McMenamins Passport: Beer tourism and rewards for frequent visitors
McMenamins’ new Passport is officially going on sale today, which is a cool rewards program that should appeal to people who are into Ale Trail-style location tickers, beer travel, and completing goals for prizes. And, you know, beer!
You get the Passport stamped when you visit a new McMenamins location (and sometimes it’s a bit more involved than that—buy a drink or see a movie in addition for the stamp), and you’ll be able to redeem various prizes along the way. Here’s from their press release:
Visitors to its popular neighborhood joints and destinations throughout the Pacific Northwest – 57 locations in Oregon and Washington – can earn up to $200 in perks and prizes (not counting Grand Prizes), from free tots and burgers to exclusive merchandise and gift cards. Available for $20 at every McMenamins starting Nov. 5, 2013, the Passport rewards frequent visitors (self-declared “cosmic tripsters”), and encourages people to explore beyond their usual locales.
Once the Passport is fully stamped, it can be redeemed for all of the following Grand Prizes:
- Three nights stays at three of our hotels.
- A pair of concert tickets for the Crystal Ballroom or Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn.
- Drinks at happy hour prices Sunday-Thursday for the first year after completing the passport.
- An honored guest key chain, which permits entrance into new properties before they’re open, tours with the McMenamins, wine bottlings and tastings, advances on product releases from the distillery, and more.
No purchase is necessary to receive stamps, with a few exceptions noted in the Passport, and there is no time limit or expiration date to complete the Passport. Bonus prizes will be announced along the way through Facebook and the e-newsletter. Just in time for the holidays, a McMenamins Passport Gift Pack that includes the Passport and a $20 gift certificate will be available at all locations for only $35 ($40 value) between Nov. 5, 2013, and Jan. 1, 2014.
I think it’s a neat idea and one I may be checking out. And, the first 10 people who complete their Passport will get a special prize—and that’s an impressive list of prizes! Of course you have to visit all 57 McMenamins locations to get a chance at them.