Voluntourism catches on at many Fairmont Hotels

Volunteers work for Habitat for Humanity as part of a Fairmont Winnipeg initiative last year.

TORONTO, ON—Fairmont Hotels  & Resorts have a long history of engagement with local organizations. Understanding that many guests share the company’s commitment to community and planet, Fairmont offers hands-on experiences and opportunities to make an impact while on vacation.

Habitat for Humanity

With the increasing interest in “voluntourism”, The Fairmont Winnipeg and Habitat for Humanity have teamed up for a second year to offer hotel guests a chance to volunteer during their next getaway, and assist in building homes for families in need of decent shelter. Starting from $219 a night, the hotel’s Home Sweet Home package includes overnight accommodation, daily breakfast, transportation to and from the homebuilding site, and a soothing amenity kit including band-aids, hand cream, and access to the steam room after the day’s work is done.

The Fairmont Winnipeg will donate $25 to Habitat for Humanity for each package booked and also plans to invite back all participants to a dedication ceremony, when the family receives the keys to their new home. If they aren’t do-it-yourselfers, guests can still make an impact by reserving the package without participating in the construction.

Whales researched, interpreted, adopted

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, located 150 km east of Quebec City, within a World Biosphere Reserve, has partnered with the Research and Educational Group on Marine Mammals to facilitate research into the endangered beluga. The hotel offers an interpretive program for adults and children, and a special beluga package including a river excursion to observe the whales.
 
The Fairmont Algonquin in St. Andrews, New Brunswick has adopted a right whale, to promote protection of this incredibly endangered species, of which only 300 remain. Guests can visit a display in the hotel that highlights whale migration patterns, conservation and de-tangling programs, as well as proper whale watching etiquette. They can even adopt their own right whale.

Burrowing owls, foxes

The Fairmont Palliser in Calgary has partnered with the Calgary Zoo to support conservation and research of the endangered burrowing owl species. This new initiative for the zoo provides a unique experience for hotel guests through education and zoo visitation. The hotel has also adopted a pair of swift foxes that have been taken under the zoo’s breeding program.

Zero Footprint

Many hotels also offer packages that have a donation component, allowing guests to directly contribute to local organizations.

At The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, guests can leave no footprints in the hotel’s pristine Rocky Mountain environment. In addition to accommodations, guests can book a guided hike or snowshoe with a mountain heritage guide, and there is complimentary valet parking for hybrid and low emission vehicles. For each stay, a donation will be made to Zero Footprint to offset the guests’ carbon footprint. Available through December 15, 2008, rates start from $279 per night.

Fairmont’s portfolio includes 56 hotels worldwide, including 21 in Canada. The company plans to develop over 20 new properties in the coming years in destinations as diverse as Shanghai, Abu Dhabi and Anguilla.