Airlines and hotels are offering discounted gift cards to allure their customers

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The travel and tourism sector is gradually recovering, and in some countries, numbers have reached their pre-pandemic level. Travelers seek flexibility while booking hotels and airlines regarding discounts, free stays, and flight upgrades. Consequently, airline companies and hotels are introducing attractive packages, offers, discounted gift cards, and bonuses to their customers. For instance,

• Marriott, a US-based chain of hotels and resorts operating worldwide, has offered 20% off on gift cards to targeted members from June 2022. On June 6, targeted members received an e-mail with the details of a one-time promo code and a link to purchase an e-gift card. The target members can purchase and avail of e-gift cards in increments between US$ 25 and US$ 2000 with 20% off. The members can redeem these gift cards at a wide range of hotels under the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio for services including stays, spa, dining, golf, and others. Marriott gift cards have the advantages of no expiration date and flexibility for people other than the cardholder can avail of all amenities. 
• Preferred Hotel Group, the world's largest independent hotel brand, has announced updates to its loyalty program "I Prefer Hotel Rewards" in June 2022. The members can use "I Prefer Gift Cards" at I Prefer hotels and resorts across the globe for services, experiences, and stays. As part of the company's introductory offer, buyers will receive a 20% Bonus Card on each gift card purchase until June 30, 2022. Preferred Hotel Group has also developed numerous reward programmes, bonus points, and discounts for its members to increase client loyalty and attract new consumers. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, an Accor brand, offered a 20% bonus on purchasing e-gift cards during 3 hours window from 2 PM to 5 PM ET on May 4, 2022. Users need to buy each brand-specific e-gift card separately and up to a maximum purchase value of US$ 5,000. One e-gift card can be purchased with one credit card, and a separate e-gift card will be issued a 20% bonus after purchase. The company usually offers bonus e-gift card deals at least twice a year, mostly in May and November. 
• Delta Air Lines, a US-based airline company, announced that it is offering its customers up to 75,000 SkyMiles or approximately US$ 400 Delta gift cards on bookings of flight and hotel vacation packages by June 30, 2022. The customers can get more rewards on higher spending packages, and there is no minimum spending requirement. The offer features the smallest bonus of 5,000 SkyMiles or a US$ 50 gift card. To avail bonus, the customer must be a SkyMiles member and need to enter promo codes related to either SkyMiles or a gift card while searching for Delta vacations packages. 
• Costco, a US-based chain of membership-only stores, announced selling Southwest gift cards at a 10% discount in June 2022. The customer will receive a redemption code via e-mail within an hour of purchase. Moreover, a customer can buy a maximum of three gift cards and earn RapidRewards points while booking a flight. In the past, Costco also allowed members to purchase Delta gift cards in-store and online and was involved in selling Alaska and Southwest Airlines gift cards.

Airlines and hotels offer attractive discounts on gift cards and bonus points to enhance their sales, increase customer loyalty, and attract new customers. From the customer's point of view, booking hotels and flights at some significant discounts is always a win-win situation for them rather than booking directly from the carrier.

To know more and gain a deeper understanding of the gift card market in the United States, click here.