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Hotel Loyalty Programs: Are Marriott, IHG and Hyatt Rewards Really About Loyalty?

Published 2026-08-23

Hotel loyalty programs promise points, upgrades and exclusive rates. But Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards and World of Hyatt are also powerful tools driving travelers to book direct. What does that mean for consumers, travel agents, OTAs and independent hotels competing against the world's biggest hospitality groups? SOURCE: Hotel Loyalty Programs: Are Marriott, IHG and Hyatt Rewards Really About Loyalty? BY: eTurboNews

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do hotel loyalty programs offer to members?

Hotel loyalty programs typically offer points, upgrades, exclusive rates, and other perks to members for booking directly.

How do loyalty programs benefit hotels?

These programs encourage direct bookings, reducing reliance on OTAs and increasing customer retention and engagement.

What challenges do independent hotels face with these programs?

Independent hotels compete against large chains with loyalty programs that attract customers, making it difficult to gain visibility and loyalty.

Are loyalty programs truly about customer loyalty?

While they provide benefits to customers, they primarily serve as marketing tools for hotels to secure direct bookings.