From Rewards to Revenue: How Loyalty Drives More Direct Hotel Bookings

The dojo.live show / Interviews with Visionaries Shaping Travel Tech

Why are instant rewards—not points— becoming the new loyalty currency for driving direct hotel bookings?

In this episode of dojo.live, we explore how modern loyalty strategies are reshaping the hotel booking experience with Ellis Connolly, Chief Revenue Officer at Laasie. Ellis breaks down why the shift from traditional points programs to instant, personalized rewards is unlocking new levels of direct conversion and guest retention. From real-world success stories to low-lift implementation tips, discover how loyalty can become one of your most powerful tools for driving revenue, building first-party data, and turning casual bookers into lifelong guests.

About Ellis Connolly

Widely recognized as a visionary hospitality and travel technology leader, Ellis Connolly is the Chief Revenue Officer of Laasie. He is a passionate evangelist of disruptive innovation, and has held senior executive roles within some of the most world’s most successful SaaS technology companies.

With customer-centric engagement, creativity and curiosity at his core, he brings industry connections and deep domain expertise that few else hold. Based outside of Los Angeles, Ellis is a sought-after speaker, advisor, author and influencer.