Corporate Social Responsibility

At  Bhutan Rila, we believe in creating meaningful and sustainable travel experiences while giving back to the communities and environment that make Bhutan so extraordinary. Our CSR initiatives, goals, and practices are rooted in Bhutan’s principles of Gross National Happiness, which emphasize sustainability, cultural preservation, and community well-being to create transformative travel experiences that benefit both our clients and the country we proudly call home.

 

CSR Goals

 

1.Promoting Sustainable Tourism:

Minimize the environmental footprint of our tours and operations.
Support eco-friendly practices in travel and hospitality.

 

2.Empowering Local Communities:

Partner with local artisans, farmers, and businesses to provide economic opportunities.
Engage in community projects to uplift underprivileged groups.

 

3.Cultural Preservation:

Protect Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage by supporting local traditions, festivals, and artisans. Educate travelers about Bhutanese customs and values.

 

4.Environmental Conservation:

Advocate for and participate in reforestation and clean-up drives.
Promote responsible trekking and waste management practices.

CSR Practices

 

1.Community Development Initiatives

• Support local schools and monasteries by providing educational materials and financial assistance.
• Partner with rural communities to develop homestays, offering travelers authentic experiences while generating income for locals.
• Community-Based Tourism:  We partner with local communities to develop homestays and cultural experiences, ensuring economic benefits remain local.

 

2.Eco-Friendly Practices

• Use sustainable transportation options, including low-emission vehicles.
• Partner with eco-certified hotels and restaurants.
• Reduce single-use plastics during tours and encourage guests to bring reusable items.

 

3.Fair Employment Practices

• Provide fair wages, benefits, and training opportunities for our guides, drivers, and support staff.
• Prioritize hiring from local communities to ensure economic upliftment.

 

4.Culture Preservation-Support for Traditional Crafts and Artisans

• Promote local handicrafts by including artisan visits in itineraries and offering travelers the opportunity to purchase directly from creators.

–  We collaborate with Indigenous groups to create authentic cultural experiences while protecting their traditions.

–  We support cultural  heritage sites through donations and visitor education, ensuring these locations are preserved for future generations.

 

5.Environmental Conservation Projects

• We organize happiness tree-planting  programs to offset the carbon footprint of our tours.
• Partner with local organizations to protect Bhutan’s biodiversity and pristine landscapes.

 

6.Disaster Relief and Emergency Support

• Crisis Response:  We offer free accommodation  to displaced individuals during natural disasters or emergencies.
• Post-Disaster Recovery Tourism:  We help people and communities affected by disasters  to restore livelihoods.

 

7.Health and Well-Being

• Access to Healthcare:  We fund medical facilities  and equipments in remote villages  where we operate.
• Traveler Wellness:  We integrate spiritual, minduflness ,wellness and health-conscious programs and activities in our itineraries.

 

8.Traveler Awareness and Education

• Inform clients about responsible tourism practices, including respecting local customs and minimizing environmental impact.
• Include cultural and environmental education as part of our travel itineraries.

Key CSR Initiatives in Action

 

• “Happiness Tree Plantation”: RILA Happiness  tree-planting initiative where clients can actively contribute to Bhutan’s reforestation efforts.Travel can have a significant carbon footprint, but with the Happiness Tree Planting Program, tourists can give back to nature while enjoying the pristine beauty of Bhutan. This initiative is a symbol of hope, sustainability, and Bhutan’s dedication to Gross National Happiness, ensuring future generations inherit a thriving and green planet.

 

• Clean Trekking Practices: Collaborating with trekking groups to remove waste from remote trails and ensure minimal impact on the environment.

 

• Scholarship Support: Offering scholarships to children in rural Bhutan to ensure better educational opportunities.