HOUSTON Marriott Rewards was the big winner at the inaugural Frequent Traveler Awards, sponsored by the Frequent Travel Educational Association. Marriott International’s loyalty program won 11 of the 15 hotel loyalty awards, including Program of the Year for both the Americas and Europe/Africa.
Marriott Rewards also won for Best Redemption Promotion, Best Earning Promotion and Best Redemption Ability in all regions.
“Marriott Rewards is designed for our guests so there is no bigger honor than to be recognized by our members as the best in the business,” says Ed French, senior vice president for Marriott Rewards. “We are constantly striving for ways to make our program better for our members. This year we have added new brands where members can earn and redeem points, elite night rollover and instant redemptions allowing members to redeem points for virtually anything on their folio at any point during their hotel stay.”
Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces was named Program of the Year in Asia Pacific. Hyatt Gold Passport and Starwood Preferred Guest were honored for having the best elite-level loyalty programs. Hyatt Hotels Corp.’s program was also given the Loyalty Leadership Award for the introduction of confirmed suite upgrades.
The Frequent Traveler Awards represent excellence in frequent travel programs worldwide, voted on by more than 1 million frequent travelers from more than 200 countries.