Hyatt Hotels Corporation has launched World of Hyatt, the company’s new global loyalty program.

“World of Hyatt is an expression of who we are,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer, Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

“It’s a platform powered by our purpose – caring for people so they can be their best – and it inspires how we engage with guests, interact with colleagues and owners, and operate our business.

“Importantly, it’s designed to deepen our relationship with our community beyond traditional hotel stays.”

The launch of World of Hyatt is supported by an integrated marketing campaign, ‘For a World of Understanding’, which debuted during the 89th Oscars broadcast.

“The work on World of Hyatt was driven by a simple insight about the human heart – that the greatest longing is to know and be known, to understand and be understood,” said Maryam Banikarim, global chief marketing officer, Hyatt.

“This platform is about the power of a little understanding. Listening, noticing each other, extending a thoughtful gesture – can make all the difference. This is how we connect on a deeper level – to inspire irrational loyalty.”

World of Hyatt is building personalized experiences to promote understanding through travel. These experiences are designed to bring the World of Hyatt community together to learn, connect and celebrate the world. Collaborating with AFAR, a company that was founded on the notion that travel brings about understanding, allows World of Hyatt a way to engage guests beyond traditional hotel stays.

World of Hyatt and AFAR are preparing an immersive once in a lifetime excursion to Tokyo. The three-day experiential itinerary will provide unparalleled access to the city in a way that will create unforgettable memories and relationships.

There is interest from the World of Hyatt community to “pay it forward.” To this end, World of Hyatt is collaborating with non-profits, Learning AFAR and No Barriers USA, to support a program designed to inspire transformational learning. Students who might not otherwise have the chance will be given a life-changing experience designed to help them better understand themselves and the world around them.

World of Hyatt is supporting Chicago Public School students to participate in an immersive 4-6 month curriculum that teaches students how to overcome obstacles, live a life of purpose and give back to the world, culminating in a 10-day excursion to Costa Rica. Students will explore the country’s unique culture to foster personal growth and leadership skills, enabling them to see what is possible in their lives and how they can contribute their best to the world. Upon return, students have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership as they share their learnings from this transformative expedition with their school and community.

The World of Hyatt loyalty program went live on March 1. The new program was announced in October to provide existing members a clear view into the changes. With understanding as the guiding principle, the loyalty program was designed based on listening and taking action. There are more tiers and more ways to earn status, which allows for more meaningful rewards and benefits for members. The tier names – Discoverist, Explorist, Globalist – reflect the aspirations of members as they travel and expand their world. And the rewards and benefits, such as providing more ways to earn free nights, reflect what matters to them most.

“With World of Hyatt, we don’t just want to welcome you to our world, we want to understand yours,” said Jeff Zidell, senior vice president, loyalty, Hyatt.

“We listened and reimagined our loyalty program to emphasize more meaningful rewards and benefits at every level. More than just great locations, luxurious rooms and amenities, World of Hyatt is about connecting you to the people, places and experiences at the heart of your world.”

Hyatt also turned to the Hyatt family to bring its story to life. Hyatt colleagues around the world wore Spectacles by Snap Inc. to offer a perspective of the world through their eyes. Their stories have been woven together and will be shared internally and externally through social media and other channels.

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management