What you need to know
The travel loyalty market is robust and growing, experiencing a near 30% increase in memberships between 2012-14. Successful programs have acquired new members by offering sign-up incentives, providing an assortment of options for earning and redeeming points, and maximizing partnerships with other brands. However, engagement remains a challenge as Americans actively collect and redeem points with less than half of the programs in which they are enrolled.
Definition
Frequent travel and loyalty programs refer to membership programs through which travelers can accrue rewards for travel with participating providers and redeem them for future benefits. Travel programs considered include:
Airline frequent flyer programs
Hotel
Car rental
Cruise line
Credit card programs with general rewards and OTA (online travel agency) programs are included in the consumer analysis, but they are not captured in the market size.
The report explores the popularity of different types of travel rewards programs (in terms of membership), which kinds of rewards are desired and which are redeemed, as well as member and nonmember attitudes toward these programs.
This report expands on findings from Mintel’s Frequent Travel Programs – US, August 2013 and Travel Loyalty Programs – US, July 2007.
