Episode notes
In this episode of The Layover, we sit down with Michael Shiwdin, Group Vice President of Guest Engagement, Loyalty, and Strategic Partnerships at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, to explore how the brand behind 24 hotel names is transforming travel rewards into something far more experiential and emotional.
From turning points into Applebee’s and Panera Bread perks, to launching exclusive VIP auctions with the NFL, Wyndham is rewriting the playbook for loyalty—and it’s not just about free nights anymore.
Michael unpacks how Wyndham is:
- Making loyalty programs more flexible, fun, and family-friendly
- Tapping into partnerships that meet travelers where they already live, dine, and play
- Prioritizing “memory-making” over pure redemption value
- Building a program that speaks to value-conscious families, Gen Z adventurers, and road-trip superfans alike
- Creating an ecosystem where points mean more than transactions—they mean stories
Whether you're a travel nerd, loyalty junkie, or just curious about what’s next in hospitality, this episode offers a front-row seat to how Wyndham is making travel feel more personal, playful, and accessible than ever.