Task authorized under Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels and Guesthouses as Youth Hostels

The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) today (March 14) authorized the very first task under the Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels and Guesthouses as Youth Hostels from the Hong Kong United Youth Association (HKUYA).

To assist even more satisfy the real estate requirements of youths and help with their advancement, the Chief Executive revealed in the 2022 Policy Address that the Government will check out methods to increase the supply of hostel, consisting of subsidising non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to lease appropriate hotels and guesthouses for usage as hostel, with the target of offering about 3 000 extra hostel locations within 5 years. To this end, the HYAB released the Subsidy Scheme in early January 2023 to subsidise NGOs to lease ideal hotels and guesthouses for usage as hostel.

The hostel under the very first job authorized under the Subsidy Scheme incorporates a whole hotel on Morrison Hill Road, Causeway Bay, with an overall of 97 spaces, offering approximately 194 hostel locations. The task is released by the HKUYA in partnership with the Gale Well Group. The HKUYA will run the hostel under the name of “BeLIVING Youth Hub”. Among the qualities of the job is that it will supply a platform for youths to take part in social outreach activities by making great usage of the skills and interest of the youth renters, and developing their sense of coming from the neighborhood. It will likewise supply youth renters with assistance and value-added services in regard of profession preparation, entrepreneurship and understanding their dreams through the HKUYA’s subscription network. Information about the task and the methods of application can be discovered on the HKUYA’s site (www.belivingyouthhub.com/).

A representative of the HYAB stated, “In about 2 months considering that the Subsidy Scheme was opened for application in early January 2023, we have actually now authorized the very first task. This reveals that the Scheme is supported by pertinent stakeholders. In spite of the resumption of regular travel and the start of the travel market’s healing, there are still hotel operators which take part in the Scheme and team up with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in pursuing youth advancement. The HYAB will continue to team up with NGOs and appropriate stakeholders who share our vision in motivating our youths and brightening our future.”

Information about the Subsidy Scheme, consisting of the standards for application and the application, have actually been published onto the HYAB’s site (www.hyab.gov.hk/en/policy_responsibilities/Social_Harmony_and_Civic_Education/youth_hostel_scheme.htm). Appropriate organisations can send their applications to the HYAB by post, e-mail or other methods.

Ends/Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Released at HKT 12:46

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