The Popularity of Loyalty Programs

There has been an uptick in tourism and, as such, the industry has become more competitive. Luckily, it’s all for our benefit. From airlines to travelling companies to hotels – everyone is upping the ante with great incentives to make sure you keep coming back for more.

According to the Truth & BrandMapp Loyalty Whitepaper, 73% of economically active South Africans utilise loyalty programmes. We use an average of 9 programmes across industries such as :

• Travel
• Retail
• Beauty & cosmetics
• Food & beverage
• Sports
• Luxury

This number is increasing every year. In these tough economic times, loyalty programmes offer discounts, special promotions, and rewards. These can make a significant difference to your budget and help you get by.

The loyalty landscape is saturated with options, particularly within the travel industry. It has become crucial to spotlight the top loyalty programmes that enhance the travel experience and cater to diverse lifestyle needs.

To help you experience top-tier travel experience, here are three essential choices for you – the South African consumer. Great to transform your travel and hospitality experiences, these leading travel brands are doing their all to foster loyalty.

Marriott Bonvoy

Members at the beautiful establishment can earn points for every stay at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties and when paying with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card. With several elite tiers, members can also benefit from perks such as:

• Room upgrades
• Late checkouts
• Bonus points

Accumulated points can be redeemed for free nights at participating Marriott hotels and resorts. In addition, the point can also be extended to partnerships with other travel stakeholders; members can also claim rewards such as:

• Airline miles
• Reduced rates on rental cars
• Experiences
• Merchandise

Marriott’s 1-Point Drops programme also takes this membership to the next level. Here, members can snag a once-in-a-lifetime VIP access to concerts, culinary experiences and sporting events. Members who don’t purchase tickets in time can also bid on auction packages for these incredible experiences.

Sun MVG loyalty programme 

Sun International’s rewards programme enables guests to feel their most valued. With four membership tiers, you can earn points and progress by playing and staying at participating Sun International:

• Casinos
• Hotels
• Resorts

Sun GHA is Sun International’s leisure loyalty programme, affiliated with the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) DISCOVERY programme. It allows you to benefit from rewards that extend to 35 independent hotel brands across more than 85 countries.

Radisson Rewards

The Radisson Rewards programme unlocks a world of exclusive benefits across a wide range of hotels and destinations. It has a tier allocation based on qualifying stays or nights within a calendar year and the unlocking of additional benefits as members progress to higher tiers.

As with these other top travel loyalty programmes, members can benefit from complimentary:

• Room upgrades
• Early check-ins  
• Late check-outs
• Welcome amenities

You can also earning of bonus points, as well as the flexibility to choose the reward that best suits the needs and preferences of members. Benefits are available from the first day members sign up, with this programme available for stays at over 600 Radisson Hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia Pacific.

Participating Radisson Rewards partners also allow points to be redeemed at selected premium shopping outlets, car rental agencies, and tours and activities when travelling.

From exclusive rewards and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to unparalleled benefits and making your travel budget stretch that much further. These loyalty programmes are a must for South Africans who want to travel and experience more.