The Global Hotel Alliance Extends 900,000 Opportunities for Amazing Local Experiences to 2.2 Million Members

GENEVA and IRVING, Texas, March 14, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- In the first year since its official launch, the Global Hotel Alliance's (GHA) guest loyalty program, GHA Discovery, has grown to over 2.2 million members, rewarding them with over 900,000 "Local Experiences" awards for exclusive adventures in gateway cities, destination resorts and exotic locales.

GHA, the world's largest alliance of luxury hotel brands with more than 300 hotels spanning 53 countries, prides itself on offering member benefits unlike any other in the industry. GHA Discovery brings together multiple independent brands, including Omni, Kempinski and Pan Pacific, behind a single, unified global loyalty program. 

Centered on personalized service, not points, GHA Discovery membership consists of three levels: Gold, Platinum and Black. Each level is based on the number of nights: Gold - enrollment to nine nights; Platinum - 10 to 29 nights; and Black - 30 or more nights. Members receive preferences based on their own profile, complimentary amenities and Internet access.  They also gain behind-the-scenes access to special activities, cultural experiences, attractions and events called Local Experiences. Local Experiences awards vary by membership level - the higher the membership level, the more exclusive the reward. Some of the most popular Local Experiences in the past year based on membership level, include:

GOLD
Montreal Night Life (Omni Mont-Royal)
Be an Original at the Original (Omni San Francisco)
Fishing at Night (Tivoli Marina Vilamoura)

PLATINUM
Food for Thought at the Dabbawalas of Mumbai (The Leela Mubai)  
A Unique Island Experience in the Maldives (Anantara Dhigu)

BLACK
Sleep Out Under the Great African Sky (Kempinski Mokuti Lodge)
Microsoft Studios Ultimate Experience (Pan Pacific Seattle)

"The first anniversary of an industry first is a tremendous milestone.  No other loyalty program provides such authentic, local experiences to its guests, and brings so many great regional brands together," said Christopher Hartley, chief executive officer of GHA.

GHA is currently comprised of Anantara, Doyle Collection, First, Kempinski, Leela, Lungarno Collection, Mirvac, Marco Polo, Mokara, Omni, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL, Shaza and Tivoli hotels and resorts, encompassing over 300 luxury hotels with more than 65,000 rooms across 53 different countries. 

"The Global Hotel Alliance provides our guests with personalized service even when they are miles away from an Omni," said Tom Santora, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of sales for Omni Hotels & Resorts. "Guests have come to expect the personal touches they know from Omni while also being rewarded with remarkable experiences when traveling for business or pleasure."

About Global Hotel Alliance

Based on the airline alliance model, Global Hotel Alliance ("GHA") is the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands. Through the collaboration of its member brands, GHA hotels offer enhanced recognition and service to customers, regardless of where they choose to stay, through its unique loyalty programme, GHA Discovery. GHA's current member brands are Anantara, Doyle Collection, First, Kempinski, Leela, Lungarno Collection, Marco Polo, Mokara, Mirvac, Omni, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL, Shaza and Tivoli hotels & resorts, encompassing over 300 upscale and luxury hotels with 65,000 rooms in 53 different countries. gha.com, @globalhotels, facebook.com/GlobalHotelAlliance.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences that take guests on "A Total Departure" to 50 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America.  From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options.  Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company's "Power of One" associate empowerment program.  The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations such as Harris Interactive's most recent EquiTrends® report which ranked Omni as the Top Luxury Hotel Brand in 2011. 

To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

SOURCE Omni Hotels & Resorts