Imagine transforming your hotel into a must-join VIP club—where perks, convenience, and exclusivity drive guest loyalty like never before. Subscription-based travel is here, and it’s revolutionising the hospitality industry. Inspired by the subscription successes of companies like Netflix and Peloton, hotels are stepping into this model to secure recurring revenue, foster guest engagement, and build a strong competitive edge.
What Is Subscription-Based Travel?
Subscription-based travel is the next evolution in hospitality. Guests pay a recurring fee—monthly, quarterly, or annually—to access a suite of benefits such as exclusive hotel stays, premium amenities, or VIP services. Unlike traditional loyalty programmes where rewards accumulate over time, subscription models deliver instant value, enticing guests to invest in your brand upfront.
Examples of how this could work for your hotel:
- Unlimited Stays: Guests pay a fixed fee for unlimited nights at participating properties.
- Tiered Memberships: Different pricing tiers provide varying levels of perks, from spa credits to early check-ins.
- Destination Passes: Subscribers access properties in specific regions or cities, perfect for frequent travellers.
Why Hoteliers Should Care Now
2025 presents the perfect opportunity for hotels to dive into subscription-based travel. Here’s why:
- The Rise of Digital Nomads: Remote work trends have created a demand for flexible, long-term stays.
- Steady Revenue Streams: Subscriptions offer predictable income, even during off-seasons.
- Evolving Guest Expectations: Today’s travellers value frictionless, personalised experiences that align with their lifestyles.
- Technology Empowerment: AI and CRM tools simplify subscription management and enable hyper-personalisation.
What’s In It for Your Hotel?
Implementing a subscription model can bring powerful benefits to your business:
- Boosted Guest Loyalty Subscriptions create deeper, more enduring relationships. Members are committed to your brand and less likely to turn to OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) or competitors.
- Year-Round Revenue Stability Say goodbye to seasonal swings. Subscriptions provide consistent cash flow, allowing you to budget and invest with confidence.
- Increased Ancillary Spend Subscribers tend to spend more on extras like dining, spa treatments, and activities, enhancing your revenue per guest.
- Data-Driven Insights Subscription programmes offer rich data on guest preferences and behaviours, empowering you to refine offerings and target marketing more effectively.
How to Create a Winning Subscription Programme
Crafting a subscription model that resonates with your guests is key. Here’s how to get it right:
- Show Clear Value Guests need to see the tangible benefits of subscribing. Highlight cost savings, exclusive perks, and unique experiences.
- Offer Flexible Options Cater to diverse traveller needs with tiered memberships, regional passes, or even family plans.
- Leverage Technology Invest in apps and platforms that make subscribing easy. Use AI to deliver personalised recommendations and streamline the user experience.
- Be Transparent Build trust by clearly communicating terms, conditions, and any restrictions like blackout dates.
- Enhance with Unique Experiences Stand out by offering exclusive events, curated local adventures, or partnerships with airlines and other travel brands.
Who’s Leading the Way?
Some innovative brands are already making waves with subscription-based models:
- Selina Nomad Pass: Aimed at digital nomads, this pass provides monthly access to Selina’s global properties.
- CitizenM Subscription: Urban travellers enjoy rooms and workspaces for a flat monthly fee.
- Inspirato Pass: Luxury travellers gain unlimited access to high-end homes and hotels.
Overcoming the Challenges
While the potential is enormous, challenges exist:
- Balancing Capacity: Ensure availability for subscribers without disrupting traditional bookings.
- Maintaining Profitability: Carefully design benefits to provide value without eroding margins.
- Reducing Churn: Consistently deliver high value to keep members engaged and subscribed.
The Bottom Line for Hoteliers
The hospitality industry is on the brink of a subscription revolution. By adopting this model, hotels can unlock new revenue streams, build guest loyalty, and stay ahead in a competitive market. Whether it’s through unlimited stays, unique experiences, or exclusive perks, subscription travel offers a compelling way to differentiate your brand and drive long-term success.
The time to act is now—because the future of hospitality is here, and it’s subscription-based.