Geobreeze Travel

Episode 129: The Future of Status Matching with Mark Ross-Smith

Mark Ross Smith · April 16, 2023

Entrepreneur · Leadershipin

Interview with Mark Ross Smith

Episode 129: The Future of Status Matching with Mark Ross-Smith — Mark Ross Smith

Podcast: Geobreeze Travel

April 16, 2023

Key topicsDelivering Increased Revenue through Loyalty ProgramsA study by the Hotel Loyalty Report found that hotels with loyalty programs had an average occupancy rate of 75%, while those without programs had an average occupancy rate of 68%. This suggests that loyalty programs can help hotels fill more rooms and generate more revenue. How Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are Disrupting Airline and Hotel Loyalty ProgrammesAI and big data are transforming the way loyalty programs are managed and operated. For example, the use of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants is allowing companies to automate routine tasks, such as account management and rewards redemption, freeing up resources for more strategic initiatives. Additionally, the use of big data is allowing companies to track and analyze customer behavior in real-time, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their loyalty programs. (Source: Forbes, "How AI and Big Data are Revolutionizing Loyalty Programs") Disruptive Trends in Loyalty: Innovating to Drive Customer EngagementThe airline loyalty status is held by the most valuable global travelers, who represent 30-40% of airline revenue. Mark Ross-Smith and his company, Loyalty Data Co, have demonstrated their expertise in this area by delivering thousands of high-value travelers to Canada in 2021/2022 through their platform, Status Match.com, in conjunction with Destination Canada and Air Canada. View all topics →

About Mark Ross Smith

Award Winning Loyalty Data Thought Leader

25+ Major travel brands worked with100,000s Travellers helped by Loyalty Status Co2022 Loyalty Royalty 30 Under 40800,000+ members Australian social network co-founded & sold

Mark Ross-Smith is a global leader in the airline loyalty industry, with a passion for delivering value to both travellers and airlines. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Loyalty Data Co, Mark is shaking up the industry with his cutting-edge loyalty platform, StatusMatch.com. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Mark has a proven track record of success, having led the Malaysia Airlines Enrich Loyalty Program to consecutive years of financial growth. He was also the CEO of a leading high-tech start-up, where he harnessed the power of big data to drive incremental revenue for Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.

Mark is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, known for his unique approach to loyalty innovation. He's been featured in major media outlets such as CNN, BBC, The Economist, and Financial Times, and has published numerous papers and articles on airline loyalty on his website, www.traveldatadaily.com. In 2022, Mark was also awarded Loyalty Magazine's prestigious "Loyalty Royalty" 30 Under 40 Award.

Mark's entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of impressive. He co-founded and sold the largest Australian-owned social network, which had over 800,000 members and major global brands as customers. He's now focused on airline and loyalty data and has published over 50 thought-leadership articles on airline loyalty and big data monetization.

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About this episode

Mark Ross-Smith, founder of Travel Data Daily and CEO of StatusMatch.com, has run airline loyalty programs, consulted & advised across airline, hotel & telco industries. Mark is a globally recognised, award-winning airline loyalty thought-leader, and known as one of the 'brightest minds in loyalty. Mark’s unique approach to loyalty has received industry acclaim and his work is referenced in major media including CNN, BBC, South China Morning Post, The Star, The Economist, Financial Times, Executive Traveler, Skift and many more.

In this episode, Mark and I discuss the past, present, and future of status matching and what to possibly expect from different loyalty programs if you want to get those coveted upgrades and other extra perks on your next flight or hotel stay.

One of my favorite statuses is Hyatt Globalist, and one thing that makes earning status easier with Hyatt is having a World of Hyatt credit card. By putting expenses on the Hyatt business or personal cards, you can effectively get the requirements for earning Hyatt status reduced. If you’re a business owner with large expenses, you can earn Hyatt Globalist status through the Hyatt Business Card, even if you’ve never stayed at a Hyatt hotel before!

Remember, if you decide to apply for the Hyatt business card, Hyatt personal card, or any other card, never apply directly through Google – always use a friend or creator’s referral link.

If you are interested in supporting this show when you apply for your next card, check out geobreezetravel.com/cards and if you’re not sure what card is right for you, I offer free credit card consultations at geobreezetravel.com/consultations !

World of Hyatt business card: https://milevalue.com/creditcards/hyatt-business-card/?aff=gbt

World of Hyatt personal card: https://milevalue.com/creditcards/world-of-hyatt-card/?aff=gbt

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Guest: Mark Ross Smith