The Presidential election is over, well, until the 2012 primary campaign starts probably this December. And the Grammys and Oscars have been awarded. Now it’s time for the Freddies.
Inspired by airline entrepreneur Freddie Laker, the Freddies have been given out for the last 20 years. They rank the best hotel and airline award loyalty programs in nine categories, including from “best customer service” to “best elite level” to “program of the year.” And winners love to trump their awards in their advertising. (Never mind that Sir Freddie’s airline never had a loyalty program.)
Not surprising then, that Marriott sent out an email to Marriott Rewards members, asking for votes, and even providing an easy link to the Freddie Awards site to cast a ballot before the voting closes Feb. 28.
The email trumps some of the highlights of Marriott’s program with a “Top 10″ list of reasons to vote for Marriott Rewards. And the hotel chain notes that they won a number of top awards last year. (Perhaps because other hotel rewards program members may have not even known about the vote?)
Don’t get me wrong, Marriott Rewards is a good program. But so are Starwood Preferred Guest, Hilton HHonors, and Hyatt Gold Passport, for examples. And if they’ve sent out requests for votes, I haven’t seen them.
Ditto, my inbox hasn’t been flooded by vote requests from frequent flier programs. But perhaps the airlines know this is not the year to be asking for positive feedback.
There’s certainly nothing wrong in a hotel chain, or an airline, asking for votes in a contest. In fact, it’s probably a clever use of marketing dollars. But it does make me question the results.
