This new partnership brings generous rewards and elite membership perks, injecting vitality into the growing travel market and enhancing guest loyalty
Stamford, Connecticut, USA and Dubai, UAE, November 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) and Emirates Airline today announced a new reciprocal program offering exceptional benefits to SPG and Emirates Skywards members. Dubbed "The World is Yours," the program launches on November 19, rewarding registered SPG and Skywards elite members with exclusive perks when flying Emirates or staying at SPG-participating hotels.
Whether flying or staying at hotels worldwide, SPG and Skywards members can reap rich rewards through "The World is Yours." For both business and leisure travel, registered members will enjoy premium benefits, personalized services, and exciting rewards during flights and stays, experiencing the best of both loyalty programs.
Elite members of SPG and Emirates Skywards gain access to exclusive perks from both programs. Skywards Gold and Platinum members receive special benefits like SPG elite check-in, 4:00 PM late checkout, and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi when staying at SPG hotels. Similarly, all SPG Platinum members receive Skywards elite benefits such as priority boarding and access to Dubai’s automated border clearance when flying into or out of Dubai.
Members earn Starpoints when flying Emirates and miles when staying at SPG hotels. SPG elite members earn 1 Starpoint per USD spent on eligible Emirates flights, plus Skywards miles. Skywards Silver, Gold, and Platinum members earn 1 mile per USD spent on eligible stays at Starwood hotels worldwide, along with Starpoints (exchange rates vary by currency).
"Emirates’ expanding global network and Starwood’s hotel innovation combine to deliver exceptional value to our most loyal guests across 140+ destinations and 1,200+ Starwood properties," said Thierry Antinori , Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "This partnership unites two like-minded companies, complementing each other’s global reach to enhance the travel experience for our most dedicated customers."
As a leading global airline, Emirates continues to launch new routes, bringing destinations closer. With 54 A380s and adding two monthly, the U.S. is a key growth market—recent upgrades include Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Francisco, and Houston. Serving 140+ destinations across 80+ countries, Emirates connects East and West via Dubai, offering seamless travel from the Americas, Europe, and Africa to Asia, Australasia, and the Middle East. Currently operating 35 weekly China-Dubai flights, passengers can easily reach Africa, Europe, and the Middle East via Dubai. Since May 2014, daily A380 flights operate between Shanghai and Dubai, with upgraded lounge and chauffeur services for first and business class passengers.
"Travel is in a golden age, with more people exploring the world," said Mark Vondrasek , Starwood’s Senior Vice President of Distribution, Loyalty & Partner Marketing. "'The World is Yours' strengthens loyalty in a fast-growing market. Emirates’ role in connecting East-West and emerging-developed markets aligns perfectly with Starwood’s global footprint, with 75% of new hotels planned for emerging markets."
According to Vondrasek, SPG membership in major emerging markets grew 400% in five years. The Middle East, a key gateway and tourism crossroads, is a top source of new frequent flyers—also Starwood’s third-fastest growing market after China and India, ranking among the top 10 favorite destinations. Starwood is the region’s largest luxury hotel operator, with 82 current properties and 20 new ones by late 2015, aiming for 100 in the Middle East and Africa.
Enhance Your Rewards
Starting November 19, members can link their Skywards and SPG accounts at emirates.com/yourworldrewards or spg.com/yourworldrewards to register and explore benefits. Perks begin immediately upon registration.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood is a leading global hospitality company with over 1,200 properties in 100+ countries and 181,400+ employees. Its iconic brands include St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element®. Starwood’s award-winning SPG® program lets members redeem points for free stays, upgrades, and flights—anytime. Starwood Vacation Ownership offers luxury villa resorts. Learn more ate. -- . www.starwoodhotels.com/cn.
About SPG the Club
SPG® is an award-winning loyalty program spanning nine Starwood brands, including luxury resorts. Launched in 1999, it pioneered flexible stay dates, later introducing Cash + Points, SPG Moments, Your24, and Lifetime status. Starpoints can be redeemed for free stays, flights, or unique experiences through SPG Moments. Business travelers enjoy extra perks. Digital innovations include the SPG app, Best Rate Guarantee, and social media integration. Follow us at spg.com/cn, spg.com/moments, Weibo, WeChat, Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Pinterest, and YouTube.
About Emirates Airline
Since 1985, Emirates has delivered exceptional service, earning over 500 international awards.
Over 26 years, Emirates grew at 20%+ annually while remaining profitable. In FY2013-2014, it carried 44.5 million passengers, earned $887M net profit, and increased revenue 13.2% to AED 87.8B ($23.9B).
Emirates’ headquarters are located in Dubai, one of the few cities in the world that operates under an open skies policy. Its free and fair competitive environment has also fostered the growth of over 120 other airlines.
As one of the youngest airlines, Emirates operates more than 230 wide-body aircraft and plans to double that number by 2020.
Emirates currently has 292 aircraft on order, valued at over $138 billion. As the largest aircraft orderer to date, Emirates once again set a new record in civil aviation by ordering 150 Boeing 777Xs—including 35 Boeing 777-8Xs and 115 Boeing 777-9Xs—as well as 50 purchase rights, plus 50 Airbus A380s. The agreement was signed at the 2013 Dubai Airshow and represents the largest aircraft order in civil aviation history. Excluding purchase rights, the total value of the Boeing and Airbus orders is approximately $99 billion.
Serving as a bridge between global travelers and cities, Emirates provides services to over 140 destinations across more than 80 countries, including Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Please visit the Emirates website at www.emirates.com.
About Emirates Skywards
Emirates Skywards is the airline’s frequent flyer program, which features four membership tiers—Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—each offering exclusive privileges. Members can earn Skywards Miles when flying with Emirates and its partner airlines, or by using designated partners in areas such as hotels, car rentals, finance, leisure, and lifestyle. Skywards Miles can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including flights and leisure and lifestyle services. Launched in 2000, Emirates Skywards has continued to grow, with a global membership of over 12 million travelers to date.