World of Hyatt Latest Hotel Loyalty Program to Cut 2021 Elite Requirements

Acknowledging that the global pandemic has reduced travel demands, World of Hyatt is the latest brand to cut their loyalty requirements by 50 percent for the 2021 elite qualifying year. The highest tier, Globalist, will be achievable by staying 30 tier-qualifying nights or earning 50,000 base points.

Earning World of Hyatt elite status will be easier in 2021, as the loyalty program is cutting their requirements by 50 percent for 2021. The company announced the changes in a press release, acknowledging the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic this year.

Elite Requirements Cut in Half, While Bonus Opportunities Remain for Loyal Customers

“In talking with our members and understanding some are not ready or able to travel as often as they hoped, we want to make sure they feel cared for and recognized for their loyalty,” Amy Weinberg, senior vice president of loyalty, brand marketing and consumer insight at Hyatt, said in a press release. “2020 was unprecedented in many ways and as we look toward 2021, our priority remains staying close to our World of Hyatt members to understand their needs and instill confidence as they plan for future travels.”

Starting in the 2021 calendar year, the requirements to earn status in all three World of Hyatt tiers will be cut by 50 percent compared to previous years. The reduced tier requirements are:

• Discoverist: Five tier-qualifying stays or earn 12,500 base points
• Explorist: 15 tier-qualifying nights or earn 25,000 base points
• Globalist: 30 tier-qualifying nights or earn 50,000 base points.

The reduced criteria only apply to earning status during the calendar year. For those who earn status through Meetings and Events, the requirements remain the same. There are also no changes towards earning Milestone Rewards or earning Lifetime Globalist status.

While the 2021 elite requirements have been cut in half, World of Hyatt credit cardholders will still receive five tier-qualifying night credits each year, and can earn two additional credits with every $5,000 spent on the card. New cardholders who are approved by Dec. 31, 2020 will get a welcome bonus of 10 tier-qualifying night credits in both the 2020 and 2021 calendar year, making it even easier to earn status.

World of Hyatt will also extend three of their current promotions, offering travelers ways to earn more points when they stay, or get bonus points back on award bookings:

• Bonus Journeys: Members who register by Jan. 15, 2021 and stay through Feb. 28, 2021 can earn 3X points for every qualifying stay, and all nights will count towards 2021 elite status and Milestone Rewards. World of Hyatt cardholders can earn 4X points for every qualifying resort stay.
• Free Nights on Sale: Members who register by Jan. 15, 2021 and stay through Feb. 28, 2021 can get 15 percent of their redeemed points back as bonus points, and get free parking. World of Hyatt credit cardholders get 25 percent of redeemed points back as bonus points and free parking.
• Dine Local: Members can earn 3X points on dine-in, delivery or takeout orders at participating hotel restaurants through Feb. 28, 2021. Registration is not required.

World of Hyatt Joins Other Hoteliers in Cutting Status Requirements

With the announced changes, World of Hyatt is the latest hotelier to reduce elite status requirements for the upcoming year. In June 2020, Wyndham Rewards announced they would reduce elite requirements for the remainder of the year after gifting Gold Status to essential workers. In October 2020, Hilton Honors announced they would also reduce their elite status requirements, with all current elite status holders getting an extension of their benefits through March 31, 2022.