2023 will be exciting for the Travel & Hospitality Industry. Brands are preparing for a wholesome year with a rise in tourism, business events, festive celebrations, and grand sporting events. But the post-pandemic era is not congruent to the pre-pandemic. Customer expectations have evolved significantly; the demand is for better experiences rather than salesy offers.
73% of customers expect brands to understand their travel needs and behaviors.
These changes have prompted brands to reevaluate their loyalty strategies. Top brands like IHG and Hilton recently revamped their loyalty programs . Several loyalty solutions are available but what is critical is choosing the right loyalty software.
Amidst varied tactics tested by brands, successful experiments circle data, technology, and strategic consultation. So let’s uncover the decisive factors that helped the following brands lead the Industry with their loyalty programs.
1. Accor Live Limitless
The brand offers members unique rewards and experiences at more than 3,000 hotels. In addition, members can earn 4X more points on discovering new hotels and visiting a re-opened old hotel.
It helps Accor to boost footfall for new hotels with its engaged, loyal members.
Benefits of the program:
- ADCB Cardholders get 50,000 reward points on enrollment, equivalent to €1000 in hotel stays.
- Members can redeem Accor points for experiences like match tickets, concert tickets, and dining benefits.
- Members can access brand-specific benefits like complimentary BMW bikes, car rental services, and preferential rates at airport lounges.
Key takeaway
- Accor builds an emotional connection with customers by offering rare and exclusive benefits.
2. Alaska Airlines
‘Mileage Plan’ is Alaska Airlines’ award-winning loyalty program. Unlike frequent flyer programs, Mileage Plan rewards members with miles based on distance traveled, not the amount spent. As a result, the brand boasts that it offers 30% more miles than other airlines. Further, members can use loyalty points with Alaska, One world alliance, and global partners.
And the best thing is — the miles never expire.
Benefits of the program:
- Members get two free checked bags, priority boarding, and preferred seating when flying with Alaska.
- Members can use the ‘Alaska Famous Companion Fare’ to get discounts when traveling with a guest.
Key takeaways
- Alaska Airlines distinguishes itself from competitors by offering easier point-earning opportunities.
- The flexibility to use points drives greater customer loyalty.
3. World Of Hyatt
It is one of the best multi-dimensional loyalty programs. The brand uses its loyalty app to get insights into customer behavior and tailor personalized experiences.
Hyatt also helps customers de-stress by offering curated meditations from Headspace. Offering valuable & experiential rewards makes the brand a part of customers’ lifestyles.
Benefits of the program:
- Be rewarded with a free night for every five unique brands you experience with the Brand Explorer Award.
- Members can stream their favorite entertainment or fitness workout on their in-room TV through Chromecast.
- Only loyalty program members have a digital key to check in quickly.
Key takeaway
- Customers’ data collected through a mobile app empowers the brand to deliver experiential rewards personalized for specific audience clusters.
4. Wyndham Rewards
‘Wyndham Rewards’ has made traveling more exciting for customers with its loyalty app. The loyalty program covers 9,000+ hotels, vacation club resorts, and vacation rentals, where members can earn and redeem points for free & discounted stays.
The loyalty program app offers quick bookings, travel planning, quick check-ins, and late checkouts.
Wyndham Rewards has also partnered with Home Chef to offer custom meal boxes to members. Going beyond hotels and partnering with food brands makes Wyndham a go-to option for customers.
Benefits of the program:
- Members receive $45,000 bonus points amounting to approx 6 free nights.
- Members can earn 3X more points on staying for 2 or more consecutive nights at participating hotels.
- Members earn 2,500 points on their first Home Chef box and 500 points on each additional box.
Key takeaway
- Flexibility to earn and redeem points is significantly boosting engagement for Wyndham hotels.
5. Marriott Bonvoy
With 173 million members in September 2022, Marriott Bonvoy is among the best-performing travel loyalty programs post-pandemic.
Members can share their points with other loyalty program members or combine accounts. It allows the brand to bond with loyal members and foster brand-loyal communities.
Benefits of the program:
- Elite members can get up to 75% bonus points on each stay.
- Members can use the loyalty app to chat with hotel representatives, share references, and receive personalized recommendations.
- Members can enjoy experiential rewards, including meet & greets, concerts, premium seats for matches, etc.
Key takeaway
- Marriott Bonvoy uses experiential rewards to drive engagement and build deeper customer relationships.
- Some more popular travel loyalty programs 2023 –
1. Best Western Rewards
This popular loyalty program offers fantastic benefits to members, including exclusive BWR rates, free nights, free travel, and much more. In addition, the brand matches the member’s status if they are part of other hotel loyalty programs.
2. Avis Car Rental
Enjoy expedited service, roadside assistance, discounted rentals, accessories, and complimentary upgrades with ‘Avis Preferred program. Furthermore, members can enjoy exclusive monthly deals and earn miles or hotel points through the Avis partnership program.
3. Etihad
Etihad offers a range of exclusive benefits through its ‘Etihad Guest’ loyalty program. Members can redeem the points for flying, holidays, or rentals. The brand also allows members to offset their carbon footprints and donate points.
Conclusion
The travel industry has witnessed some of the earliest and most successful loyalty programs. Travel brands have created a community of loyal customers over the years through loyalty programs.
But evolving market scenarios demand these loyalty programs to adapt. From loyalty apps to sustainable rewards, loyalty in the travel industry has changed significantly. Now, brands are digitizing loyalty programs and adopting the latest technology to match customer needs.
Above mentioned brands have timely shifted towards a data-driven approach with a solid technological infrastructure base. With the proper strategic consultation, it becomes easy for such brands to become future-ready. A loyalty platform plays a critical role in the success of any loyalty program.