Offers greater flexibility on how guests earn and spend rewards – at home or away – with the redesign of GHA DISCOVERY
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, and Global Hotel Alliance’s (GHA) network of 35 distinct brands, have announced the launch of a redesigned GHA DISCOVERY programme, with rewards and benefits newly created to increase traveller satisfaction.
The changes include the introduction of a new digital rewards currency for use in future stays, tier progression which is easier to achieve, and a “Live Local” initiative which facilitates short bursts of enjoyment without a hotel stay in the member’s hometown. These can be experiences such as access to gym or pool, beach services, or special deals on dining and wellness.
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts joined GHA in 2016. Today, Outrigger contributes six premier resorts to GHA’s network in 85 countries, serving more than 11 million members.
GHA CEO Chris Hartley said that the new enhancements allowed GHA DISCOVERY to better leverage the emerging role of hotels and resorts as community and lifestyle hubs, tapping into the consumer appetite for connection to people and places. This also encourages local spending, giving a much-needed boost to the hospitality sector and local economies, he said.
“Today’s discerning guests want to be recognised and rewarded instantly, wherever they travel and for whatever they spend,” said Hartley. “Furthermore, GHA DISCOVERY now offers this flexibility, with the introduction of the industry’s first digital rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars, enabling members to earn from their very first stay and redeem on future stays for in-hotel spend, from room to dining, spa and more.”
Outrigger DISCOVERY, as an example, includes activities that connect guests to the culture and local traditions of each destination, such as coral planting in Fiji as part of OZONE (Outrigger’s ZONE), a conservation initiative founded in 2014.
Additionally, for members who book on the GHA DISCOVERY website or mobile app until 31 December 2021, for travel completed by 30 June 2022, GHA DISCOVERY will contribute US$1 per booking to charities supported by alliance brands, such as Outrigger partner, the Polynesian Voyaging Society, a non-profit research and educational corporation established to research and perpetuate traditional Polynesian voyaging methods.
Participating Outrigger Hotels and Resorts include Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger, Castaway Island, Fiji Resort, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort.
Additionally, Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, alongside Outrigger’s Thailand resorts, Outrigger Surin Beach Resort and Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort, will join late December with Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort on board March 2022, elevating Outrigger’s contribution to the programme to 10 resorts.
For more than 70 years, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has charted a journey of discovery – expanding from Hawai‘i to premier resort destinations including Fiji, Mauritius and Thailand. The privately held hospitality company invites guests to ‘Escape Ordinary’ with authentic Signature Experiences and the Outrigger DISCOVERY loyalty program.
GHA DISCOVERY is complimentary to join; travellers can sign up online or download the GHA DISCOVERY app and register on their mobile phones. Travellers can also connect with GHA DISCOVERY on Instagram and Facebook.
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands with GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty program leveraging a shared technology platform. Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue, and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning. GHA represents a collection of 35 brands with over 500 hotels in 85 countries serving 11 million members. The award-winning GHA DISCOVERY program generates approximately $2 billion in revenue and more than eight million room nights annually.
Launched in 2010, GHA DISCOVERY is the world’s largest loyalty program for independent hotel brands, featuring more than 500 hotels, resorts and palaces across 35 brands. Members enjoy VIP recognition, thoughtful benefits and generous rewards at home or away. Recently the program has evolved to include an additional tier and flexible paths to upgrade through nights/stays, eligible purchases or number of brands stayed, making it easier and faster for members to reach elite status.