Marriott Loyalty-Program Hiccups May Have Boosted Hilton's Ranks
- Hilton Honors gained 14 million members in 2018, CEO says
- New Marriott Bonvoy launch was fraught for Starwood loyalists
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High-profile and not entirely well-received changes to Marriott International Inc.’s loyalty programs may have paid off -- for the company’s biggest competitor.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. Chief Executive Officer Christopher Nassetta said a conference earnings call Wednesday that his company added 14 million new Hilton Honors members in 2018, bringing the total to 85 million. Loyalty programs are crucial to lodging companies because they enable hotels to fill rooms without paying commissions to online travel agencies.