The New Travel Loyalty Leaders Aren’t Hotels or Airlines — They’re Banks

Skift Take Travel companies have spent years worrying about losing customers to online travel agencies. The bigger threat was already in the wallet. Skift Research's Global Travel Insights survey shows that there is a new leader in the competition for loyalty. Hotels, airlines and online travel agencies aren’t just competing with each other any more; they now have to contend with credit cards, which currently resonate most with travelers. When asked which loyalty programs travelers find most rewarding, 32% picked credit cards and banks. Hotels came in second, airlines were third, and online travel agencies pulled just 8%. Most Rewarding Loyalty Programs, According to Travelers Share of travelers (%) 32% Credit card / bank 26% Hotel 20% Airline 8% Online travel agency 5% Retail or lifest