Credit card rewards programs have increasingly become comparable or superior to traditional airline and hotel loyalty programs, particularly in the United States, according to a recent survey by Skift Research. The survey found that 34% of U.S. travelers consider credit-card rewards the most advantageous, overshadowing hotel (22%) and airline (21%) programs.
Artificial intelligence-powered tools are also impacting traveler loyalty, with over half of U.S. travelers (53%) indicating they would switch brands if AI recommendations surfaced better deals. This trend leads to a more fragmented industry, with brands vying for traveler loyalty amid growing competition.
Survey data across different regions, including the U.K., India, and China, show variations in traveler behavior. Business travel is notably recovering in India and the U.K., with increased intention and employer approval, signifying a significant industry rebound.
Overall, these findings suggest an evolving travel landscape characterized by innovative rewards, AI-driven decision-making, and regional recovery patterns that are reshaping industry dynamics in a competitive global context.
