Foreign travelers boost Cape and Island hostel stays
More than 5,600 guests stayed at lodging company Hostelling International New England’s five Cape and Islands hostels this season, a 6 percent increase over last year.
More than half of the hostel guests traveled from outside of the country, primarily from Ireland, France, and Germany.
“The Hyannis Hostel has proven to be a magnet for global travelers who enjoy the convenience of the location and easy access to the rest of the Cape and Islands,’’ Deborah Ruhe, executive director of the company, said in a press release.
Overnight stays rose 29 percent at the Hyannis location. The other seasonal hostels operate in Eastham, Truro, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.
HI-New England expects to finish its $43 million Chinatown hostel in April. When completed, the employees from the company’s current Boston hostel on Hemenway Street will move to the new location on Stuart Street.
With 468 beds in the new location, the hostel more than doubles in size. HI-New England expects more than 46,000 visitors who can spend up to $16 million each year, according to Ruhe.
“We’re trying to create this world-class hostel that will represent the city well,’’ said Ruhe. “Everyone understands that this a good economic boost for the neighborhood.’’
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