Sabre launches hotel loyalty scheme for travel agents

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By: Wise Marketer Staff |

Posted on September 8, 2005

Sabre launches hotel loyalty scheme for travel agents

The Sabre Travel Network has launched a new hotel bookings loyalty programme called 'HotelRewards' for travel agencies who using Sabre GDS to book hotel accommodation.

Sabre connected travel agents will now earn HotelRewards points that can be put toward a range of gift options, such as iPods and digital cameras, or vouchers that can be redeemed at 19,000+ of the UK's high street stores. HotelRewards is a component of the new MyRewards suite of loyalty programmes for Sabre connected agencies in the UK.

Teamwork encouraged There's an important point to note, though: the reward is not per person. Instead, rewards are given to the travel agency branch as a whole, to be allocated as each team decides. (This approach, in contrast to personal rewards, is expected to bring each branch team together rather than simply causing local competition.)

Reet Wiseman, Sabre Travel Network's vice-president for the UK and Ireland, said: "We designed HotelRewards to recognise the contribution made by the whole agency team, not just individuals. Team work is essential in an agency environment and we are delighted not only to reward it, but to reward it well."

Earning and burning Travel agency managers can register their branch on the Sabre Travel Network's eServices web site. Points are then awarded each time an employee at the branch books one of the 70,000 hotels represented by the network. When the agency has accumulated enough points a redemption button appears on its online statement page. As an introductory bonus, bookings made in September for Millennium Hotels and Resorts and Copthorne Hotels attract double points.

Last year the network saw a 22% year-on-year increase in its UK hotel bookings, and a 21% increase across the whole of Europe. Sabre has also recently signed deals with intermediaries Conferma and Otedis, providing a broader range of hotel products.

More Info: 

http://www.sabre-holdings.com