YOALIN - Youth Alpine Interrail
Since 2018, up to 150 people between 18 and 27 can apply for a Yoalin ticket every year. Equipped with an Interrail Global Pass they discover the Alps in a climate-friendly way using public transport. They also become part of an constantly growing community, exchange ideas at events and to receive first-hand tips for a sustainable lifestyle. YOALIN was initiated by the CIPRA Youth Council in 2016. Its members are still actively involved, as are former YOALIN travellers – so-called "Ambassadors".
What issue does your project address, and why do you want to tackle it?
75 percent of CO2 emissions in Alpine tourism are related to transport, especially travelling to and from the destination. Also train tickets are often expensive, especially for fast and cross-border connections. Young people therefore usually choose cheaper transport options and travel by plane or car. In order to raise awareness of climate-friendly means of transport, an affordable offer must be created. The YOALIN project aims to make climate-friendly travel mainstream.
What is your project about and how does it make tourism in the Alps future-proof?
Yoalin stands for climate-friendly travelling through the Alps, with joy and a clear conscience. Because mobility is the most important lever for a good future in the Alps!
- Education & information of the Yoalin travellers and the growing community, experiencing hands-on how to leave little traces behind.
- Political work: We collect feedback from the travellers, meet with political stakeholders and advocate into the direction of a more sustainable planning & efficient offer of public transport
How do you measure your project's success?
We promote train travel and sustainable lifestyles. Since the start of the project in 2018, more than 4000 people applied for a Yoalin ticket. 655 people travelled and around 40 are still actively involved in the project as ambassadors. The feedback from participants is inspiring: 84% of travellers stated that the project had a lasting impact on their personal mobility behaviour. These young people act as multipliers – even just by sharing their experiences in their networks.
Who are the people behind the project and what is your secret to a great collaboration?
The CIPRA Youth Council (CYC) developed the idea for the Yoalin project. CIPRA International supported the implementation. Magdalena Holzer, project manager for CIPRA since 10 years, coordinates and manages it with support of CYC members and the Yoalin ambassadors. Caroline Begle, head of communication at CIPRA, has been involved since day 1. Both value most the input & support from the ambassadors – since it is a project from young people for young people.
