Great Hotels Unwraps Loyalty Programme
28 MAY 2009 - Great Hotels Organisation has announced the launch of Great Hotels Rewards, a new hotel loyalty programme developed for frequent guests of the member hotels of Great Hotels of the World and Special Hotels of the World.
Great Hotels Rewards is part of the VOIL`A Hotel Rewards network operated by Hospitality Marketing Concepts (HMC) and is the only points-based, frequent guest programme that unites independent mid-range to luxury hotels and resorts around the world under one global value, rewards and recognition programme.
VOIL`A Hotel Rewards, which has experienced strong growth since its launch in June 2008, allows hotels to co-brand their programmes under the VOIL`A umbrella so consumers can earn points and redeem rewards such as complimentary nights or room upgrades at its network of nearly 200 premier properties worldwide.
"VOIL`A's mission is to provide four- & five-star independent hotels with a global loyalty solution that allows them to compete effectively and profitably." said Gabi Kool, VOIL`A's senior vice president and managing director. "We are certain corporate travelers are looking for alternatives to the standard global mega-brands. By linking a large number of leading independent hotel groups through the VOIL`A network via Great Hotels Rewards, members can stay in independent hotels while earning reward points. We couldn't be more excited to expand the VOIL`A network by partnering with Great Hotels Organisation in the launch of Great Hotels Rewards." Enrollment in the Great Hotels Rewards programme is free to consumers and allows members to earn valuable points for their stays that can later be redeemed for complimentary room nights or room upgrades. Members are also eligible for a range of personalised benefits based upon their customer profiles such as exclusive member-only offers, priority check-in and welcome amenities. The programme will bring small chain and individual hotels all the benefits and exposure of a major rewards programme while allowing them to maintain their unique identity. Great Hotels Rewards can help hotels to increase both ADR and occupancy with little or no spend required. By joining Great Hotels Rewards, hotels will be able to compete with the major brands, create loyal guests, boost incremental business and enlarge their consumer database.
"VOIL`A Hotel Rewards is a product that levels the playing field for independent hotels in a world market dominated by mega brands," said Peter Gould, chief executive officer of Great Hotels Organisation. "We believe a frequent guest programme to be an important part of our group's marketing strategy. The ability to co-brand the programme as Great Hotels Rewards gives us the opportunity to build brand awareness, while VOIL`A takes away the challenges we would face operating a programme of this magnitude on our own. VOIL`A has our endorsement and we highly recommend it to all member properties in our portfolio."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
