Marriott International’s free (uncapped) WiFi offering is limited to Marriott Rewards Member that book directly through Marriott. The offering will not be available to guests that book through the trade.
Marriott International announced plans last month to provide free WiFi to all 47 million members of Marriott Rewards, the company’s loyalty program, who book directly on Marriott.com, Marriott’s mobile app, 1-800-MARRIOTT, or through a Marriott hotel. This benefit will make free standard WiFi available across more than 3 800 hotels in the company’s portfolio worldwide from January 15.
When asked whether it will cut out the trade by encouraging people not to book with agents and tour operators, Neal Jones, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Marriott International Middle East and Africa, told Tourism Update: “We have good relationships with online travel agencies and they continue to be important partners that bring us valuable business. We continue to believe a healthy mix of direct and indirect channels is the optimal strategy for Marriott.”
“This will not apply to the WiFi policy of Protea Hotels or African Pride Hotels”, said Danny Bryer, Director of Sales, Marketing and Revenue for Protea Hotels. “Hotels in both groups offer up to 500Mb of free WiFi per day.” Bryers said there is no intention at this stage to change the free WiFi policy for either of the brands going forward.
The new Marriott Rewards benefit will be apply at the following branded properties in Africa: Bulgari, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, EDITION, Autograph Collection Hotels and Renaissance Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott, Residence Inn and Marriott Executive Apartments.
Marriott International has plans to open nearly 40 additional hotels with more than 6 000 rooms in 13 African countries including South Africa, Zambia and Mauritius, by 2020.
