a&o Hostels wins the Inclusive Workplace Award at IWTTF Europe 2026 

a&o Hostels, Europe’s largest hostel chain, has the Inclusive Workplace Award won during the IWTTF Inclusion & Diversity in Travel Awards 2026. The award was presented last night at IWTTF Europe in Utrecht and recognises organisations that contribute to an inclusive, equitable and responsible travel industry. 

Promoting inclusion in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors

The International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum (IWTTF) brings together professionals from the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors to promote inclusion, equality and a positive social impact. The annual awards recognise individuals and organisations that are bringing about meaningful change across six categories, including Inclusive Workplace, DEI Courage & Resilience, Ally for Social Impact & Community EN Inclusive Business Practice. 

The jury praised a&o for the way in which the organisation demonstrates that inclusion goes beyond simply having a diverse workforce. According to the jury, inclusion is “clearly not treated as something to be ticked off a list, but as an integral part of the organisational culture and day-to-day practice.” Spread across 45 locations in ten European countries, a&o employs 1,417 staff members representing a total of 106 different nationalities. a&o’s award-winning approach is based on three closely interlinked principles: employee participation, protection and development.

Oliver Winter, founder and CEO of a&o Hostels: “We are incredibly proud of this recognition from the IWTTF. With 106 nationalities represented in our workforce, diversity is part of everyday life at a&o, but representation alone is not enough. Inclusion means listening to staff at every level, protecting their rights and ensuring that everyone is given a genuine opportunity to develop.”. 

”We owe this award to our teams across Europe. Their perspectives continue to shape our culture and help us deliver on our promise: with us, you are welcome just as you are.”

Giving staff a voice 

Staff engagement was central to the organisation-wide review of the Mission, Vision and Values at a&o in 2026. Colleagues at all levels, from General Managers to staff in the Front Office, Food & Beverage and Housekeeping departments, were invited to help shape the corporate culture that guides the organisation. Their contribution had a direct impact on the final outcome. For example, Trust added and developed as a core value in its own right Responsibility becomes Ownership. 

From engagement to protection 

Employee participation is supported by formal safeguards. In 2024, a&o voluntarily adopted a Human Rights Policy Statement, even though the company was not legally obliged to do so under the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. The policy is implemented through a binding code of ethical conduct, a dedicated Human Rights Officer, an annual risk assessment and a confidential reporting channel.

Continuing to invest in development and wellbeing 

The jury also recognised a&o’s investments in staff development and wellbeing. In 2025, the company invested €378,000 in training and further education, an increase of 8% compared with 2024. In 2026, a&o further expanded its development programme. The company plans to build on these investments so that employees have access to learning and career progression opportunities, regardless of their background, native language or the way in which they joined the organisation. 

The current offering includes, amongst other things, 14 annual Newcomer Training programmes, a structured career path towards general management, fully funded management and digital skills training, and up to ten fully reimbursed sessions of psychological support per year.