Looks like the voluntourism trend is here to stay. Back in March we reported on the new voluntourism program at the Six Senses resorts in the Maldives, giving guests free nights when they volunteer their time for community projects. The program-- where guests who volunteer five hours a day during a five-day stay are given an additional five nights for free-- has proved wildly popular. The latest resort to capitalize on this travel trend is the Four Seasons Hotel Austin which recently launched a "Pay It Forward" program that gives room discounts for community volunteer work. Here's the skinny from the Dallas Morning News:

Persons willing to give a half-day of work to either of two program partners will receive up to 46 percent off the per-night price of the room. The discounted starting rate for participants is $225. The nonprofit partners are Caritas of Austin, an organization providing housing, food, education and job services to the needy, and Keep Austin Beautiful, which welcomes help with litter removal and beautification projects near Lady Bird Lake.

"Pay It Forward" is available at Four Seasons Hotel Austin through September 6, 2010.

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