Programs - global & local


European Solidarity Corps - ECO Promoters

HI Iceland is an accredited organization by Rannís. European Solidarity Corps offers projects for 18 to 30-year-olds to volunteer both in their own country and abroad.
HI Iceland has two placements; HI Eco Ambassador and HI Eco Communicator.

For more information on ESC please see the European Youth Portal. Any upcoming opportunities will be advertised here.

Say HI for Peace

Say Hi for Peace is a unique global initiative by Hostelling International. Hosted since 2013, it reinforces the message that traveling and cultural diversity can help build peace on a day-to-day basis. During this week, hostels in the HI network organize events, competitions, and celebrations to rally around the cause of peace through cultural cohesion. It runs between the UN International Day of Peace (September 21st) and World Tourism Day (September 27th).

Earth Hour

HI Iceland takes part in Earth Hour every year on the last Sunday of March- the WWF encourages everyone to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour at 8pm. We invite guests and individuals alike to make some noise for climate change action and show their support.

Responsible tourism

HI Iceland signed a declaration on responsible tourism joined by leaders from over 250 companies at Reykjavík University on January 10th, 2017 in the presence of the President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, who is also a patron of the project.

Responsible tourism is an incentive project where companies connected with tourism agree on a limited number of clear and simple measures of responsible tourism. The purpose of the project is to maintain Iceland's status as an optimal future destination for tourists by supporting sustainability for future generations of the nation.

The set goals are to:

  • Demonstrate exemplary behavior and respect for nature.
  • Ensure the safety of our guests and treat them courteously.
  • Respect the rights of employees.
  • Have a positive impact on the local community.
  • Support tourism companies that choose to work towards sustainability and social responsibility.
  • Establish a clear message from companies that they strive to be responsible.
  • Highlight examples of good practices in sustainability and social responsibility in tourism.
  • Provide an incentive to companies that have yet to consider sustainability practices and social responsibility.