"Pay It Forward" Voluntourism Package Rewards Generosity with Generous Rate

Online, April 20, 2010 (Newswire.com) - AUSTIN, Texas (April 20, 2010) - Would travelers be willing to volunteer one half-day of their vacation in order to receive nearly 50 percent off their hotel room? That's the question Four Seasons Hotel Austin is hoping to answer with its new "Pay It Forward" voluntourism package launching May 1, 2010.

The "Pay It Forward" concept, popularized in the 2000 movie starring Kevin Spacey, involves doing something good for someone else in reaction to a good deed done on their behalf. In keeping with this theme, the Hotel is offering an attractive rate - starting at $225 per night, a savings of up to 46 percent - for guests who volunteer with one of two partner non-profit organizations during their stay.

"Austin is an incredible vacation destination, but we thought, 'what if travelers could make it an even better place in the process of enjoying all the city already has to offer?'" said Tom Segesta, general manager of the 291-room Hotel. "In the end, everyone benefits."

The non-profit organizations participating in the Hotel's package include the following:

• Caritas of Austin: Established in 1964, this nonprofit organization provides housing, food, education and employment services to those in need. From its primarily volunteer-operated Community Kitchen, Caritas serves 400 lunch meals a day, six days a week. Four Seasons managers and employees have volunteered in the community kitchen for several years, helping prepare and serve more than 4,000 meals annually. Guests would be able to select this opportunity Monday through Friday, with an approximate time commitment of 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Participants must be at least 13 years old.

• Keep Austin Beautiful: Established in 1985, Keep Austin Beautiful's vision is to inspire and educate individuals and the community towards greater environmental stewardship through physical improvements and hands-on education. Guests selecting this option would primarily focus on downtown litter removal and beautification projects near Lady Bird Lake. This volunteer opportunity is available seven days a week from approximately 9:00 am to noon, although times may vary depending on project.

The "Pay It Forward" package is offered through Sept. 6, 2010 and may be reserved by calling 512-685-8100 or online at www.fourseasons.com/austin. Rates are subject to availability and at least 48 hours advance reservations are requested in order to coordinate the volunteer opportunity.