Sustainability at YOUNGSTAR TRAVEL: responsibility for the trips of tomorrow
As a youth tour operator, we have a responsibility – for nature, for the regions we travel to and for the young people who travel with us.
Today's participants are the people who will shape tomorrow's world. That is why we want not only to give them unforgettable travel experiences, but also to pass on a respectful attitude towards nature and the environment.
Many of our trips lead straight into nature – to the mountains, to rivers or to the sea. That is why it is important to us to use these places consciously and to treat them with care. Sustainability considerations regularly feed into our decisions, even if they are not firmly embedded in our processes in every area.
Travelling with the environment in mind
That is why we rely on measures such as:
Group travel there and back in modern coaches to reduce individual car journeys
100% green electricity in our youth houses
Less meat on the menu
Repairing instead of buying new, to save 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 from regional wood (approx. 1,840 m³) – stores large amounts of CO₂
Biomass district heating system
Photovoltaic system for generating electricity
EV charging points for electric mobility
Certified to the klima:aktiv building standard
Jugendsporthotel Unterberg, Kössen
Very easy to reach by public transport
Ongoing switch to energy-efficient LED lighting and use of motion sensors and timers to reduce electricity consumption
Many activities take place right at the house or within walking distance – no extra 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 alternative to ski wax in the in-house ski rental
Familien- und Jugendgästehaus Schönfeld
Our own small ski area right at the house, which is run efficiently
Member of the Lungau energy cooperative (use of regionally generated green electricity)
Jugendgästehaus Tauplitzalm
Modern pellet heating
Solar thermal system for hot water
Experiencing and valuing nature
Experiencing nature is a central part of our trips.
Whether skiing in the Alps, on mountain bike tours, 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 value shared experiences in nature.
Social responsibility
For us, sustainability means not only protecting the environment, but also taking responsibility for the people we work with and for.
Our trips thrive on committed camp leaders, a strong team and an atmosphere in which everyone can feel comfortable. That is why we attach great importance to mutual respect, clear structures and a safe environment.
This includes:
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 staff-to-participant 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 responsibly and with a long-term view in economic terms. Our goal is not to maximise short-term profits, but to build stable and reliable structures for our trips.
That is why we rely 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 offers our participants good value for money
The continuous development of our offers so that we can provide attractive and safe travel experiences in the long term
This sustainable economic planning allows us to 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 continuously working on developing our trips and processes – ecologically, socially and economically.
Environment
Expanding our photovoltaic systems
Further energy and water saving measures
Gradual optimisation of our infrastructure and accommodation
Social
Further development of training and preparation for our camp leaders
Promoting a safe and appreciative camp environment
Open communication and greater use of feedback
Economic
Expanding long-term partnerships with accommodation providers and service providers
Ensuring good value for money
Investment in quality, safety and organisation
Our goal 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 making sure that future generations can experience this nature too.