Hospitality Career E-Mag: IHG Becomes First Hotel Company to Connect with Guests Using Gowalla's Location-Based Social Network

In support of the recently launched Hit it Big summer promotion, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has turned to popular location-based consumer service, Gowalla, to extend the offer beyond traditional marketing channels and into the mobile space. Now through June 30, 2010, as guests arrive and check-in at participating IHG hotels, including Holiday Inn® and Crowne Plaza®, they'll also be able to "check-in" on Gowalla via a mobile device and receive, targeted reminders how they can Hit it Big with rewards.
"As our guests increasingly turn toward mobile applications, we want to connect with them in a relevant way and ensure they discover how they can get rewarded for staying with us," said Del Ross, vice president, U.S. Sales and Marketing, IHG. "We're excited to be the first hotel company to use Gowalla's location-based service to market at the intersection of mobile and physical check-ins."