ITC Hotels Enhances Club ITC Loyalty Program with New Platinum Select Tier

ITC Hotels Launches an Upgraded Club ITC Loyalty Program

ITC Hotels has unveiled a newly redesigned version of its Club ITC loyalty program, providing guests with clearer rewards, greater earning potential, and an exciting new long-term recognition feature called the Platinum Select tier. This revamped loyalty initiative aims to unify guest experiences across stays and dining, while offering expanded redemption opportunities for both domestic and international travel.

Key Features of the Redesigned Club ITC

The overhaul centers on simplicity and transparency, making it easier for members to understand and benefit from their participation. Points, now called Green Points, are directly tied to rupees, ensuring straightforward value. Members earn between 2 to 8 per cent back on eligible stays and dining services, a significant increase from the previous rates of 2 to 5 per cent.

A notable new addition is the Platinum Select tier, which allows loyal members to maintain Platinum status for an impressive 15 years, rewarding sustained loyalty in a unique way. Importantly, any member who engages in at least one transaction annually is guaranteed that their points will never expire, making every visit or dining experience count over the long run.

Unified Benefits Across Multiple Experiences

Club ITC now integrates earlier separate guest and booking schemes into a consolidated program. Members can accrue rewards not only for their own stays but also when booking for others or organizing events such as weddings and corporate functions at ITC Hotels’ more than 140 properties spanning 90 locations across India.

Complementing accommodation rewards is the Culinaire dining program, which is now a subscription-based plan. Subscribers enjoy a 20% discount on food, beverages, spas, and laundry services within participating hotels. Additionally, members can earn up to 12 percent more Green Points and receive exclusive vouchers for complimentary stays and buffet experiences.

Innovations in Subscription and Global Redemption Options

Club ITC breaks new ground in the Indian hospitality sector by offering multi-year subscription plans, giving members the flexibility to lock in their benefits upfront. This forward-looking approach caters especially to guests looking for long-term commitment and value from their loyalty membership.

Moreover, the program expands the usability of Green Points beyond ITC Hotels by enabling conversions into Marriott Bonvoy points at a 2:3 ratio. Points can also be redeemed through services offered by International Travel House, including flights and ride services, broadening the appeal of the program to globetrotters far beyond their hotel stays.

A Brief Look Back: Evolution of Loyalty Programs in Hospitality

Loyalty programs in the hotel industry have long been a strategic tool to encourage repeat visits and deeper engagement from guests. Traditionally focused on accommodation alone, these programs have increasingly embraced a holistic approach that encompasses dining, spa, and even ancillary travel services, reflecting guests’ multifaceted travel preferences.

Recognition tiers such as Gold, Platinum, and Diamond have become standards, providing status and perks that heighten customer satisfaction and strengthen brand allegiance. However, the introduction of lifetime or extended status levels, like Club ITC’s new Platinum Select, signals a move towards rewarding long-term loyalty more generously, adapting to evolving consumer expectations in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Why Transparency and Simplicity Matter

One of the main challenges with many loyalty programs is their complexity, which often leaves members confused about how to earn and redeem points effectively. By tying Green Points straightforwardly to the currency and expanding how members can use and accumulate points across various experiences, Club ITC exemplifies a growing industry trend towards simplifying loyalty rewards.

Forecast: The Future of Loyalty Programs in Global Tourism

As the travel sector recovers and adapts post-pandemic, loyalty programs are poised to become even more crucial in shaping guest experiences and influencing travel choices. Programs that offer flexibility, global usability, and tangible, easy-to-understand benefits will likely lead the charge in guest retention.

Moreover, loyalty initiatives extending beyond hotels to include dining, events, and travel services align well with the integrated nature of modern journeys, attracting not only leisure travelers but also corporate clients. This comprehensive approach ensures that travelers feel recognized in diverse moments of their trip, fostering deeper loyalty and brand advocacy.

Potential Impact on Boating and Marine Destinations

Although primarily hospitality-centered, such expansive loyalty programs can indirectly influence marine and sailing tourism. Travelers who engage in comprehensive loyalty schemes might be more inclined to explore yachting destinations and coastal resorts affiliated with their favored hotel brands. The flexibility in redeeming points for broader travel experiences paves the way for exciting plans involving chartering boats or spending time at beachside locations.

Summary and Conclusion

The recent revamp of ITC Hotels’ loyalty program delivers a fresh breath in guest engagement, emphasizing greater transparency, inclusivity, and long-term rewards that cater to a diverse clientele. With new features like the Platinum Select tier, unified benefits, and global redemption options, Club ITC sets itself apart as a forward-thinking loyalty program in India’s hospitality sector.

Such advancements not only enhance guest experiences within hotels but also extend possibilities for related travel activities, including marine and coastal pursuits. Those interested in seamless and rewarding travel experiences, from high-end beach resorts to yacht charters on sparkling waters, can find meaningful benefit in integrated loyalty programs like Club ITC.

For sailing enthusiasts and those planning ocean adventures along scenic coastlines, services like GetBoat.com offer access to an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, perfectly complementing hotel loyalty benefits. Whether seeking a superyacht experience, marina activities, or a relaxed day on the lake, combining hotel perks with boat charters is an enticing way to elevate any vacation.