The SOMOS Foundation manages the Bodhi Surf + Yoga Travelers' Philanthropy Program. Breaking away from the traditional model of soliciting funds directly from patrons, Bodhi Surf + Yoga allocates $20 from each full-paying guest to the SOMOS Foundation which administers the monies for community-based projects. To date, SOMOS has received and managed over $30,000 of Travelers Philanthropy donations.

Travelers’ philanthropy is not simply collecting loose change for charities; rather, it is about integrating tourism companies and visitor support for local communities into the core definition of responsible travel. 

It is also about: 

• Helping tourism businesses become actively involved as ‘good citizens’ in their travel destinations
• Assisting local projects that provide a ‘hand up’ not a ‘hand out;’ that is, projects that promote social empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship that lead to sustainable, long-term development and environmental conservation. 
• Enriching the travel experience through meaningful, culturally sensitive, and productive interactions with people in host communities. 

Done well, travelers’ philanthropy benefits the destination, the travel business, and the traveler. 

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