Two Wyndham Hotel Group brands recently wrapped up their annual conventions in Orlando with a similar focus: enhancing value for guests and franchisees.

Days Inn unveiled two online tools for franchisees to train staff and adhere to brand standards, and debuted a refreshed marketing campaign. Owners can now take advantage of a virtual hotel training module that will first coach front-desk, housekeeping and maintenance staffs on how to interact with guests and then assess their interactions with a virtual guest. Days Inn also introduced a website for owners to learn about the latest brand standards and links to preferred vendors. 

“How well employees respond to various interactions will determine how well they deliver on the Days Inn ‘Sure as the Sun’ promise, the brand’s service pledge,” said Ken Greene, Days Inn president.

The brand is letting guests know about its recent multi-year system update through a new marketing campaign titled “Here Comes the Day.” It will run on TV, radio, print and online channels and feature a new song, “Here Comes the Sunshine.”

“We’ve evolved our campaign to focus on the emotional benefit of staying with Days Inn,” said Henry Gabay, Days Inn vice president of marketing. “Days Inn value means more than just a fresh and free breakfast that fills up our guests. It means a warm feeling that fills up their hearts.”

Super 8 also debuted operational and marketing initiatives to franchisees. The brand introduced new uniforms and an evolving green program. The new uniforms, to be phased in over the next 18 months, feature garments made using recycled polyester fibers spun from plastic bottles. They require less energy and water for manufacturing and less chemicals for cleaning. Jim Darby, Super 8 vice president of operations, also announced the development of a green initiative to incorporate linen reuse, recycling programs and more efficient lighting. The brand will establish environmental standards over the next two years.

Super 8 introduced a new advertising campaign—“Destination Super”—that will focus on reintroducing the brand to consumers while urging them to travel. As a result of the challenging economy, the brand did not implement any cost-adding operation standards and postponed several potentially costly initiatives.

“Our goal is to give you the strategies and tactics you need to persevere and come out a stronger, better operator,” said Super 8 President John Valletta.