In February we with Robert Hansen, UYTA's Vice-president for the hostel network development have traveled to Odessa and found three false hostels:

1). PASTERA HOSTEL (26 Pastera Str., Apt. 5), listing on HostelWorld, and HostelsClub: when we found this place, two black ladies opened the door and said "This is private apartment only, no hostel, no hotel here"

2). OLD COSSAK YOUTH HOSTEL (55 Rishelievska Str., Apt. 1), listing on HostelBookers: the same situation to Pastera - door was opened by Caucasus guy, who informed that it is apartment... Neighbor said that here already for two years, foreigners come and look, but nothing...

3). FONTANA HOSTEL (Second Kozxoznaya street 8), listing on HostelClub and HostelBookers: address "Second Kolxoznaya street" is on the other side of city. We came to address according to directions on HostelBookers and see only Vityaz Hotel there...

What are the consequences could be a result of such activities?

1. An opportunity for fraud with payment card.

2. Advertising services of "Hostel" to send spam.

3. Accommodation of clients at the premises unfit for human habitation or in the premises, substandard hostels.

4. Promoting illegal emigration.

Inspection results will be published and UYTA take action under existing laws.

Alex Fainin, UYTA's President