I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a seasoned expert in hospitality with a deep background in travel and tourism. Katarina has honed her skills in creating memorable experiences for travelers and is a prominent voice in the entertainment and events space, often speaking at expos and conferences. Today, we’re diving into the exciting launch of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ new subscription program, Wyndham Rewards Insider. Our conversation will explore what inspired this innovative program, how it stands out in the crowded loyalty space, the unique benefits it offers everyday travelers, and the strategic partnerships that make it a game-changer.
What inspired Wyndham to create the Wyndham Rewards Insider subscription program, and how did the idea of blending travel and entertainment benefits come together?
The inspiration behind Wyndham Rewards Insider came from a desire to offer something truly valuable to our loyalty members—something that goes beyond the traditional hotel stay. We noticed that travelers today crave a more holistic experience; they want benefits that touch every part of their journey, from where they stay to how they have fun. Combining travel and entertainment benefits was a natural fit because both are about creating memories. We saw an opportunity to partner with platforms like Ticketmaster to bring live events and concerts into the mix, making the program a one-stop shop for both practical travel savings and exciting experiences.
How does Wyndham Rewards Insider differentiate itself from other hotel loyalty programs in the market?
What sets Wyndham Rewards Insider apart is its scope and accessibility. We’re calling it a first-of-its-kind because no other major hotel rewards program offers this kind of combined travel and entertainment subscription. It’s not just about earning points for a free night; it’s about enriching the entire travel experience with discounts on flights, cruises, and even theme park tickets. I think members will be especially excited about the automatic Gold-level status upgrade and the ability to earn points on almost everything they book through the platform. It’s a fresh take on loyalty that feels more inclusive and dynamic.
Can you walk us through the key benefits this subscription offers to everyday travelers?
Absolutely. For just $95 a year, members get a wide range of savings—10% or more on over 8,000 Wyndham hotels, up to 30% on cruises, and discounts on flights, car rentals, and tours. Beyond that, the entertainment perks are a huge draw. Through our collaboration with Ticketmaster, members can earn and redeem points on over 50,000 concerts and live events, plus get exclusive savings at places like Walt Disney World Resort. The automatic Gold-level membership status also adds value with enhanced perks like late checkout and preferred room selection. It’s designed to make travel more affordable and fun for people who might not travel every week but still want great deals.
How did Wyndham settle on the $95 annual fee for this subscription, and what makes it a fair price for travelers?
We wanted the fee to feel approachable while reflecting the incredible value packed into the program. At $95 a year, it’s less than the cost of a nice dinner out, yet it unlocks savings and perks that can easily outweigh that cost with just one or two bookings. We looked at the market, including other travel and entertainment subscriptions, and benchmarked against what everyday travelers are willing to spend for tangible benefits. Our goal was to ensure this felt like a no-brainer investment for anyone who travels even a few times a year or loves attending live events.
Can you dive deeper into the partnership with Ticketmaster and how it enhances the member experience?
Our partnership with Ticketmaster is a cornerstone of the entertainment side of Wyndham Rewards Insider. Members can earn 2 points per dollar spent on bookings for over 50,000 qualifying concerts and events, and they can redeem points for these experiences as well. It covers a huge range of options, from major music tours to local theater shows, so there’s something for everyone. This adds a layer of excitement to the program—imagine saving on a hotel for a weekend getaway and using points to see your favorite band in the same trip. It’s about weaving joy and connection into travel, not just logistics.
Wyndham has emphasized targeting ‘everyday travelers’ with this program. Who do you see as the core audience for this subscription?
We’re really focusing on people who travel for personal reasons—families on vacation, couples taking weekend trips, or friends planning a getaway. These aren’t necessarily frequent business travelers or elite status holders with premium credit cards. Our core audience is the everyday person who wants value and flexibility without jumping through hoops or paying high fees for perks. This program levels the playing field by offering benefits that were often out of reach for this group, making travel and entertainment more accessible to a broader range of incomes and lifestyles.
The program allows members to earn points on nearly everything booked through the platform. Can you break down how that works in terms of point accumulation?
It’s a pretty generous structure. Members earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotel stays, tours, and activities booked through the platform, which is a fantastic rate for maximizing rewards. For Ticketmaster purchases, it’s 2 points per dollar, reflecting the unique nature of entertainment spending. Most other qualifying purchases, like flights or car rentals, earn 1 point per dollar. The idea is to reward members across the board, no matter how they choose to travel or enjoy their leisure time. It’s a flexible system that lets points add up quickly, especially for those who mix hotel stays with other experiences.
What’s your forecast for the future of travel loyalty programs, especially with innovative offerings like Wyndham Rewards Insider setting a new standard?
I think we’re going to see loyalty programs evolve beyond just points and free stays into more lifestyle-driven offerings. Programs like Wyndham Rewards Insider are paving the way by integrating travel with entertainment and everyday experiences, and I expect other brands to follow suit with partnerships and subscriptions that cater to broader interests. Personalization will be key—travelers want programs that understand their unique needs and preferences. I also foresee a stronger focus on accessibility, ensuring that loyalty benefits aren’t just for the elite but for everyone who loves to explore. It’s an exciting time, and I’m eager to see how the industry adapts to these shifting expectations.
