• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, May 2, 2012

The free newspaper at the hotel front desk may give way to a digital version in the not-too-distant future. Customers at the 10 Hilton Worldwide brands will receive free 24-hour access to content from Gannett publications, including USA Today, under a new agreement.

The offering will begin phasing in this summer and will fully roll out in the fall. Content will extend from international news to local information such as restaurant reviews. Print copies of USA Today will continue to be available.

Customers who are members of Hilton Worldwide’s loyalty program will receive access to additional online entertainment (“powered by USA Today”). Depending on the status level, a customer could receive access to books, magazines and games.

USA Today said its research shows travelers want “trusted local insights across multiple sources.” Also, 70% of U.S. travelers “expect and look forward to receiving the national newspaper” at a hotel. A free USA Today has been a constant for years at multiple hotel brands.

Paul Brown, president, brands & commercial services at Hilton Worldwide, stated that customers expect the company to stay “current with emerging trends and technologies.”

Hilton brands include the Waldorf Astoria, Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn.