economically responsible and long-term way. Our aim is not to maximise short-term profits, but to build stable and reliable structures for our trips.

That is why we focus on:

  • Long-term partnerships with accommodation providers, coach companies and local providers

  • Investment in quality and safety, for example in training, equipment and infrastructure

  • Transparent pricing that gives our participants good value for money

  • Continuous development of our offers so that we can keep providing attractive and safe travel experiences in the long term

Thanks to this sustainable economic planning, we can organise our trips reliably while investing in improvements – for our guests, our team and the regions we travel to.

Our goals for the future

For us, sustainability is an ongoing process. That is why we are continually working to develop our trips and processes further – environmentally, socially and economically.

Environment

  • Expanding our photovoltaic systems

  • Further energy and water saving measures

  • Step-by-step optimisation of our infrastructure and accommodation

Social

  • Further development of training and preparation for our camp leaders

  • Promoting a safe, respectful camp environment

  • Open communication and greater use of feedback

Economy

  • Expanding long-term partnerships with accommodation providers and service providers

  • Ensuring good value for money

  • Investing in quality, safety and organisation

Our aim is to make our trips more sustainable step by step – without giving up what makes our camps special: community, adventure and unforgettable experiences.

For us, sustainability means:
Making unique trips possible – while also ensuring that future generations can experience this nature too.