Latest news with #SkywardsMiles
Tourism Breaking News
3 days ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Emirates Skywards enhances partnership with Marriott Bonvoy to offer members more rewards
Post Views: 28 Emirates Skywards has enhanced its partnership with Marriott Bonvoy to offer members the opportunity to convert Miles to Points, and Points to Miles. The strategic partnership will unlock even more rewards for 35 million members worldwide, who can now enjoy seamless conversions. The new benefit further enhances the already strong collaboration between both loyalty programmes, which currently offers Members the chance to earn twice the rewards on both flights and hotel stays. Members can earn Skywards Miles in addition to Marriott Bonvoy points for stays at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, and Marriott Bonvoy points in addition to Skywards Miles when flying with Emirates. Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said: 'Marriott Bonvoy offers one of the most fantastic hotel portfolios in the industry, and as one of the most valued and recognised loyalty programmes in the world – we're thrilled to take our partnership to the next level. Our 35 million members have benefitted from this strategic partnership for more than 10 years – earning twice the rewards on flights and hotel stays. And we've now opened a world of new rewards with the option to convert Miles to Points. This means members can redeem Points towards stays at more than 30 hotel brands and over 10,000 destinations across 144 countries and territories. At the same time, Marriott Bonvoy members can still enjoy converting Points to Miles to 'fly better' with Emirates to more than 140 destinations across the airline's extensive network. We're proud of our long-standing partnership and as two global brand leaders – we look forward to delivering more benefits, value, and the very best travel experiences for our members worldwide.' Philip Andreopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer – EMEA, Marriott International commented: 'It is great to see our strong partnership with Emirates Skywards expand, to be able to offer our Marriott Bonvoy members more unique and diverse travel experiences, along with personalised benefits that they can access across the globe. The addition of this new benefit reflects the shared vision and collaboration between the two programmes and brings a more holistic travel experience for all of our loyal members.' Here's how it works Enjoy earning twice the rewards on flights and hotel stays, including: 1 Skywards Mile for every USD 1 spent on eligible stays at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy (in addition to Marriott Bonvoy points); and 3 Marriott Bonvoy Points for every USD 1 spent when travelling with Emirates (in addition to earning Skywards Miles). Convert 3 Marriott Bonvoy Points equivalent to 1 Skywards Mile, and as a bonus, enjoy 5,000 Skywards Miles for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points converted. And starting from today, members can: Convert 3 Skywards Miles to 2 Marriott Bonvoy Points, with a minimum requirement of 3,000 Miles. To convert Skywards Miles to Marriott Bonvoy Points, simply visit log in using your Skywards credentials; enter your Marriott Bonvoy membership details; and simply, convert. Award-winning loyalty programme With 35 million members worldwide, Emirates Skywards continues to offer its members unmatched rewards and benefits. The loyalty programme was crowned 'Best Global Airline Loyalty Program' at the International Loyalty Awards 2025; 'Platinum: Global Loyalty Programme' and 'Silver: Customer Experience Strategy' at the Loyalty 360 Awards; and 'World's Leading Airline – Rewards Programme' at the World Travel Awards 2024 – recognised for its extensive brand partnership portfolio and innovative offerings that enable members to 'earn better' and 'spend better.'
Campaign ME
5 days ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
Guest loyalty in hospitality: turning stays into relationships
In today's increasingly competitive hospitality market, loyalty is no longer secured through transactional offers alone. Guests are not just looking for rewards – they are seeking relevance. With evolving expectations around personalisation, timing, and cultural context, hotels must rethink how they communicate with returning guests across the entire customer journey. Loyalty programs remain a valuable tool, but their effectiveness depends on how well they are integrated into a personalised, data-informed marketing strategy. Messaging that resonates at every touchpoint, before, during, and after the stay, is now key to turning occasional guests into long-term brand advocates. Personalisation: Where loyalty begins Personalised loyalty programs begin with a deep understanding of guest data. This includes booking behaviour, spend patterns, stay history, and even lifestyle indicators. As Moldstud notes, personalised rewards can increase purchase frequency by up to 30 per cent, a clear indication of the value of tailoring offers to the individual. Recognising milestones like birthdays or anniversaries with curated messages or offers adds emotional weight to communications. Similarly, aligning rewards with preferences, spa credits for wellness-focused guests, or F&B offers for frequent diners, can drive stronger engagement. Technology plays an essential role in scaling these efforts. Artificial intelligence and machine learning allow marketers to analyse large volumes of guest data in real time, enabling the timely delivery of relevant offers. Mobile apps and digital platforms further support seamless communication and reward redemption, providing guests with convenient, intuitive access to loyalty benefits. Regional adaptation: The importance of cultural relevance In the Middle East, personalisation also includes cultural and contextual relevance. Guests in the region often expect experiences that reflect not only individual preferences but also local values and traditions. Integrating these expectations into loyalty programs can strengthen brand affinity. For example, guests at ME by Meliá can now earn Skywards Miles when dining at Central or booking spa treatments. This approach shows how hospitality brands can merge cultural insight with data intelligence to drive deeper engagement and loyalty. Targeted promotions informed by guest history Effective loyalty marketing also requires relevance in timing and message. By leveraging guest history, such as frequency of spa bookings, room type preferences, or length of stay, hotels can segment guests and deliver promotions that feel timely and specific. If a guest often books wellness treatments, offering a targeted discount on their next spa visit makes the message more likely to convert. According to industry research, personalised offers can boost conversion rates by up to 60 per cent. But execution matters: sending messages at the right moment, such as during the pre-arrival phase or post-checkout, can greatly influence engagement. Other best practices include behavioural segmentation, dynamic pricing tied to loyalty status or booking history, and cross-promotions with local businesses. These not only elevate the guest experience but also open up new revenue channels. Acknowledging emotional moments, like the anniversary of a first stay, can also enhance loyalty. Simple gestures like a personalised note or exclusive dining voucher tied to a milestone help move loyalty from transactional to meaningful. Exclusive benefits and tiered engagement Loyalty is further reinforced through personalised perks that reward repeat behaviour. Complimentary upgrades, flexible check-in options, or curated amenities linked to past preferences offer tangible demonstrations of guest recognition. When supported by AI and data analytics, these perks can be tailored more precisely. For example, guests who consistently choose higher-category rooms may be offered early access to suite upgrades. Those who frequently dine in-house could be rewarded with priority reservations or bespoke tasting menus. Incorporating tiered benefits into a loyalty structure is another effective strategy. Guests unlock increasingly exclusive perks as they progress through levels, with each tier reflecting a deeper relationship with the brand. These tiers should not only reward spend but recognise behaviour and engagement patterns as well. The value of timely, relevant messaging on loyalty When loyalty programs are aligned with personalised, context-aware messaging, they become more than marketing tools, they become relationship builders. Guests who feel seen and understood are more likely to return, and to advocate for the brand among their networks. With AI-driven platforms, mobile integration, and data analytics, hotels now have the tools to deliver loyalty messaging that is immediate, relevant, and aligned with guest expectations. As Mews notes, the more personalised the experience, the more likely hotels are to delight guests and keep them coming back. In the Middle East's competitive hospitality landscape, where loyalty is influenced by service, storytelling, and cultural nuance, hotels that balance technology with human insight will be best positioned to build relationships that last beyond a single stay. By Gyunay Alieva, Director of Marketing and Sales at ME by Meliá Dubai.
Time Out Dubai
09-05-2025
- Time Out Dubai
How to get a free upgrade with Emirates and 7 other travel tips
When it comes to a holiday, we probably all want the same thing: hassle-free bookings, smooth journeys, and maybe even a sneaky (free) upgrade here and there. So you'll be pleased to hear some top tips on how to achieve your dream trip, from revealing the cheapest day to book your flights to how to lower your chances of a delay. As well as that, there are some deals you need to know about, and some freebies you'd be silly not to pick up along the way. You're welcome. How to get a free upgrade and 7 other travel tips to know about Booking flights (Credit: Dubai International Airport) Pick the best dates According to online travel agency Expedia, there are some stats to follow to find the best flight timings for you. For one, you should aim to book your flights on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which could save you up to 28 per cent on the usual price. But for your actual departure day, make it a Thursday, which is statistically the cheapest day to fly, while it is advised to avoid Sundays, which are typically the priciest. Be smart with your timings Timings matter. Did you know that flights booked to depart at around noon or in the evening are less likely to be cancelled? So, be sure to check when you book. If you're wondering when those golden hours are, try to look at flights that depart from 9am to 3pm or 9pm to 3am. Pick the best location You also want to check out your surrounding airports, and find out which is offering the best price. For those living in Dubai, you could take off from DXB, Sharjah International Airport or even Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi pretty easily. Upgrade your seat Trying your luck at the check-in desk probably isn't going to work, but there are some things you can do to make a seat in business or first class more likely. For example, Emirates flyers should all download the Emirates Skywards App, as it will collect your air miles every time you fly and eventually give you an upgrade for free. On the app, you should also set up automatic upgrades so that when they become available, you'll automatically be upgraded to the next cabin class using your Skywards Miles. Other airlines that offer loyalty rewards programmes include British Airways (Executive Club), Air France-KLM (Flying Blue) and Lufthansa (Miles & More). Remember, if there are only a few seats available for upgrades, then you'll need to be on the ball when it comes to checking in at the desk early, or in advance at home. Good luck. Airport tips (Credit: Supplied) Look out for freebies The airport is usually packed with free treats, you just need to know where to find them. Families are able to get their hands on plenty of freebies which will make air travel a doddle. From free strollers to Polaroid photos, there are plenty of useful and cool free things to pick up. Check your credit card benefits It's always worth checking your credit card benefits before you head to the airport, especially when it comes to airport lounges. As well as discounts you can redeem in certain restaurants, there are a host of DXB lounges that you can access for free if you have specific cards. Register for Smart Gates This DXB travel hack can let you swoon through passport control in seconds without getting out a single document. Operational for both departing and arriving passengers, simply register for Smart Gates online, then pass through the electronic gates by looking at the green light. Open to UAE/GCC nationals, UAE residents and visa-on arrival guests with biometric passports, you should register in advance on the GDRFA website. Hotel hacks (Credit: Supplied) Have the best deals come to you You don't need to go searching for the best hotel deals. A lot of the time they'll come straight to you — if you let them. One way to ensure this is signing up to loyalty programmes. You can have discount codes, great rates and even VIP services all emailed directly to your inbox. Signing up to hotel apps can also give you access to new deals, be sure to keep an eye out for those notifications popping up on a rogue Tuesday afternoon. Finally, do your research and don't settle on the first offer you see. If you're looking for a quick stay-cay in Dubai, check out all of the best deals across the UAE . Try for an upgrade The odds won't always be in your favour, but there's a few things you can do to raise your chances. Most hotels host their premium rooms on the higher floors, so requesting a high floor is always a good idea. Asking for a corner room is also likely to get you a larger space, and it never hurts to mention if you're travelling for a special occasion either. Jetting off soon? Everything you need to know about Al Maktoum International Airport A deep dive about the big project When is the next UAE public holiday? Your public holiday questions, answered Dubai flights: When will flydubai start operations in Al Maktoum International Airport? The budget airline will open at Al Maktoum International Airport sooner than you'd think
Trade Arabia
30-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Emirates Skywards introduces classic rewards on flydubai
Emirates Skywards has introduced Classic Rewards for members to redeem Skywards Miles for full flight tickets on all flydubai flights, starting from 5,000 Miles. This expansion follows the partnership between Emirates and flydubai since 2018, offering customers one loyalty currency and benefits. The agreement was signed in the presence of Emirates Group Chairman and Chairman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and senior executives from both airlines. Classic Rewards allow members to redeem Miles for a full flight ticket and enjoy the flexibility of paying for a ticket with a combination of Skywards Miles and cash. Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said: 'We're very pleased to announce this exciting enhancement to our loyalty programme with flydubai. Starting today, members can use their Skywards Miles for Classic Rewards on all flydubai flights, accessing a network of more than 130 destinations served by the carrier.* We look forward to enhancing our member proposition, and together, taking the loyalty experience to even greater heights.' Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations & E-commerce at flydubai, said: 'The introduction of Classic Rewards marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Skywards experience for flydubai customers. Alongside our existing Cash+Miles offering, it gives our passengers greater flexibility and value when redeeming their Miles. Our strong partnership with Emirates through the codeshare agreement and combined network unlocks even more possibilities, making it easier than ever for customers to access a seamless travel experience across both airlines.' -TradeArabia News Service
Al Bawaba
30-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Emirates Skywards introduces Classic Rewards on flydubai
Emirates Skywards has announced members can now redeem Skywards Miles for Classic Rewards on all flydubai flights, across all cabins, starting from 5,000 Miles. Since 2018, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai has offered customers one loyalty currency, fantastic benefits, and now, the opportunity for members to enjoy Classic Rewards on both carriers. The agreement was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of flydubai, and senior executives from both Emirates and flydubai. Classic Rewards, a popular loyalty offering, will allow members to redeem Miles for a full flight ticket.* Members can also take advantage of revised Cash+Miles rates on flydubai, and enjoy the flexibility of paying for a ticket with a combination of Skywards Miles and cash. Classic Rewards are available on and members can redeem Cash+Miles directly on Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said: 'We're very pleased to announce this exciting enhancement to our loyalty programme with flydubai. Starting today, members can use their Skywards Miles for Classic Rewards on all flydubai flights, accessing a network of more than 130 destinations served by the carrier.* We look forward to enhancing our member proposition, and together, taking the loyalty experience to even greater heights.' Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations & E-commerce at flydubai, said: 'The introduction of Classic Rewards marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Skywards experience for flydubai customers. Alongside our existing Cash+Miles offering, it gives our passengers greater flexibility and value when redeeming their Miles. Our strong partnership with Emirates through the codeshare agreement and combined network unlocks even more possibilities, making it easier than ever for customers to access a seamless travel experience across both airlines.' Explore and earn Miles with flydubai From its home in Dubai, flydubai has created a network of more than 130 destinations in 55 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asia - opening more than 97 new routes that did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai. The airline operates a single fleet-type of 89 Boeing 737 aircraft and includes: 29 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800, 57 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 03 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. Customers onboard can expect signature lie-flat seats in Business Class that rival the experience offered on a wide-body aircraft as well as seats designed to optimise space and comfort in Economy Class. Customers can also look forward to internationally inspired menus and an inflight entertainment system that offers hours of movies, TV shows and entertainment channels. One of the most valued loyalty programmes Emirates Skywards is one of the most valued and recognised loyalty programmes in the world, offering four tiers of membership: Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum, with each tier earning exclusive privileges. Members can earn Skywards Miles with partners ranging from airlines, hotels and car rentals to financial, leisure and lifestyle brands. Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an extensive range of rewards, including flight tickets on partner airlines, flight upgrades, hotel stays, tickets, hospitality at sporting and cultural events, tours and money-can't-buy experiences. The loyalty programme was crowned as 'World's Leading Airline - Rewards Programme' at the World Travel Awards 2024 - recognised for its extensive brand partnership portfolio and innovative offerings that enable members to 'earn better' and 'spend better.' For more information, visit Tickets can be booked on and the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents. *Terms and conditions apply * Skywards members can use Skywards Miles to purchase a full Saver or Flex Plus reward ticket on flydubai, excluding carrier surcharges and taxes.
