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The effect of tokenized rewards on customer loyalty programs

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  • Boukis, Achilleas

Abstract

This work investigates customer responses to the tokenization of hotel loyalty programs. Drawing on self-enhancement theory, Study 1 investigates the effect of reward type (i.e. control vs tokenized reward) on customers' perceptions of the reward (i.e. economic value, program attractiveness) and their behavioral intentions towards the hotel (i.e. switching intentions, recommendation intentions). Findings highlight reward novelty and psychological ownership as two mediators of the above relationships. Study 2 replicates these effects in a cryptocurrency owner context. Study 3 examines the effect of the hotel's type (i.e. luxury vs budget) on the reward type-customer responses relationship. We showcase that tokenized rewards generate a more favourable attitude towards loyalty programs and that they remain an effective customer acquisition strategy for high-end hotels.

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  • Boukis, Achilleas, 2024. "The effect of tokenized rewards on customer loyalty programs," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:anture:v:109:y:2024:i:c:s0160738324001282
    DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2024.103851
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    1. Dwumfour, Richard Adjei & Pan, Lei & Nsafoah, Dennis, 2025. "Dynamic spillovers and portfolio optimization in tourism, Fintech, and cryptocurrency," MPRA Paper 124157, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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