Relais & Châteaux has announced April 10 as the first Charity Day of the Indian subcontinent. This is when members of the association will come together each year to bring about awareness of socio-economic issues and applaud initiatives by fellow members.
Relais & Châteaux is associated with over 572 independent hotels and restaurants in the luxury space, from about 66 countries. Each one is dedicated to sustainable tourism and giving back to the local community in their own way. Most members are in remote locations and are working towards creating jobs and developing infrastructure at these places.
Jaisal Singh, VP Asia and member of the executive committee, board of directors, Relais & Châteaux said: “As a testament of our unwavering pledge towards preserving local culture and diversity, we are happy to announce the first Charity Day of the Indian subcontinent. United by a passion for excellence in hospitality and a desire to share, each member of Relais & Châteaux is connected with the common goal to protect the local heritage and environment. The delegation shall commemorate this day each year going forward.”
As to why the Indian subcontinent has been chosen for this commemoration, a Relais & Châteaux statement explains that “the Indian subcontinent is historically renowned as the land of Buddha, the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi. The tradition of giving and caring for the less fortunate goes back centuries, and is part of our scriptures and deep-rooted customs as well as beliefs”.
For the first Charity Day, 15 member hotels began initiatives or took a pledge to help the local community. These include aiding local artisans in selling their products, conducting medical camps, educating underprivileged children and providing them with school supplies and toys, and building toilets to name a few.
