Hyatt has announced a strategic partnership with travel technology startup Way to enhance the earning and redemption options for members of its loyalty program, World of Hyatt. By integrating Way’s platform into Hyatt’s digital ecosystem, members will gain access to a wider range of experiences and ancillary services, enriching their travel and stay options across Asia and beyond.
Hyatt Enhances Member Benefits Through Technology Collaboration
Hyatt’s collaboration with Way marks a significant step in evolving its loyalty program to meet changing consumer expectations. The integration will enable World of Hyatt members to earn and redeem points on ancillary offerings and curated experiences, extending far beyond traditional room bookings.
“We are thrilled to work with Way to broaden the scope of experiences available within the World of Hyatt program,” said a spokesperson for Hyatt. “This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering memorable moments and greater value to our members through innovative digital solutions.”
The collaboration ushers in a unified booking platform consolidating ancillary services, experiential programming, and the World of Hyatt FIND experiences. These functionalities will be accessible via Hyatt’s website, individual hotel sites, and the World of Hyatt mobile app.
A Comprehensive Platform for Diverse Experiences and Services
Way’s platform will power a comprehensive and seamless booking experience across Hyatt’s properties, streamlining what was previously a fragmented landscape of reservation systems for non-room offerings. These ancillary services include both on-property amenities and off-property activities, allowing Hyatt to diversify revenue streams while enhancing guest engagement.
Members can now use loyalty points not just for hotel stays but also for a variety of curated experiences—ranging from one-time ticketed events, such as the Harvest Winemaker Dinner at Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country, to culturally immersive activities like Park Hyatt Zurich’s “Art of Gold Crafting,” a collaboration with luxury jeweler Piaget.
Daily on-property offerings will also be integrated, allowing guests to redeem points for cabana rentals, in-room amenities, spa treatments, and other discretionary purchases.
“By centralizing these diverse experiences on a single platform, we are simplifying the customer journey and creating new opportunities for personalization and discovery,” noted Way CEO and co-founder, emphasizing the startup’s role in bringing innovative API-driven solutions to traditional hospitality.
Background: The Evolution of Loyalty Programs in Hospitality
Loyalty programs in the hospitality sector have undergone significant transformations over the past decade. Once focused primarily on room nights and airfare, these programs are increasingly incorporating experiential rewards and ancillary services to meet the growing demand for personalized travel and lifestyle experiences.
Hyatt’s introduction of the FIND Experiences platform reflects this industry trend. Launched to offer wellbeing-focused, local, and authentic activities, FIND has allowed members to bid points in auctions for exclusive events, participate in limited-time experiences, and engage with cultural programming.
Industry analysts suggest this partnership with Way could accelerate Hyatt’s competitive positioning in the fast-evolving loyalty marketplace. “As travelers prioritize unique and meaningful experiences, technology integrations like this enable hotel groups to tap into new revenue channels and foster deeper customer loyalty,” said Sarah Kim, Senior Analyst at Phocuswright, a travel research firm.
Implications for Hyatt and the Broader Hospitality Industry
The integration of Way’s technology into Hyatt’s ecosystem is expected to have multiple benefits. For Hyatt, it offers a platform to increase ancillary revenue streams, diversify offerings, and reduce dependency on traditional room bookings. For members, it enhances engagement and rewards flexibility, crucial factors in cultivating long-term brand loyalty.
Experts highlight that the seamless redemption of points across experiences aligns well with rising consumer preferences for experiential travel. According to a 2023 report by Euromonitor International, 67% of travelers globally expressed increased interest in redeeming loyalty points for activities and services beyond accommodation.
Furthermore, this collaboration is well-timed to capitalize on Asia’s robust travel market rebound post-pandemic. Markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia have seen steady growth in leisure travel, which often emphasizes local experiences and cultural immersion.
The Future of Loyalty and Experiences
Hyatt’s partnership with Way signals a broader shift in the hospitality industry, where digital innovation and customer-centric experience design are paramount. By integrating loyalty points with wider lifestyle offerings, Hyatt is preparing for a future where travelers seek holistic and convenient solutions from their preferred hotel brands.
“As part of our long-term strategy, we aim to continually innovate and expand the ways in which our members can engage with the World of Hyatt,” the Hyatt spokesperson noted. “This partnership lays the foundation for more personalized, diverse, and rewarding travel experiences.”
Way also plans to expand the platform’s capabilities and collaborate with other major hotel groups, potentially reshaping how experiential offerings are marketed and monetized across the hospitality landscape.
Conclusion
Hyatt’s collaboration with Way represents a forward-looking approach to loyalty program management, blending technology and experiential travel to meet evolving customer needs. By offering World of Hyatt members enhanced flexibility to earn and redeem points on a spectrum of curated experiences ranging from cultural events to everyday amenities Hyatt aims to deepen guest engagement and diversify its revenue streams, particularly within the fast-growing Asia-Pacific travel market.
As the hospitality industry continues to embrace digitization and personalization, partnerships like Hyatt and Way’s could set new standards for how loyalty programs drive growth and guest satisfaction.
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