InterContinental Hotels Group will begin offering free Internet access to its Elite members of its loyalty program starting July 1, according to Don Berg, VP Loyalty Programs and Partnerships, IHG.
Free Internet access will extend to all members of IHG’s loyalty program during 2014. Current Wi-Fi rates for guests at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel are $12.95 per day for light access, and $15.95 for the premium service. The change coincides with IHG’s renaming of its loyalty program to IHG Rewards Club, dropping the previous Priority Club Rewards name.
Berg said since Priority Club Rewards launched in 1983, “We have consistently listened to our guests and improved our program to ensure we are meeting their needs – we are providing them with free Internet to respond to those evolving needs.”
Berg said a global survey commissioned by IHG revealed that free Internet has become increasingly important for travelers. According to the survey, 43% of travelers indicated they would not stay in a hotel that charged for Internet. Almost a quarter (23%) said that free Internet is the most important amenity when staying in a hotel.
The free Internet will benefit all loyalty program members whether they stay overnight or come to the hotel for coffee or a meeting.
Internet service will be provided wither via Wi-Fi and or through Ethernet connections.
The survey found that Chinese travelers placed the most importance on online connectivity (47%) when choosing a hotel, followed by travelers from Russia (26%), the U.S. (23%), and India (22%).
InterContinental Hotels Group has more than 4,600 hotels in 100 countries around the world.