Marriott to launch membership program in Asia with free internet access as benefit

The hotel chain's executive vice president Asia Pacific & Australia, Craig Smith, says this programme change is a great incentive for frequent travelers.

All Marriott Rewards members start earning points from their very first stay, said Smith, who adds that points may then be redeemed against room nights. "The more you stay and the more points you accumulate the higher you get in elite tiers where members receive additional added value benefits such as in increased percentage bonus on earned points, free upgrades, access to executive lounges, arrival gifts, late check outs and exclusive offers of discounts and rate packages. There are real and identifiable benefits to staying with Marriott and accumulating points to be able to redeem room nights all over the region at our beautiful resorts in Thailand or at city centre hotels in Hong Kong, Shanghai or Sydney for example," he said.

So why is it being launched now?

According to Smith, Marriott International is strategically focusing on Asia Pacific as a key region and this programme change is a great incentive for frequent travelers to join the Marriott Rewards programme. "We believe that with the growth of Asia and the growth of travel now is exactly the right time to offer this benefit to our guests in Asia. Convenience is key to our most frequent guests. As part of Marriott’s strategy, we are constantly looking for ways to improve the travel experience."

Marriott Rewards is launching free internet access in Asia Pacific as a benefit to all Marriott Rewards members who travel in this region. "We believe all our members who visit our Asian hotels will benefit and we hope that many more of our customers will choose to join Marriott Rewards so they can take advantage of this benefit. As part of our global strategy, we constantly review our regional needs and feel this is the right move for the programme in Asia at this time. We are continually evaluate changes to our program policies throughout the world and in the future may implement additional changes to Marriott Rewards benefits in Asia and the rest of the world. As a reminder, internet access is free to all Marriott Rewards Gold and Platinum members worldwide," added Smith.

Marriott International currently operates some 130 hotels across Asia Pacific representing the Ritz-Carlton, The JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance and Courtyard hotels brand, as well as the Marriott Executive Apartments.
"We currently have an additional 70 more hotels in the pipeline in Asia and around 110 more hotels in some form of planning. So, as you can see we are in a very good position in Asia and looking to increase our footprint and brand positioning across the region significantly in the coming years.While India and China are key focuses for Marriott, we are looking to grow and develop across the region where are customers are seeking out our products and services," said Smith.