IHRSA Introduces Mobile App for Passport Program
Posted: October 4, 2018 in IHRSA
IHRSA: Success By Association
BOSTON, MA – The IHRSA Passport Program is getting a mobile makeover with the launch of a new app in 2019. The user-friendly app will allow gyms and gym-goers to conveniently access the program on any mobile device.
IHRSA has chosen TrainAway, based in Copenhagen, to digitalize the IHRSA Passport Program, capitalizing on the company’s innovative technology and user interface to give members of participating IHRSA facilities access to a worldwide network of health clubs when they travel. In 2018, more than 1,500 health clubs worldwide participated in the IHRSA Passport Program.
“Pairing the IHRSA Passport Program with a mobile app will give millions of members at IHRSA clubs a convenient way to easily find and gain discounted access to quality IHRSA clubs around the world,” says Jay Ablondi, IHRSA’s executive vice president of global products. “The IHRSA Passport Program gives participating clubs a valuable benefit that they can give to all of their members, which makes it easy for them to stay physically active when they travel,” he added.
By digitalizing the IHRSA Passport Program and allowing users to search for and purchase gym passes via a mobile app, IHRSA has removed any administrative obstacles associated with the program for IHRSA clubs. Club staff will only be required to identify a mobile pass on a user’s phone—with a clear activation timer countdown indicating a valid guest pass has been purchased. For IHRSA member clubs, they simply share a discount code with their traveling members to save 25% when purchasing a one-day pass at clubs that participate in the IHRSA Passport Program.
“We looked for a good digital platform for travelers for some time, and wanted to promote active lifestyles among our members while they travel,” says Erkki Torn, CEO of MyFitness, an IHRSA-member facility in Estonia. “The TrainAway platform is technologically very easy to use and, most importantly, it is not integrated into our IT system. We are very happy with it!”
Members of gyms that are part of the IHRSA Passport Program will use the TrainAway app to search for and find IHRSA health clubs around the world. Using a discount code provided by their home club, users will save 25% on the purchase of one-day passes at IHRSA Passport clubs. TrainAway collects all payments from consumers and sends the club an activity report and payment each month. There is no cost to the club to enroll in the IHRSA Passport Program, powered by TrainAway, nor is any IT integration required. The IHRSA Passport Program is free but only available to IHRSA member clubs.
“As the global association representing the health club industry, it is important that the mobile app chosen to power the IHRSA Passport Program is available in several languages,” says Joe Moore, IHRSA’s president and CEO. The app is now available in Portuguese, and TrainAway plans to add French, Spanish, Italian, and Russian languages prior to the IHRSA European Congress in Lisbon taking place October 15-18. The IHRSA Passport Program, powered by TrainAway, will launch in 2019. Even if your club already participates, you must enroll through TrainAway in order to provide this benefit to your members.
