Loyalty Blogs

Hotel loyalty programs have evolved from awarding points for stays to creating memorable moments. Hilton Honors does not allow members to just accumulate points but to convert them into shopping sprees on Amazon or tickets to a concert. Marriott Bonvoy goes even further by providing VIP experiences, such as backstage access to concerts or culinary adventures with famous chefs.  

These examples illustrate a new shift: away from transactional loyalty and into emotional loyalty, where guests truly feel appreciated and valued beyond their financial contributions.  

No longer is a hotel a place where guests sleep. It’s where they can feel alive through every interaction with your brand.  

This blog will take an in-depth look at what can refine hotel loyalty programs and what role loyalty management software plays.  

Redefining Hotel Loyalty Programs  

Why is there a rising need to refine hotel loyalty programs? The answer lies in the evolving needs and expectations of guests. Let’s have a closer look at what guests want.  

Make it Personal: Let Data Drive Delight  

Modern travelers expect tailored experiences. Whether it’s a welcome drink that’s their favorite cocktail or an offer for a spa treatment they’ve enjoyed before, personalization goes a long way.  

For instance, Hyatt employs guest data to send customized offers—spa discounts for wellness enthusiasts or family packages for parents who are traveling with their kids. Hotels can convert loyalty from being a one-time transaction into a continuing dialogue by understanding what the guests value most.  

Invest in AI and CRM tools to learn about your guests and offer rewards that really matter.  

Gamify Loyalty: Fun Drives Engagement  

Who says loyalty can’t be fun? Gamification is a game-changer in keeping guests engaged. It’s not just about earning points—it’s about creating challenges, rewards, and excitement. Imagine rewarding guests for checking into multiple properties or trying unique experiences like a rooftop yoga class.  

Take inspiration from a boutique hotel chain that introduced a “travel bingo” feature in its app. Guests earned points for completing challenges, like staying in three different cities in a year. This creative twist not only boosted engagement by 40% but also deepened brand connection.  

Add a layer of gamification to make loyalty programs dynamic and entertaining.  

Think Beyond the Stay: Rewards for Every Interaction  

Loyalty shouldn’t end when guests check out. Innovative programs reward guests for engaging with the brand in other ways—whether it’s dining at the hotel’s restaurant, visiting the spa, or even using the app for a digital check-in.  

Hilton Honors, for example, awards points for app interactions like keyless room entry. This approach keeps guests connected to the brand long after their stay and encourages them to engage with more services.  

Expand your loyalty ecosystem to include touchpoints beyond overnight stays, creating a 360-degree value loop.  

Build Strategic Partnerships: Loyalty Without Borders  

Why stop there? With airline, car rental, and retail partners, hotels can offer even more attractive loyalty programs. In the case of Radisson Rewards, for example, it enables members to convert points into frequent flyer miles, providing seamless value for business travelers.  

Such collaborations broaden the scope of incentives and thereby add more diversity to your program. This is the benefit your guests enjoy with varied redemptions across services and flight redemption or dinner experiences.  

Work with similar or related brands that increase redemption options and enhance guest experiences.  

Loyalty software for hotels can play a huge role in achieving all the above, as technology is the only way to go forward in a digital world. Now let’s look at the top trends that are transforming the loyalty landscape in hospitality.  

Growing Trends Transforming Hotel Loyalty Programs  

2024 has witnessed many successful hotel loyalty trends that will continue to get better next year.  

Sustainability Meets Loyalty  

Today’s traveler cares about the planet—and so should loyalty programs. Hyatt has embraced this trend by allowing members to donate points to environmental causes. This approach not only aligns with guest values but also positions the brand as socially responsible.  

Hotels can also incentivize more environmentally friendly decisions—choose not to have their rooms serviced every day or stay in environmentally certified hotels. It helps everyone: guests feel good, while hotels save on operational costs.  

Now is a good time to introduce sustainability reward models to attract eco-travelers.  

Subscription-Based Models: New Ideas for Loyalty  

Subscription models are gaining traction, offering consistent perks like discounted stays, exclusive upgrades, or priority access to events for a flat fee. This approach fosters loyalty by offering guaranteed value upfront.  

For example, a luxury hotel group introduced a subscription plan with perks like unlimited spa access and a personal concierge. Not only did this boost ancillary revenue, but it also created a steady base of repeat customers.  

Leverage subscription-based services for loyalty and frequency of guests to help create more predictable revenues.  

Augmented Reality or AR: The Future of Interaction 

AR is revolutionizing guest interaction with hotels. Consider being able to allow guests to preview how a room may look through augmented reality before even coming to book it. It adds a level of fun to what can otherwise be a tedious experience or decision-making process.  

AR can engage guests during the pre-booking stage, making their journey with your brand more interactive.  

Social Media Loyalty: Reward the Share  

Social media is a goldmine for guest engagement. Encourage guests to share their experiences by rewarding them with loyalty points for tagging your brand or using specific hashtags. User-generated content not only builds social proof but also keeps your brand top of mind.  

Use social media to convert the average guest into a brand ambassador when rewarding loyalty.  

Build Loyalty That Lasts with Novus Loyalty   

As the hospitality industry stands at an intersection, traditional loyalty systems are merely not enough. The future, in this case, goes to dynamic, personalized, and guest-centric programs. From gamification and strategic partnerships to more sustainable and mobile-first initiatives, the options are a long list.  

But at the core of every successful loyalty program is the same principle: knowing what makes your guests feel valued. It’s not just about points or perks; it’s about creating connections that last long after check-out.  

You can leave the expert work to Novus Loyalty. We have delivered some of the most effective hotel loyalty programs and helped businesses engage guests like never before.  

Let’s discuss what your hotel business needs to build the lasting connections and guest loyalty.