Hospitality industry unites for “Buy One, Give One” campaign

New “Vacay Layaway” program incentivizes travelers to book future hotel stays now, while giving back to frontline healthcare professionals.

NEW YORK - To help jumpstart leisure travel, the hospitality industry has united to launch Buy One, Give One, a “vacay layaway” program designed to generate immediate revenue for hotels, while simultaneously providing a “thank you” to healthcare workers who have been tirelessly working on the front lines. 

Available at BuyOneGiveOneStay.com through June 30, the initiative incentivizes consumers to purchase future travel now with special offers ranging from discounted stays to gift cards to loyalty points for redemption prior to travel. In return, participating hospitality brands/hotels will donate room nights, gift cards or loyalty points to organizations, including the American Nurses Association and NewYork-Presbyterian, among others of their choice, to distribute to medical professionals who can use them toward future leisure stays. MMGY Global, the largest integrated marketing company specializing in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry and the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) partnered to launch the effort. 

“In these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever for all of us to join together to fuel recovery,” said Bob Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President & CEO of HSMAI. “With Buy One, Give One, we offer a collective charitable response to the pandemic across the hospitality industry, providing immediate funds to hotels in addition to a much deserved respite in the future for those who have put their lives on the line to care for the sick.”

Hospitality has been one of the industries most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic with  70% of hotel employees laid off or furloughed and eight in 10 hotel rooms empty, according to data released by the Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).

“The COVID-19 crisis has been devastating to the hospitality industry, with countless hotels currently closed globally and hospitality employees out of work,” added Katie Briscoe, President of MMGY Global. “But our research indicates that leisure travel will lead out recovery in the travel industry. Consumers are already dreaming about their next getaway, and we hope this program helps kick start their decision to travel again once restrictions are lifted, whether it’s near home or beyond.” 

From the comfort of their homes, travelers can explore enticing offers from more than 30 participating hospitality brands and hotels and counting. They can also take comfort in knowing that their purchases will result in meaningful donations by the participants.