Topguest: Location Meets Loyalty

Recently we talked about the growth of location-based social networking leader Foursquare. One of the newest potential entries in this competition, Topguest, is planning on moving right into a potentially lucrative niche as a location-based adjunct to brand loyalty programs. Topguest plans to give users/travelers loyalty points and rewards for check-ins from hotels, frequent flyer lounges and rent-a-car locations.

Topguest doesn't require a separate application. Instead, you would sign up for this service through the location-based services you already have accounts with: Foursquare, Twitter, Gowalla, Yelp, etc. Then, when you check in to a travel-based location via the location-based service, Topguest would give you points and perks to the loyalty programs you already belong to. So far, Topguest has arrangements with Delta Airlines, Intercontinental Hotels and Starwood Hotels. Besides simply earning points, promotions will include the chance to win spa treatments, discounts and free drinks.