Choice Hotels Launches Global Travel Values Campaign
Choice Hotels International has launched a new global marketing initiative around Travel Values, designed to highlight how the right hotel experience can enhance the meaningful moments of travel. The campaign emphasizes that value today isn’t just about price, but about maximizing experiences, memories, and the overall return on travelers’ time and money.
The campaign once again features actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, marking the third consecutive year of his partnership with Choice Hotels. Creative work was developed in collaboration with Key, creative agency 72andSunny New York, and media agency dentsu X. A series of 30- and 15-second commercials will be aired across television, connected TV, digital platforms, and social media throughout 2026 to reach global audiences and reinforce the brand’s message about the evolving meaning of travel value.
By focusing on how travelers increasingly prioritize experiences over material goods, the Travel Values campaign seeks to reframe the idea of “value” in travel marketing, portraying it as the ability to unlock more trips, experiences, and meaningful memories rather than just low cost. This approach reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations.
Learn more here.
PayPal Launches Free DIY Tax Filing for Debit Card Customers
PayPal has unveiled a new offering that allows U.S. PayPal Debit Mastercard® holders to file their 2025 federal and state tax returns for free through a partnership with embedded tax technology platform april. This service is designed to simplify tax season by providing a DIY digital filing experience directly within PayPal’s platform, potentially saving customers an average of about $160 in typical tax preparation costs. The april tax engine pre-fills information from uploaded documents and guides users through a straightforward filing flow.
The integrated solution includes features aimed at making the process faster and more efficient, such as an AI-powered chatbot for question support and the option for live help for a fee. PayPal users can electronically file their returns securely with the IRS and may receive their federal tax refund up to five days early when using PayPal Direct Deposit.
PayPal frames the new tax filing tool as part of its goal to centralize financial management for customers, helping them address essential fiscal tasks in one place alongside earning rewards and managing spending. The rollout begins immediately and will be available to all eligible U.S. PayPal Debit Card customers in the coming weeks.
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Panera Tests New Points-Based Loyalty Program
Panera Bread is piloting a revamped version of its MyPanera loyalty program designed to give members clearer value and more control over how they earn and redeem rewards. Traditionally known for its “surprise and delight” rewards model, the new system shifts toward a points-based approach.
Members can now earn 10 points per dollar spent that can be redeemed for specific items — aiming to make benefits easier to understand and more meaningful for guests. The pilot spans several major markets and involves millions of existing members.
This updated loyalty strategy also introduces a higher tier called MyPanera+ for Unlimited Sip Club subscribers and high-frequency guests, offering elevated rewards such as higher-value birthday treats, anniversary perks, and additional redemption options. The company plans to evaluate success based on member engagement, satisfaction, and whether the program truly delivers on its promise of transparency, choice, control, and value.
Learn more here.