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The basics:

• Wyndham launches VIP event access via its new Rewards Experiences platform
• Members can redeem points for concerts, sports and backstage access
• New Applebee’s partnership offers points for to-go orders, free delivery
• 150+ new experiences available through auctions or fixed points

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is expanding its top-rated rewards program. The new additions include member offers for exclusive access to some of the hottest events, concerts and festivals, as well as dining perks at Applebee’s restaurants nationwide.

In a May 20 press release, the Parsippany-based hotel franchisor unveiled Wyndham Rewards Experiences. The new experiential platform is powered by some of the world’s most iconic sports and entertainment brands, like Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Minor League Baseball and Caesars Rewards.

Now live at WyndhamRewards.com/Experiences, the program gives members a way to utilize their Wyndham Rewards points through dynamic auctions or fixed-point redemptions.

According to Wyndham, the 150-plus experiences launching now and over the coming weeks include:

• VIP tickets for two to the sold-out Vans Warped Tour in Washington, D.C., complete with private backstage tour, $100 food & beverage credit and festival merch
• The chance to ride on the Zamboni during a New York Rangers regular season home game at Madison Square Garden, plus two tickets to the game
• Tickets for two to the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Coinciding with the dance company’s 100th anniversary year, the trip also includes a meet-and-greet with the Rockettes
• A guaranteed spot playing with a PGA Tour pro in the Wyndham Championship Wednesday Pro-Am at Sedgefield Country Club in North Carolina, plus two hospitality tickets
• Tickets for two to see Minor League Baseball’s San Jose Giants take on the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at Excite Ballpark in California; also includes the opportunity to throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch

According to Wyndham, starting bids range between 20,000 points to 100,000 points. Fixed-point rewards begin at 2,500 points. Members can place multiple bids across as many experiences as they choose. New experiences go live weekly. There are no limits to how many bids members can place and points are only deducted for winning bids, the company said.

Best of the best

On top of experiences, rewards members will soon have new ways to take advantage of rewards when they dine, thanks to an industry-first collaboration with casual dining brand Applebee’s.

The partnership will allow rewards members staying at any Wyndham hotel to earn points when they place a to-go order from their Wyndham app with any of the over 1,500 Applebee’s locations across the U.S. Slated to start later this year, they’ll also receive free delivery.

Michael Shiwdin, group vice president of guest engagement, loyalty & partnership at Wyndham, commented, “Day-in and day-out, our focus is making Wyndham Rewards the absolute best hotel rewards program. Whether it’s unlocking access to world-class events, delivering standout experiences, or simply rewarding members for dining with a brand they love, that’s what our newest partnerships are all about. In doing so, we’re making it even easier for members to get more out of their membership, both on the road and in their everyday lives.”

With more than 60,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally, Wyndham is considered the world’s largest hotel franchising company. Its portfolio of brands includes AmericInn, Super 8, Days Inn, La Quinta, Hawthorn Suites, Trademark Collection and Wyndham.

Recognized as the top hotel rewards program by both U.S. News and World Report and USA Today, Wyndham Rewards has more than 115 million members enrolled around the world.

Other recent enhancements to the program include the industry’s first co-branded debit card. Powered by SoFi Technologies subsidiary Galileo Financial Technologies powers the debit card, issued by Sunrise Banks NA and backed by Mastercard, the Wyndham Rewards Debit Card allows users to receive points on everyday transactions and then redeem for perks like free hotel stays and booking discounts.