Club Wyndham Recognized for Excellence in Family Travel
Club Wyndham® recently announced that its Steamboat Springs resort in Colorado has been named a top family-friendly destination in the 2024 Parents Family Travel Awards. The brand also received the prestigious “Best Family-Friendly Vacation Company” title in the 2024 Wherever Family Awards, chosen by readers for the brand’s contribution to family travel. The honors highlight Club Wyndham’s commitment to providing spacious, condo-style accommodations and exceptional amenities in prime vacation destinations, making it an ideal choice for families seeking memorable getaways.
Club Wyndham SVP of Resort Operations, Kevin Maciulewicz, said, “We are thrilled to have our Steamboat Springs resort recognized as a standout example of the exceptional value Club Wyndham offers to families, and we are honored to be named a winner of the Parents Family Travel Awards. With unparalleled hospitality, spacious condo-style suites, and a wide variety of year-round outdoor activities, this resort remains a top choice for both owners and guests seeking unforgettable family experiences.”
The Parents Family Travel Awards celebrate the best family-friendly resorts and hotels, cruise lines, and family vacation chain options, with nominations based on expert recommendations and real parent feedback. After careful evaluation of factors like value, activities, accessibility, and hospitality and accommodations, Club Wyndham Steamboat Springs was recognized as one of the top 37 resorts for family travel. Located near Steamboat Ski Resort and the scenic Routt National Forest, the Steamboat Springs resort offers a year-round adventure, with opportunities for outdoor exploration, golf, and access to charming downtown shops and local restaurants. Family-friendly amenities include swimming pools, hot tubs, a playground, BBQ areas, a basketball court, and a game room.
Learn more about Club Wyndham’s Steamboat Springs resort here: https://clubwyndham.wyndhamdestinations.com/us/en/resorts/wyndham-hotels-resorts/united-states-of-america/colorado/steamboat-springs/club-wyndham-steamboat-springs
Papa John's Introduces New Strategy to Increase Customer Loyalty
Papa Johns hopes to turn declining sales from 2024 around by revisiting its basic strategy of innovation and simplification to increase long-term growth and customer loyalty. The pizza chain began 2024 with a “Back to Better 2.0” strategy, which focused on enhancing its investment in marketing, improving margins at the restaurant level, fast-forwarding unit development, and optimizing its international operations. In April, they introduced the “Better Get You Some” platform, which aimed to deepen consumer engagement by highlighting the emotional connection to pizza. However, this strategic push failed to prevent North American same-store sales from declining across multiple quarters, with drops of 2%, 4%, and 6% in Q1, Q2, and Q3, respectively. Additionally, the brand underwent an executive transition with the departure of CEO Rob Lynch and the appointment of Todd Penegor, who took over in August. Penegor’s revised strategy places a strong emphasis on returning to the core principles of the brand, notably the promise of “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza.” Acknowledging that operational complexity and an influx of menu innovations have distracted from this core focus, Penegor intends to simplify the product lineup and improve operational consistency.
Penegor said, “We’ve added a lot of complexity over the last many years. We’ve brought a lot of product on. It’s driven short-term sales and brought in new users, but it’s not driving the frequency we need, which a core pizza can do day in and day out.” Penegor added, “New offerings actually bring in customers, but great pizza drives frequency and we got to get back to driving great pizza with every visit to drive that frequency and the connection to our brand.”
One of the key challenges has been the shift away from original crust pizzas, which once accounted for 75% of sales in 2019, but now account for just a little more than 50%. In addition to simplifying its product lineup, Papa Johns plans to address operational issues like oven calibration to ensure better consistency in pizza quality across its locations. Papa Johns also plans to improve its training and support for its general managers to enhance operational excellence. To complement these improvements, Papa Johns is doubling down on marketing, under the leadership of new CMO Jenna Bromberg, who hopes to reach younger audiences and differentiate the brand in a competitive market. With 85% of orders coming through digital channels, the company is leveraging data to provide more personalized customer experiences and launching new CRM strategies that are already showing positive results. Additionally, the updated loyalty program, Papa Rewards, has increased engagement among members.
Learn more about the Papa Rewards program here: https://www.papajohns.com/order/papa-rewards
Planet Fitness Reaches $10M+ Milestone for Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Planet Fitness has announced that it has donated more than $10.5 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) through its Judgement Free Generation® initiative since 2016. The philanthropic program focuses on promoting youth well-being and fostering kindness within communities. In 2024, Planet Fitness raised more than $1 million for the cause, with significant support from franchisees, team members, fitness center members, and partners.
Planet Fitness Chief Corporate Affairs Officer McCall Gosselin said, “At Planet Fitness, our commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America goes back to our brand purpose and commitment to ensuring everyone feels welcomed and supported both in our clubs and our communities. We are proud to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide valuable resources to support youth and reinforce youth wellbeing and kindness. As we approach the 10th anniversary of our Judgement Free Generation® initiative, we are extremely appreciative of the generosity of our members, team members, and franchisees. Their contributions ensure that we can continue to empower the next generation to prioritize both their mental and physical health, and promote kindness and inclusion in their daily lives.”
Throughout the year, Planet Fitness actively raises funds for BGCA through a variety of efforts. These include online donations made during new member sign-ups and its annual fall fundraiser, which invited members to contribute in person at U.S. and Puerto Rico clubs or online. Planet Fitness’ commitment to the next generation was further demonstrated by awarding $5,000 scholarships to 50 teens who have shown exceptional dedication to inclusion and kindness. Over half of these recipients were first-generation college students. As Planet Fitness approaches the 10th anniversary of its Judgement Free Generation® initiative, the company increased fitness access with the establishment of almost 50 Mini Judgement Free Zones® at select Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, with more planned this year.
Watch this Instagram reel to learn more about Planet Fitness’s commitment to the Boys & Girl’s Club: https://www.instagram.com/planetfitness/reel/DAl_fTgpxdR/
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Original Article Links:
Club Wyndham Recognized as a Top Family-Friendly Vacation Company in Parents Family Travel Awards and Wherever Family Awards
Papa Johns Unveils New Plan to Rebuild Frequency and Trust
PLANET FITNESS DONATES MORE THAN $10 MILLION SINCE 2016 TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA TO ADVANCE YOUTH WELLBEING