Originally Posted by
yyzflyer
I think it dates from the pre-loyalty era where the Auto Associations' endorsement/recommendation mattered.
I think it goes a lot deeper than that. Yes, I am old enough to remember my Dad going to the AMA (Alberta Motor Association) to get the 'trip-tik' as well as the hotel guide before every family road trip, and it probably mattered back then to be featured in that guide pre-internet. I think the business model has evolved and the AAA/CAA entities are trying to show value to the members and the Chains want to tap into that massive install base of travelers.