Still ignoring hotel loyalty schemes? Here’s why you shouldn’t
The reward programs of hotel giants like Marriott, Accor and IHG are free to join. And you can use the points for far more than a hotel stay. From the February 28 edition of Highflyer magazine.
Hotel loyalty card holders love to earn points in corporate work hotels, then burn them on leisure properties such as the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua.
For decades, Australian travellers have been so focused on accumulating their frequent flyer points that hotel loyalty schemes have flown under the radar. Hotels have also tended not to push their programs as hard.
But given 60 to 70 per cent of major chain hotel bookings in Australia now come directly from loyalty members (rather than through online booking sites), it’s no wonder hotel operators are investing heavily to upgrade loyalty programs that drive repeat business.
Larry SchlesingerReporterLarry Schlesinger writes on real estate, specialising in commercial and residential property. Larry is based in our Melbourne newsroom. Connect with Larry on Twitter. Email Larry at larry.schlesinger@afr.com
