Marriott Bonvoy Introduces Outdoor Collection & Drop Pin Challenge
On September 30, 2024, Marriott Bonvoy unveiled a brand‑new outdoor‑focused platform that couples a curated suite of nature‑centric hotels with a real‑world scavenger hunt, hoping to ride the wave of post‑pandemic adventure travel.
The launch was fronted by Dylan Efron, a 32‑year‑old TV personality, filmmaker and avid outdoorsman known from The Traitors and Dancing with the Stars. He dropped the first pin near Big Bear Lake, California, kicking off what the company dubs the “Drop Pin Challenge.”
What the Outdoor Collection Is
The new Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy is a portfolio of design‑forward properties that blend hotel comforts—plush beds, hot running water, private bathrooms—with immediate access to natural attractions. Think cabins tucked into the pines of a national park or boutique hotels perched on cliff edges, all vetted for outdoor‑centric experiences.
Members of Marriott Bonvoy can book any of these locations through the standard app, earning points for stays and unlocking exclusive “1‑point drop moments” that will feature Efron in the months ahead.
The Drop Pin Challenge Details
Dubbed an “adventure‑themed treasure hunt,” the Drop Pin Challenge places twenty pins across the United States and Canada. Participants visit MarriottBonvoyOutdoors.com, read the official rules, and then head outside to scan a QR code on each physical map pin.
- The first 50 eligible scanners at each site snag a 10,000‑point bonus.
- Overall, the prize pool tops 10 million Marriott Bonvoy points.
- All Outdoor Collection hotels, including the new Trailborn locations, serve as official pin sites.
Beyond points, the challenge is meant to push travelers off the couch and into the wilderness, aligning with the loyalty program’s shift toward experience‑based redemption.
Trailborn Hotels Join the Collection
Partnering with Marriott Bonvoy is Trailborn Hotels & Resorts, a fast‑growing outdoor hospitality brand that debuted just over a year ago. The company now contributes five distinct properties:
- Trailborn Rocky Mountains & Trailborn Rocky Mountains Outpost in Estes Park, Colorado
- Trailborn Highlands nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
- Trailborn Surf & Sound on Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
- Trailborn Grand Canyon near Williams, Arizona
Each venue is built with rugged aesthetics but still offers the full suite of Marriott amenities, from high‑speed Wi‑Fi to concierge service. To celebrate the partnership, Trailborn is running its own “Adventure Giveaway,” awarding two lucky winners a two‑night stay plus dinner at any Trailborn property of their choice.
Why This Matters to the Industry
Travel data from the U.S. Travel Association shows a 27 % jump in nature‑based vacations between 2022 and 2024. That's why major hotel chains are scrambling to add outdoor‑centric inventory. Marriott International, the parent of Marriott Bonvoy, sees the Outdoor Collection as a way to capture a slice of that demand without building brand‑new resorts from scratch.
Analyst Sarah Whitaker of Travel Insights notes, “Marriott’s loyalty engine is its biggest moat. By layering points incentives on top of genuine outdoor experiences, they’re creating a win‑win for both the brand and adventure‑seeking travelers.”
Meanwhile, the drop‑pin gamification taps into the same psychology that made Pokemon GO a cultural phenomenon: the thrill of discovery paired with a tangible reward.
Future Outlook and Next Steps
Marriott Bonvoy plans to roll out additional pins later in the year, targeting lesser‑known gems in the Pacific Northwest and the Canadian Rockies. A second‑phase expansion of the Outdoor Collection will add three more Trailborn‑styled properties slated for 2025, one of which will sit on the edge of Yellowstone National Park.
For members, the next big milestone is the “1‑point drop moments” series, a set of short videos featuring Dylan Efron exploring hidden trails, kayaking secret coves, and sharing tips on low‑impact travel. Those episodes will debut in early November, coinciding with the holiday travel rush.
Overall, the Outdoor Collection and Drop Pin Challenge signal Marriott International’s broader bet that loyalty programs will evolve from mere mileage trackers to immersive lifestyle platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I participate in the Drop Pin Challenge?
Visit MarriottBonvoyOutdoors.com, read the official rules, and travel to one of the 20 designated locations across the U.S. and Canada. Scan the QR code on the physical map pin; the first 50 eligible scans at each site receive 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Which Trailborn properties are part of the Outdoor Collection?
Trailborn Rocky Mountains & its Outpost in Estes Park, Colorado; Trailborn Highlands in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina; Trailborn Surf & Sound on Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina; and Trailborn Grand Canyon near Williams, Arizona are all included.
Do I need to be a Marriott Bonvoy member to earn points?
Yes, participation requires a free Marriott Bonvoy membership. Once enrolled, you can earn points through stays, the Drop Pin Challenge, and everyday spend with co‑branded credit cards.
What’s the timeline for the upcoming “1‑point drop moments” series?
The first episode drops in early November 2024, featuring Dylan Efron exploring a hidden canyon in Utah. New episodes will release monthly through the year, each paired with exclusive point‑earning opportunities.
How does the Outdoor Collection differ from standard Marriott hotels?
Unlike typical city‑center properties, Outdoor Collection locations are sited in or adjacent to natural landmarks, offering activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, while still delivering the brand’s hallmark service quality.
