Marriott International has expanded its guest offerings by investing in Placepass, a travel activity price-comparison platform. Placepass aggregates more than 100,000 tours, activities and experiences across about 800 global destinations, and Marriott guests will be able to book many of these options directly through the hotel group’s website and the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty program site.
This partnership complements Marriott’s existing experiences available via its loyalty programs, including SPG’s Moments and Marriott Rewards’ Experience Marketplace. Last year, more than 6,000 experiences tied to music, sports, food and cultural events were redeemed through Marriott’s Experience Marketplace, demonstrating strong member interest in curated local activities.
Enhanced guest experience and travel discovery
Stephanie Linnartz, Marriott’s global chief commercial officer, said the integration of Placepass’s activities and tours later this year underscores the company’s focus on delivering a complete travel experience. Guests will be able to discover and book activities while planning a trip, during a hotel stay, and in between visits—making it easier to explore new destinations and connect with local culture.
Curated, unique activities
The range of activities available through Placepass and Marriott includes distinctive, local experiences designed to appeal to different traveler interests. Examples highlighted by the partners include VIP visits to filming locations from the television series Downton Abbey, a chance to train with a retired sumo wrestler in Tokyo, and desert excursions in Dubai by camel or 4×4 vehicle. These types of curated offerings are intended to help travelers immerse themselves in the places they visit.
Global reach and loyalty integration
Marriott currently operates more than 6,000 properties in 122 countries, giving the partnership with Placepass broad distribution and the potential to surface relevant experiences across a wide range of markets and traveler segments. By integrating Placepass inventory into Marriott’s booking flow and loyalty platforms, members can more easily discover and redeem experiences that complement their stays.
Emily Bernard, co‑founder and chief brand officer of Placepass, emphasized the shared goal: “Together with Marriott, we will connect guests to great experiences so they make the most of their travels, connect with locals and discover the world in new ways.”
What travelers can expect
With Placepass available through Marriott channels, travelers should expect a broader selection of vetted activities, dynamic price-comparison tools, and seamless booking within the Marriott ecosystem. This integration aims to simplify planning, enhance on-property and off-property engagement, and provide loyalty members with more ways to use and earn rewards through meaningful experiences.
As the travel industry continues to prioritize experience-led stays and personalized itineraries, the Marriott–Placepass collaboration represents a strategic move to meet increasing demand for authentic, bookable activities that enrich travel and deepen local connections.