IHG releases research results on loyalty programmes

According to new research released by InterContinental Hotels Group, 62% of global travellers said that it felt like a dream come true when redeeming points from their loyalty programme all in one go.

As a result, 65% of them are increasingly turning to loyalty programmes to help fund their holidays, with one in three (37%) even organising an entire holiday with points alone.

The research by IHG Rewards Club surveyed more than 10,000 of its members across 13 countries to reveal further insight into both the emotional and practical benefits that members get from their loyalty programme. Sixty-nine percent of respondents felt that points were a reward in exchange for their loyalty, whilst half (49%) even said that the personal welcome they received from IHG hotels was the top reason they choose to be part of IHG Rewards Club.

In addition to making holidays a reality for many, the study also found that rewards programmes are increasingly used to enhance travellers' holidays. Some of the top choices for point redemptions include holiday accommodation (70%), hotel upgrades (32%), and even booking an extra week on an existing holiday (24%).