Travel industry continues debate on contentious Marriott Wi-Fi policy

Days after ASTA voiced concerns about Marriott International’s announcement to provide free Wi-Fi to loyalty program members who only book direct, another major player in the travel agent community has weighed in on the issue.

Signature Travel Network has said it is in discussions with Marriott regarding the plan.

Although Signature said Marriot is a ‘long-term and valued partner,’ CEO Alex Sharpe urged the hotel group to change its policy to include bookings processed by travel agents.

"Travelers have come to expect Wi-Fi to be available when traveling. We applaud Marriott’s decision to reward repeat guests with complimentary access, but we are sincerely concerned regarding their decision to circumvent the professional travel consultants," Sharpe said in a statement.

"As an industry that is built on repeat and referral business, we hope Marriott recognizes that many of their most frequent and valuable guests are customers of travel consultants.

"More specifically, they are the clients of travel consultants who have originally brought them to the Marriott brand."

Ensemble Travel Group also criticized Marriott’s policy which only offers free Wi-Fi to customers booking via Marriott.com, Marriott’s mobile app, a Marriott call center or direct with an individual Marriott property.