There is no single right loyalty model for hospitality. The right one depends on how often your guests visit, what they spend, and what you can give them that money cannot buy. These are the four mechanics we build most, and what each is good at.
1. Points and tiers
Guests earn on every pound or dirham and move up tiers as they spend. It works best when the rules are simple enough that a new starter can explain them on their first shift. Tiers give regulars something to aim for, and give you a way to recognise your best guests without discounting to everyone.
Example: Mindset, AlphaMind’s programme in Dubai, runs Gold, Platinum and Black tiers with points and VIP access across venues including CLAP, KIRA and Bar du Port.
2. Cashback wallet
A percentage of each spend comes back as credit that can only be spent with you. Guests understand it instantly, and every reward brings them back through your door rather than someone else’s.
Example: Solutions Rewards in the UAE gives Black and Gold members 10% cashback across Lock, Stock & Barrel, Asia Asia, Ula, The 305 and more, with priority event booking on top.
3. Paid membership clubs
Guests pay to join and get priority booking, member pricing and events in return. Done well, it creates recurring revenue and a group of guests who feel genuinely invested in your venues.
4. Surprise and delight
Birthdays, milestones and quiet-night offers, triggered by real visit data rather than a calendar. This is the mechanic guests talk about, because it does not feel like a scheme.
Most good programmes mix them
O Beach’s Inner Circle is free to join, gives welcome points and 4% cashback, and sells ticketing and packages in the same app. Evolv Rewards in the UK combines points, gamification, gift cards and points transfer with a digital card and booking.
The question is not which mechanic is best. It is which mix fits how your venues actually trade. If you want to talk it through, see how our programmes work or email sales@theloyaltyco.app.