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Journey, a new travel rewards platform in the USA, has officially launched, enabling travelers to earn and redeem points through a carefully selected network of hotels and short-term rentals.
This network claims to be a unique alliance of individual and private properties, featuring a curated range of high-end accommodations from around the globe.
Positioned as the first rewards program specifically focused on private rentals and boutique hotels, Journey Rewards members can earn a minimum of five points for every dollar spent on eligible stays booked directly with the property, compared to just one point per dollar when using third-party OTAs.
The platform also equips property owners with AI-driven marketing tools designed to enhance guest experiences, attract repeat visits, and effectively compete with larger hotel chains.
Members can transfer points among themselves or combine them with friends and family to book stays at Alliance member properties. They also have the option to earn smaller rewards as well.
Looking forward, Journey aims to create a “guild” of travel influencers who will provide reviews and recommend properties for future inclusion on the platform. Additionally, travelers can earn points by sharing feedback on their stays and “favoriting” properties they like.
Journey’s leadership and investor team includes:
• John Sutton, Founder and CEO: With a background at media company Red Ventures as chief digital officer, Sutton will guide Journey’s strategic direction and recruit new talent.
• Brian Kelly, Senior Adviser and Investor: The founder of The Points Guy, Kelly built it into a prominent travel media brand and connects with Sutton at Red Ventures after its acquisition.
• James McBride, Alliance Ambassador and Senior Adviser: McBride will lend decades of expertise to support independent travel operators in a competitive marketplace while preserving their unique identities.
• Eric Wu, Senior Adviser and Investor: As the co-founder and former CEO of Opendoor, Wu’s experience in building scalable businesses will be instrumental in facilitating Journey’s growth.
• Chris Burch, Senior Adviser and Investor: Co-founder of Tory Burch and owner of Nihi Sumba Resorts, Burch will share his extensive knowledge of luxury travel and hospitality to enhance guest experiences.
The launch of Journey coincides with the acquisition of StayWatch, a platform for short-term rental deals. Co-founder and CEO Zach Busekrus expressed excitement about joining Journey, emphasizing his commitment to uncovering the best independently-owned accommodations.
Kelly remarked, “Loyalty is increasingly vital for consumers. Travelers seek to earn and redeem points for unforgettable experiences, whether on a safari or in a private vacation rental. Many of the best options for lodging are absent from existing loyalty programs.
“Journey fills that gap—offering a revolutionary platform that rewards travelers for choosing properties where they traditionally couldn’t earn points. With Journey, travelers can enjoy bespoke and boutique experiences without compromising loyalty,” he noted.
Sutton added, “Today’s travelers face an overwhelming array of choices. Our curated collection of exceptional, independent stays highlights a select range of extraordinary accommodations worldwide.
“Our platform, built from scratch, connects travelers with inspiring, lesser-known properties while rewarding them for supporting independent operators. Journey’s aim is to create an environment where these operators can flourish without losing their identity or profit margins. Loyalty programs have historically profited more at the expense of hotels and vacation rentals, and we aim to change that,” he emphasized.
By spring of next year, when Journey’s iOS and Android apps officially launch, the platform aims to host 2,000 private home rentals and 200 boutique hotels within its “Journey Alliance.” Initial properties will include renowned hotels such as Nihi on Sumba Island in Indonesia and Dawn Ranch in Sonoma, California, as well as Onera treehouses and Dunton Destinations resorts and homes.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Sutton mentioned that Journey plans to introduce a new credit card for frequent travelers to generate additional revenue. This product may eventually compete with credit card offerings from JPMorgan Chase & Co., American Express, and Capital One, as Expedia Group rolls out two co-branded credit cards with Wells Fargo and Mastercard to support its recently launched One Key loyalty program.
