PARSIPPANY, NJ? Wingate Inns International launched a new points-based frequent traveler program called U1 that is designed to be entirely paperless. The new program will capitalize on Internet penetration, allowing consumers to enroll electronically through www.wingateinns.com and communicating rewards, promotions, and other discounts to members via personalized e-mail messages. According to the company, U1 was created to identify and reward its loyal customers. The name has a double meaning? the first being, ?unit of one,? meant to imply that the program is tailored to meet customer needs on an individual basis, and the second is ?you won? representing the reward aspects of the program. U1 members will have access to an Internet site called ?My Wingate? where they can create a personal profile indicating preferences such as room type for their stays at Wingate Inns. For each dollar spent with Wingate, the program offers U1 members one point. Members will be able to check their point totals via the Internet. They will be offered nine point redemption levels ranging from 350 points to 5,000 points. Points can be redeemed for awards or merchandise from companies affiliated with giftcertificates.com. Free Stays, Other Benefits In addition to the points awarded for each dollar spent, members will receive free stays for spouses or other partners, USA Today delivered to their room, and a late checkout option upon request. In addition, U1 members will be offered the opportunity to receive points not only for stays in a room personally occupied, but also for up to two additional rooms which are reserved and registered in the member?s name and paid for by the member on a consolidated bill. According to Wingate Inns International CEO Keith Pierce, the driving force behind the creation of such a comprehensive frequent traveler program is the fact that, ?Loyalty programs have taken on a greater importance than ever before. The way the hotel industry is evolving, and with competition increasing daily, hotel brands need to gain more loyal customers, a cause helped by a state-of-the-art frequent traveler program that provides numerous member benefits.? With the new U1 frequent traveler program, Wingate hopes to set its brand apart from others. Its program tagline, ?personalizing your stays, earning your rewards? emphasizes the personal nature of the program.
