What You WILL Learn in This Guide:
TRAVEL REWARDS Your Strategic Pathway
to Customer Loyalty and Financial Growth
Travel Reward Evolution:
Understand how the unprecedented growth in travel (5.2B passengers by 2025) is reshaping cardholder expectations and creating new opportunities for financial institutions
The Strategic Value of Travel Rewards in 2025
89%
of consumers prefer travel-related rewards and benefits as a core credit card feature
83%
of cardholders would switch to a new credit card that offers airport lounge access at no extra cost if their existing credit card did not offer it
78%
of consumers are willing to pay for a new credit card that offers airport lounge access
Travel rewards can improve cardholder retention, acquisition and spend6:
6. Collinson Consumer Behavior US Market 2024
Capturing the Travel Momentum
The travel industry is entering an unprecedented era of growth. Passenger numbers will reach 5.2 billion in 20252, marking the first time global travelers have exceeded the five billion mark. This surge in travel, combined with evolving consumer preferences, presents a unique opportunity for financial institutions and card issuers.
in 2025 - a 6.7% rise from 2024
2. IATA 3 MMGY
4. The Points Guy
Global Reach: Lounge and Experiences Network
The Collinson Advantage
Beyond the Lounge:
A Complete Travel Ecosystem
Transform Your Card Program Through Experiential Benefits
5.2B
That's why Collinson has built a comprehensive ecosystem of benefits that enhance your cardholders' travel experience. In addition to enjoying the benefits of airport lounges, your customers can:
Each touchpoint is designed to transform ordinary travel moments into extraordinary experiences, helping your institution build deeper relationships with cardholders who increasingly prioritize experiential benefits. By offering this comprehensive suite of travel advantages, you provide value that extends far beyond traditional card benefits – meeting the demonstrated consumer demand for more meaningful travel experiences.
Travel Experiences
Spa facilities
airport takeout
premium dining options
airport fast track
fitness
lounge prebooking
ground transportation
Strategic Value for Financial Institutions
Travel rewards create multiple opportunities for financial institutions
Increased Engagement:
Drive card usage through rewards
Customer Retention:
Build loyalty through valued experiences
Customer Acquisition:
Attract new cardholders with premium benefits
Market Differentiation:
Stand out in a competitive landscape
1
2
3
4
Transform Your Cardholder Experience
As travel continues its unprecedented growth, financial institutions and card issuers have a unique opportunity to attract new customers and better engage existing cardholders with compelling travel benefits.
Partner with the world's leading travel experiences provider
Discover more about Collinson’s expertise in enhancing customer engagement through highly valued travel rewards and benefits, and explore tailored strategies that drive cardholder satisfaction and loyalty.
Explore Further
*where available
Consumer Behavior Insights:
Discover why 89% of consumers want travel rewards as core card features, yet only 54% currently have them - representing a significant market opportunity
Premium Experience Impact:
Learn which travel benefits drive the highest engagement, with insights on why 83% of cardholders would switch cards for premium travel experiences
Strategic Implementation Framework:
Explore proven strategies for leveraging travel rewards to drive customer acquisition, retention, and card usage while differentiating your offering in the market
Source: IATA
80%
of adults plan to take a vacation in 2025
Source: MMGY
Travel frequency is projected to grow to an average of
Source: MMGY
47%
of expected travel in 2025 will center around cultural events and festivals
Source: The Points Guy
Transform your card program through premium travel experiences your cardholders crave
In line with this travel boom, nearly 90% of consumers would like travel-related rewards and benefits to be core credit card features. However, just over 50% of cardholders report having some type of travel reward from their credit cards today. Consumers also report an extremely high willingness to switch cards to gain premium travel benefits.1
This reveals a strategic opportunity for financial institutions and card issuers to drive acquisition and retention through travel rewards programs.
1. Collinson Consumer Behavior US Market 2024
Today's travelers aren't just seeking travel – they're investing in experiences. With consumers planning to travel more and spend more in 20253, and nearly half of expected travel in 2025 predicted to focus on cultural events and festivals4, consumers are demonstrating a clear shift toward meaningful, shared experiences. This evolution demands a sophisticated approach to travel rewards that aligns with these changing preferences.
Touchpoint Opportunities
Card selection
Travel insurance
Trip Planning
Post-Trip
Feedback
Rewards tracking
Booking Travel
Rewards redemption
Points earning
Airport Experience
Lounge access
Priority services
During Travel
Ground transportation
Global fitness access
According to Priority Pass Global Traveler Sentiment Survey5, travelers are willing to pay for premium experiences, with the top 3 being:
5. Collinson Priority Pass Global Traveller Sentiment Survey, 2022
Premium Experiences ARE WHAT Travelers Value
Airport lounge
access
Seat
upgrades
Direct flight
upgrades
64%
said lounge access is the most desirable benefit because it enhances their travel experience
92%
of consumers would use a credit card more often if it offered rewards or benefits
More than 75% of consumers would switch credit cards for premium travel benefits like airport lounge access
lounges and travel experiences
1,700+
airports and travel hubs
700+
countries and regions
145
In more than
Across
Supporting more than 40 million travelers globally
Global passenger numbers will reach
4.1 trips
per person in 2025, with an average vacation budget of $5,051
Collinson stands at the forefront of travel enhancements by consistently aligning its products and services with evolving market needs. Leveraging over 30 years of expertise and partnerships spanning 1,400 banks, 90 airlines, and 20 hotel groups, Collinson transforms every trip into a smoother, more enjoyable journey through rigorous research and customer-focused innovation—exemplified by Priority Pass Wholesale Digital*, an end-to-end travel experiences solution. Collinson delivers unmatched lounge access and exclusive rewards, reflecting travelers’ rising preference for comfort and memorable experiences. This commitment to service excellence not only fosters loyalty and drives engagement but also ensures that Collinson remains a trusted global leader in making travel as rewarding as it is exciting.
*Priority Pass Wholesale Digital is a full-membership service offering access to over 1,700 airport lounges and alternative travel experiences. Through an app or website, members get an enhanced, digital, consumer experience where they can access additional program features, digital membership card, airport maps, lounge reviews and more. In addition, we do the heavy lifting - membership fulfilment, digital welcome pack, renewals, and 24/7 customer service with language support, cobranding, marketing and direct billing – all handled by us but offered through your company.
Consumers are willing to splurge on memorable experiences:
Over 30 Years of Excellence:
Partnering with leading payment networks
Trusted by more than 1,400 banks worldwide
Relax in exclusive spa facilities
Enjoy premium dining options
Order ahead with airport takeout services through Servy
Book ground transportation seamlessly through CarTrawler
Maintain wellness routines globally with WithU
Move through airport security lines more quickly with fast track services*
Prebook airport lounge access*
Today's travelers seek value and meaning at every step of their journey. Consumers view travel as an investment in memorable moments that go beyond just traditional tourism and travel from one point to another.
Discover more about Collinson’s expertise in enhancing customer engagement through highly valued travel rewards and benefits, and explore tailored strategies that drive cardholder satisfaction and loyalty.
Explore Further
Transform Your Cardholder Experience
As travel continues its unprecedented growth, financial institutions and card issuers have a unique opportunity to attract new customers and better engage existing cardholders with compelling travel benefits.
Partner with the world's leading travel experiences provider
Collinson stands at the forefront of travel enhancements by consistently aligning its products and services with evolving market needs. Leveraging over 30 years of expertise and partnerships spanning 1,400 banks, 90 airlines, and 20 hotel groups, Collinson transforms every trip into a smoother, more enjoyable journey through rigorous research and customer-focused innovation—exemplified by Priority Pass Wholesale Digital*, an end-to-end travel experiences solution. Collinson delivers unmatched lounge access and exclusive rewards, reflecting travelers’ rising preference for comfort and memorable experiences. This commitment to service excellence not only fosters loyalty and drives engagement but also ensures that Collinson remains a trusted global leader in making travel as rewarding as it is exciting.
*Priority Pass Wholesale Digital is a full-membership service offering access to over 1,700 airport lounges and alternative travel experiences. Through an app or website, members get an enhanced, digital, consumer experience where they can access additional program features, digital membership card, airport maps, lounge reviews and more. In addition, we do the heavy lifting - membership fulfilment, digital welcome pack, renewals, and 24/7 customer service with language support, cobranding, marketing and direct billing – all handled by us but offered through your company.
Beyond the Lounge:
A Complete Travel Ecosystem
Travel Experiences
Spa facilities
airport takeout
airport fast track
lounge prebooking
ground transportation
fitness
premium dining options
*where available
That's why Collinson has built a comprehensive ecosystem of benefits that enhance your cardholders' travel experience. In addition to enjoying the benefits of airport lounges, your customers can:
Today's travelers seek value and meaning at every step of their journey. Consumers view travel as an investment in memorable moments that go beyond just traditional tourism and travel from one point to another.
Relax in exclusive spa facilities
Enjoy premium dining options
Order ahead with airport takeout services through Servy
Book ground transportation seamlessly through CarTrawler
Maintain wellness routines globally with WithU
Move through airport security lines more quickly with Fast Track*
Prebook airport lounge access*
Each touchpoint is designed to transform ordinary travel moments into extraordinary experiences, helping your institution build deeper relationships with cardholders who increasingly prioritize experiential benefits. By offering this comprehensive suite of travel advantages, you provide value that extends far beyond traditional card benefits – meeting the demonstrated consumer demand for more meaningful travel experiences.
The Collinson Advantage
Global Reach: Lounge and Experiences Network
lounges and travel experiences
1,700+
airports and travel hubs
700+
In more than
countries and regions
145
Across
Supporting more than 40 million travelers globally
Partnering with leading payment networks
Trusted by more than 1,400 banks worldwide
Over 30 Years of Excellence:
More than 75% of consumers would switch credit cards for premium travel benefits like airport lounge access
Strategic Value for Financial Institutions
Travel rewards create multiple opportunities for financial institutions
1
2
3
4
Increased Engagement:
Drive card usage through rewards
Customer Retention:
Build loyalty through valued experiences
Customer Acquisition:
Attract new cardholders with premium benefits
Market Differentiation:
Stand out in a competitive landscape
89%
of consumers prefer travel-related rewards and benefits as a core credit card feature
83%
of cardholders would switch to a new credit card that offers airport lounge access at no extra cost if their existing credit card did not offer it
78%
of consumers are willing to pay for a new credit card that offers airport lounge access
64%
said lounge access is the most desirable benefit because it enhances their travel experience
92%
of consumers would use a credit card more often if it offered rewards or benefits
Travel rewards can improve cardholder retention, acquisition and spend6:
6. Collinson Consumer Behavior US Market 2024
5. Collinson Priority Pass Global Traveller Sentiment Survey, 2022
According to Priority Pass Global Traveler Sentiment Survey5, travelers are willing to pay for premium experiences, with the top 3 being:
Airport lounge
access
Seat
upgrades
Direct flight
upgrades
Premium Experiences ARE WHAT Travelers Value
Touchpoint Opportunities
Trip Planning
Card selection
Travel insurance
Booking Travel
Rewards redemption
Points earning
Airport Experience
Lounge access
Priority services
During Travel
Ground transportation
Global fitness access
Post-Trip
Feedback
Rewards tracking
Capturing the Travel Momentum
The travel industry is entering an unprecedented era of growth. Passenger numbers will reach 5.2 billion in 20252, marking the first time global travelers have exceeded the five billion mark. This surge in travel, combined with evolving consumer preferences, presents a unique opportunity for financial institutions and card issuers.
Today's travelers aren't just seeking travel – they're investing in experiences. With consumers planning to travel more and spend more in 20253, and nearly half of expected travel in 2025 predicted to focus on cultural events and festivals4, consumers are demonstrating a clear shift toward meaningful, shared experiences. This evolution demands a sophisticated approach to travel rewards that aligns with these changing preferences.
2. IATA 3 MMGY
4. The Points Guy
Transform your card program through premium travel experiences your cardholders crave
5.2B
in 2025 - a 6.7% rise from 2024
Global passenger numbers will reach
Source: IATA
80%
of adults plan to take a vacation in 2025
Source: MMGY
Travel frequency is projected to grow to an average of
per person in 2025, with an average vacation budget of $5,051
4.1 trips
Source: MMGY
47%
of expected travel in 2025 will center around cultural events and festivals
Consumers are willing to splurge on memorable experiences:
Source: The Points Guy
1. Collinson Consumer Behavior US Market 2024
In line with this travel boom, nearly 90% of consumers would like travel-related rewards and benefits to be core credit card features. However, just over 50% of cardholders report having some type of travel reward from their credit cards today. Consumers also report an extremely high willingness to switch cards to gain premium travel benefits.1
This reveals a strategic opportunity for financial institutions and card issuers to drive acquisition and retention through travel rewards programs.
The Strategic Value of Travel Rewards in 2025
Travel Reward Evolution:
Understand how the unprecedented growth in travel (5.2B passengers by 2025) is reshaping cardholder expectations and creating new opportunities for financial institutions
Consumer Behavior Insights:
Discover why 89% of consumers want travel rewards as core card features, yet only 54% currently have them - representing a significant market opportunity
Premium Experience Impact:
Learn which travel benefits drive the highest engagement, with insights on why 83% of cardholders would switch cards for premium travel experiences
Strategic Implementation Framework:
Explore proven strategies for leveraging travel rewards to drive customer acquisition, retention, and card usage while differentiating your offering in the market
What You WILL Learn in This Guide:
TRAVEL REWARDS Your Strategic Pathway
to Customer Loyalty and Financial Growth
Transform Your Card Program Through Experiential Benefits
TRAVEL REWARDS Your Strategic Pathway
to Customer Loyalty and Financial Growth