How Wyndham Uses Experiences to Drive Direct Bookings

Wyndham Rewards pushes beyond hotel nights into experiences, and Michael Shiwdin, Global VP of Loyalty at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, explains why: engagement drives direct bookings, and direct bookings drive owner value.

I talked with Michael at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar in Puerto Rico about how Wyndham Rewards Experiences works and what it means for hotels in the portfolio.

🌿 Members earn points on experiences through Viator, including activities like kayaking
🎟️ Wyndham partners with Ticketmaster and Madison Square Garden for concert opportunities and VIP experiences
📈 Michael says Wyndham saw almost a 5X increase in member engagement after launching Wyndham Rewards Experiences, plus double-digit lifts tied to members booking direct
💰 He frames the owner angle: members book direct at a lower cost channel, then return to the Wyndham portfolio for the next stay

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