Reward Programs and Customer Brand Loyalty

Posted on July 28, 2011 by admin

A wide proliferation of rewards programmes in many industries has triggered researchers’ interest in this marketing approach. A large number of studies have been focused on investigating the ability of these programmes to create customer brand loyalty. However, existing research findings have been contradictory.

A study conducted between participants and non-participants in the loyalty program of a large supermarket chain shows positive relationship between true loyalty and the reward program. The results demonstrate that reward card holders exhibit higher levels of favorable attitude towards the brand and tend to revisit more often compared to non-participants in that programme. These findings are supported by another comparative work carried out in retail sector. This shows the ability of reward programs to create true loyalty.

Several papers also show positive linkage between reward programs and the behavioral component of loyalty. For example, some demonstrate that loyalty program members are more frequent users of the brand than non-members. However, the behavioural approach adapted in these studies provides a limited view of loyalty and makes it impossible to distinguish whether created loyalty is true or spurious.

It was also suggested that rewards offered by a loyalty scheme create loyalty to a program rather than a brand. Thus, this suggests that reward programmes can create spurious brand loyalty.

On the other hand, many authors argue that reward programs are not effective at building customer loyalty. Some research shows almost no change in the consumer’s purchase behaviour before and after these customers have become loyalty card holders. Several studies show that many customers who have retail loyalty cards do not use them. Moreover, a large proportion of adults participate in more than one reward program offered within the same industry. For example, according to a survey carried out by OAG Worldwide Limited 40 percent of European airline travellers are members of four or more airline frequent flyer programs. All this is due to the fact that people enjoy getting something for nothing.

Fake Tan

Posted on July 19, 2011 by admin

A fake tan is known as applying different chemicals to your skin to give the appearance of a tan. A fake tan is the most effective way to receive a tan without laying in the sun. Instead of dying or staining your skin, the chemicals have a reaction with the amino acids on the surface layer of the skin. The chemicals come in many different forms. For the at home use, you can purchase a lotion, spray, foam or gel. Some people would rather go to a tanning salon to receive a spray tan. When you give yourself a fake tan, there are the possibilities of splotching and streaking. When you go to a tanning salon, they have a machine to spray evenly over your body. The tanning salon spray will be more expensive but the results will be better.

For a more temporary fake tan, there are bronzers. These are also available in the forms of gels, sprays, lotions and foams. These can be easily removed with soap and water in the shower. The bronzers are great for when you need a tan for one night. A lot of girls in high school use bronzers for their prom. Instead of having a tan for multiple weeks, they can have a fake tan for a few days to look good in their dress. The bronzers are also available in a moisturizer. You can purchase a lotion that you apply on a daily basis that has some bronzer in it. A fake tan is safer than sitting outside in the sun.

Fuerteventura Theme Parks

Posted on June 29, 2011 by admin

The Island is Fuerteventura is quite popular for its theme parks. Visitors are impressed by two principal theme parks on the island – The Oasis Park Zoo and Garden Centre in La Lajita and The Baku Water Park in Corralejo.

Oasis Park, La Lajita:

The Oasis Park, which is established in the little fishing village of La Lajita in the southern part of the island, is a zoo and a botanical garden. It is also known as the Fuerteventura La Lajita zoo. The zoo is spread over an area of 200,000 square meters and the botanical garden covers 180,000 square meters in area.

There are over 200 different animals in the zoo including chimpanzees, giraffes, crocodiles and zebras among host of other mammals and reptiles. The collection of birds is huge and quite impressive. There are a number of exotic birds on display. There are regular shows by sea lions, parrots and birds of prey which is a major draw.

Apart from the zoo, the botanical section has a large collection of plants and has thousands of cacti, imported plants and is full of colorful flowers. The garden centre allows visitors to buy a variety of plants ranging from shrubs and indoor plants to fully grown palm trees. The pottery section allow visitors to buy pots and plant containers to take home as memorabilia.

The park also has the largest camel reserve in Europe and organized camel safaris are very popular.

Baku Water Park, Corralejo:

Baku Water Park is a relatively new attraction opening in 2004, in the southern Corralejo area. It is the only water park on the island. It has a number of attractions such as Water slides, Flumes, Wave machine, Rapids, Climbing areas for the thrill seekers while the lazy river for those who wish to relax. Besides the water park, the Baku Village area has Ten pin bowling alleys, 18 hole mini golf area, driving range, haunted house, an open market and children’s play areas. There are also a number of landscaped gardens, restaurants and gift shops.

Another part of the Baku Theme Park is the Animal Experience section which is located beside the Water Park. It’s aquariums include Shark, stingrays and Sealions. The Santa Ana Pirate Galleon provides a “shipwrecking” feeling to the visitors.

Los Cristianos

Posted on June 28, 2011 by admin

Los Cristianos is one of the most popular resorts in Tenerife. It is located at the southwest part of the Island. Los Cristianos is an ideal tourist destination for families. Earlier it was a fishing village but now-a-days it is modern resort town. Resort is also very popular in American tourists. For accommodation mainly self catering apartment are there. Hotels are the other option for staying. Apartments and hotel are suitable for all budgets.

Resort has two beaches with all modern day facility. Beaches are very suitable for tourist looking for sunshine. The sand has been imported from Sahara desert. Beaches are more quite than Las Americas neighboring resort. You can enjoy the fabulous restaurants and cocktails.

Also popular are the many beach and shore excursions available such as jet skiing, banana boating, sailing and diving. That includes whale watching. Las Americas is full of shops with souvenirs and amazing hand made crafts. Shopping is tax free making perfumes, cameras especially electronic goods at a lower cost then the US.

Aqua Park Octopus is famous for dolphin shows for kids and adults as well. Shops & boutique also attract visitors. One of most modern aquarium is also there in Los Cristianos. Loro parquet boasts around 20,000 aquatic animal and plants. Parques Las Aguilas is zoo and Eagle Park here. There are several shops makes it an ideal destination for family. Camel Park and cactus Park are places where camel riding & botanical experience can be enjoyed by all.

There are excellent hotels & villas in Los Cristianos. Some Reveron plaza hotel, Apartment Villa Mandi, Arona Gran Hotel etc. Prices are suitable for every budget. In Los Cristianos food to satisfy your palate with variety of cuisine through out the world are prepared here. There are Lots of good restaurants in Los Cristianos. You can have all tastes here in your dinning experience.

Los Cristianos is an ideal place for families. There are lots of fun places, parks, shopping complexes and zoo in a resort town. You can enjoy tax free shopping, water sports and sunny beaches.