The Youth Hostel Association is to sell off 20 of its 150 hostels in England and Wales.
The YHA said the decision had been taken after a difficult few years for the charity. “Pandemic shutdowns, the cost of living crisis and steep inflation have affected us like other charities and hospitality providers,” it said.
The sell-off is the first step in a three-year business plan announced on 23 June “to secure YHA’s long-term prosperity”.
The YHA has said it is looking for buyers who will continue to operate the properties as hostels “wherever possible”. However, some will be sold into private hands and the proceeds invested in the upkeep of the remaining hostels.
The combined sale value is £10.32m.
