Budget hotel by Accor ties up with Payback, India's biggest multi loyalty prgram

(TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - September 20th, 2013 -

PAYBACK joins hands with Formule1 Hotels as its strategic hospitality partner

The loyalty program widens its expanse by adding another new category of hospitality, to its partner network

Bangalore, September 19, 2013: Formule1, the budget hotel by the largest hotel operator in Asia Pacific, Accor, has joined PAYBACK, India’s award winning and largest multi-brand loyalty program, as its first partner in the hospitality category. This association will enable Hotel Formule1 guests to avail membership with PAYBACK Program and earn points.

The partnership will maximize rewards for millions of PAYBACK Members spread across India on every stay, across all Formule1 properties in India such as Greater Noida, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and upcoming properties with an assured earning rate of 4 PAYBACK Points on every INR 100 spent and use their existing PAYBACK Points as a currency to book a stay at Formule1 Properties. As part of launch offer, PAYBACK Members can also avail 15% discount on room rates along with a complimentary breakfast for all stays, will be valid until October 31, 2013.

Hotel Formule1 guests, on the other hand, who enrol into the PAYBACK Program, will be eligible to avail all benefits of PAYBACK Members and also redeem their PAYBACK Points for attractive rewards, with instant redemption at over 50 partner brands existing on PAYBACK’s Network, in over 100 locations and 3000 points of sale across cities in India. The PAYBACK Partner brands are spread across retail, entertainment, fuel, utility and travel categories and will include brands such as Big Bazaar, Bookmyshow.com, Central, e zone, futurebazaar.com, Home Town, HPCL, ICICI Bank, MakeMyTrip.com, Pantaloons, Vodafone, and others.  

Mr. Rahul Rana, Chief Operating Officer, PAYBACK India said, "As consumers preferences evolve, and as hotels aggressively try to deliver differentiated experiences to their customers; loyalty programs that offer consumers varied choices and  experiences in the hospitality sector are gaining relevance and popularity. Recent research reports have indicated that with improved benefits and guest-friendly policies, loyalty programs are increasingly becoming one of the major reasons guests choose to stay loyal to a particular brand.”

“This also indicates the growing influence loyalty programs have on a brand’s performance – more so in the hospitality industry which is all about customer connect and differentiated customer offerings.” Mr. Rana added.

Mr. Philip Logan, Vice President, Formule1 Hotels India says, " Typical loyalty programs centre around hotels and airlines, but with the unique PAYBACK Program one can not only earn and redeem reward points by staying at Formule1 but also by shopping, travelling, with more than 50 of its partner brands. It is a unique platform for us to reach out to customers looking for value for money and I am glad that Formule1 hotels will now be their preferred option for stay".

Speaking on the occasion,Mr. Vijay Bobba, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, PAYBACK, India said, “Our partnership with Formule1 hotel chain in India marks our entry into the hospitality industry. At PAYBACK, we strongly believe that our experience and learnings in loyalty will drive high consumer optimism and trust, thereby increasing footfalls for our partner brand.” Talking about the strategic partnership, he further mentioned, “We are excited to come together with Formule1 and jointly drive value not just to our respective business goals but also to the benefits offered to our member.”

About PAYBACK

PAYBACK is India’s largest multi-brand loyalty program offering its members multitude of benefits. PAYBACK has over 50 partners including affiliate brands participating in the PAYBACK network across categories in-store as well as online namely ICICI Bank, HPCL, MakeMyTrip.com, Formule1, UniverCell, Vodafone, Big Bazaar, Food Bazaar, fashion@BigBazaar (fbb), Food Hall, Pantaloons, Central, e zone, Home Town, Brand Factory, futurebazaar.com,  bookmyshow.com and many more. With such a varied portfolio of partners, PAYBACK members can earn points on everyday shopping and redeem them for attractive rewards, at their preference.

PAYBACK has been awarded “Product of the Year” 2013 in the Reward Points/Loyalty Programs category, based on 18,000 consumer interviews, across 23 cities in India. PAYBACK has also been honoured with Retailer Customer Service Awards for 2013 in Customer Service-Business Services category. The award is based on 10,000 sample consumer survey results carried out by Entrepreneur India Advisors.

PAYBACK program is operated by Loyalty Solutions and Research Private Limited (LSRPL).  LSRPL is majority controlled by Loyalty Partner GmbH, a subsidiary of American Express.

For more information please visit www.payback.in; www.payback.net. You can also connect with PAYBACK at https://www.facebook.com/PaybackIndia or 1860-258-5000.

About Hotel Formule1

Accor has revolutionized the low-cost hotel segment with the launch of its brand ‘Formule1’ in India. Renowned for delivering a great sleep and shower experience at an affordable price, this budget hotel offers 100% cotton sheets and soundproof rooms. The hotel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi to its guests. Hotel Formule1 is a budget concept, with a design comfort for Indian customers. Bringing a unique experience in the low-cost segment, the rooms are cleverly designed and more stylish. The soft, relaxing colors and new enhanced approach to light, space and materials give it an inviting and modern atmosphere. With an aim to appeal to domestic corporates and frequent business and leisure travellers looking for outstanding value combined with quality service and facilities, Hotel Formule1 will be the true budget hotel brand in India, filling the void for standardized comfort at a highly competitive price. Hotel Formule1 is now present is Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Greater Noida and opening soon Pune Hinjewadi (2013), Gurgaon, Pune Pimpri and Hyderabad in 2014.

For reservations or enquiries visit www.hotelformule1.com/ accorhotels.com

###