Wednesday, May 21, 2025
In a powerful gathering of thousands of hotel owners, suppliers, and Wyndham team members, Wyndham launched its 2025 Global Conference today in Las Vegas, signaling a strong commitment to growth and innovation alongside its franchisees.
Hosted at the cutting-edge Caesars Forum, one of the newest convention centers in the city, the conference showcased a series of fresh initiatives from Wyndham’s leadership. More than half a dozen new programs were introduced, focusing on advancements in technology, optimized sourcing, upgraded loyalty offerings, and innovative marketing approaches.
These new strategies are designed to help hotel owners deliver superior guest experiences while simultaneously cutting expenses, improving operational workflows, and boosting overall profitability. Together, Wyndham and its franchise network are poised to unlock new opportunities and accelerate success across their hotel portfolios.
“As the world’s largest hotel franchisor, we believe in putting hotel owners first. That means listening to their needs and responding with solutions that help them take their business to the next level. Whether it’s our #1 rated rewards program, our best-in-class technology, or our top-tier sales, marketing and operational support—everything we do, every decision that we make, is grounded in their long-term success.”
Wyndham continues to advance the hospitality industry by introducing a series of cutting-edge technologies and strategic initiatives designed to improve guest engagement, streamline hotel operations, and increase profitability for franchise owners.
Revolutionizing Guest Interaction with AI-Powered Technology
Expanding its technological leadership, Wyndham has launched Wyndham Connect PLUS, an enhanced guest engagement platform that incorporates artificial intelligence throughout the entire guest journey. This platform offers automated AI-driven text messaging and voice support, enabling guests to effortlessly book rooms, receive real-time answers, and access customized recommendations. It also features integrated self-check-in capabilities that help hotels optimize staffing and operational efficiency. Select franchisees have the opportunity to pilot Wyndham Connect PLUS at no cost until the end of the year.
In tandem, Wyndham introduced Wyndham Gateway, a streamlined guest Wi-Fi portal providing a consistent and user-friendly login experience across properties. Now available for implementation, this portal opens new revenue possibilities through Wi-Fi upselling, while removing loyalty enrollment barriers for hotels adopting the platform—turning a basic amenity into a valuable profit center for franchisees.
Simplifying Procurement and Operational Excellence
Acknowledging the critical role of operational efficiency in guest satisfaction, Wyndham presents Wyndham Marketplace, a new digital sourcing platform that, paired with Wyndham PriceIQ, allows owners to quickly search, compare, and purchase brand-approved products at exclusive discounted rates.
Additionally, through a partnership with sbe’s Everybody Eats program, franchisees can now offer chef-inspired, restaurant-quality food and beverage options without the need for expansive kitchen facilities or extensive back-of-house space, making gourmet dining accessible at various property sizes.
To address a pressing industry concern, Wyndham has teamed up with HUB International, the fifth-largest global insurance brokerage, to offer franchisees tailored, transparent insurance solutions. This collaboration supports compliance with Wyndham brand standards while enhancing coverage options and reducing insurance costs.
Expanding Rewards and Member Benefits
Wyndham Rewards®, widely recognized as the leading hotel loyalty program, is expanding its offerings with the launch of Wyndham Rewards Experiences. Members can now redeem points to bid on exclusive live events and unique experiences through partnerships with prominent venues such as Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Minor League Baseball, and Caesars Rewards.
Further enriching the program, Wyndham has forged a first-of-its-kind partnership with Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, enabling members to earn points on mobile orders from nearly 1,500 Applebee’s locations nationwide, complete with complimentary hotel delivery service.
For franchise owners, Wyndham is evolving its reimbursement structure for free night redemptions by incorporating guest satisfaction metrics alongside occupancy rates. This updated model aims to reward properties that consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences, while maintaining Wyndham’s status as the industry’s most generous major hotel rewards program.
Bold Nationwide Marketing Initiative to Boost Traveler Engagement
Wyndham is set to unveil an ambitious, company-wide marketing campaign this summer called “Where There’s a Wyndham, There’s a Way.” This campaign seamlessly brings together Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Rewards under one unified brand message. Rolling out across the country through the fall, the effort will span television, streaming services, social media, digital video, outdoor displays, and search engine platforms. By meeting travelers on their preferred channels, Wyndham aims to increase bookings and brand visibility while helping franchisees lower their marketing expenses.
The Power Behind the Wyndham Advantage
These groundbreaking initiatives form the core of Wyndham Advantage, the company’s OwnerFirst™ franchising model. This strategy has propelled an impressive franchisee retention rate nearing ninety-six percent, unprecedented growth in development projects, and stewardship of one of the hospitality industry’s most admired loyalty programs. Since its public debut in 2018, Wyndham has committed close to \$350 million toward cutting-edge technology, trailblazing advancements in sales, marketing, and digital solutions, as well as enhanced on-site operational support for its properties.
Ongoing until May 21 in Las Vegas, the 2025 Wyndham Global Conference—carrying the theme “We’re Going Places”—ranks among the largest global gatherings of hotel owners and industry suppliers. This premier event highlights Wyndham’s unwavering dedication to fostering innovation and strengthening its role as a leader in the worldwide hospitality industry.
