Call me loyal half of Kiwis signing up

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A study has found 53 per cent of New Zealanders belong to at least one travel loyalty programme.

An estimated 8.2 million travel loyalty memberships are now registered across the country.

The survey by Expedia.co.nz found 62 per cent are more likely to book a trip when they are able to use their rewards.

The poll was taken last month of 1012 New Zealanders.

Expedia said many (62 per cent) believed travel loyalty programmes made saving for holidays easier and were more likely to book a trip when they were able to use their rewards.

The report also found just over half (57 per cent) of New Zealanders use multiple programmes at once, such as credit cards and frequent flyers.

Expedia has just launched its own loyalty scheme and its research found that New Zealanders are more likely to use travel rewards with age.

Two in five (39 per cent) 18-24 year olds are signed up for travel rewards while 59 per cent of those aged 45-54 are signed up.

Asked what they valued most about travel loyalty, the majority (75 per cent) said having no restrictions on redeeming rewards (such as travel blackout periods) as a prized perk, whilst a further two thirds (66 per cent) also believe the ability to earn points in a variety of ways is an attractive benefit.

There has been a big shakeup in travel rewards this year with Air New Zealand changing its air miles credit card partner and expanding the range of companies it works with.