Wyndham’s big expansion to its rewards program, the official opening of Donald Trump’s new Washington, DC, hotel, and the U.S. debut of Princess Cruises’ new livery are the travel industry headlines to follow this morning. Here’s the latest.
Wyndham Expands Rewards Program
Travelers looking to maximize their loyalty points should take note: Wyndham Rewards has announced the addition of more than 17,000 condos and homes from the Wyndham Worldwide portfolio, in addition to the program's already existing selection of 8,000 hotels.
As part of the new expansion travelers can redeem a free night at a Wyndham Rewards hotel for 15,000 points, or a free night at one of the 17,000 new vacation rental options in the portfolio for 15,000 points per bedroom, per night.
Wyndham Rewards said it expects to continue adding properties from the Wyndham Worldwide portfolio while also incorporating the ability for members to earn points on condo and home stays over the course of the next two years. The ability to earn points on stays is expected to be available as early as summer of 2017 on the initial 17,000 condos and homes and new options will be gradually added as new properties come online. The program anticipates integration across the majority of Wyndham Worldwide’s hotel, vacation ownership and vacation rental portfolio by the end of 2018.
Trump’s DC Hotel Officially Opens
Donald Trump’s new Washington, DC, hotel is set to host a grand opening celebration this morning as groups opposed to his presidential candidacy plan to host protests at the event, the Washington Post reports.
According to the Post, the Trump Organization had initially sought to keep protestors away from the event by applying for its own public space permit for Wednesday morning, which would have allowed the organization a degree of control along the sidewalk space outside the historic Old Post Office building that houses the new hotel. Permits are typically issued on a first-come, first-serve basis, and Trump’s company had been second in line for requests. The Trump Organization withdrew the request late Tuesday, meaning that the permits went to the local chapter of the AFL-CIO labor union. The union, along with the ANSWER Coalition, said it plans to host a “Demonstration Calling to Stop the Trump Agenda; Say No to Trump’s Racism; Defend Immigrants and Muslims” event in the application.
Meet Princess’ New Livery
In cruise news, the new livery for Princess Cruises made its U.S. debut recently, when the Royal Princess arrived in Fort Lauderdale on October 22. The ship is the first to sail with the new hull design with the new brand mark, which was added during a recent dry dock in Civitavecchia, Italy.
The 3,600 passenger ship is currently sailing the Caribbean with cruise fares starting from $899 per person, based on double occupancy.
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