points N places

Accor expands Australian footprint with new deal
3 Apr '22

Salter Brothers has announced that its portfolio of hotels, acquired as part of the recent Travelodge acquisition, will be joining the global hotel giant Accor at the start of the 2023 financial year.

The management agreement, which includes an industry-leading link to ESG outcomes, will see its hotels (2000+ rooms) rebranded to (budget brand) ibis Styles, Mercure and Novotel (mid-range) hotels when they join the 340+ Accor network of hotels, apartments and resorts across Australia.

The deal is Accor’s largest integration since its $1.2 billion acquisition of Mantra Group in 2018, which brought the Art Series, Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree brands under Accor.

Nine of the properties will become Mercure hotels, growing Mercure from 44 properties in Australia to 53, making Mercure the largest and fastest growing global mid-scale brand in Australia with more than 50 hotels.

Both Accor and Slater believe that the Australian travel market is starting to show very promising signs of recovery and the deal signals their confidence in the return of corporate travel.

We anticipate that all the properties will participate in the loyalty program, Accor Live Limitless.

Virgin Australia permanently slashes premium class fares + limited time boost to status earning
31 Mar '22

On Thursday March 31st, Virgin Australia announced that it has permanently slashed its domestic business class fares by up to 60% across Australia which is expected to prompt a premium class fare war.

Importantly, Virgin Australia insists that its business class will continue to include all of the usual amenities including lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, higher checked baggage allowances, priority overhead luggage, in-flight entertainment, plated meals and Australian beer, wine and spirits, plus priority baggage delivery. So no cost-cutting from reduced benefits, genuine savings.

To promote the initiative and reward Velocity members, they will also earn 45 per cent more status credits on eligible Virgin Australia business class flights for travel by June 30, 2022, as part of an extended loyalty promotion.

Virgin Australia has also made significant reductions to fares on its short-haul international network with business class fares from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Bali, Fiji and Queenstown currently available to book for travel later in 2022 with fares on these routes 30% to 50% per cent lower than pre-COVID.

Australia seems to be 6 - 12 months behind the US in terms of recovery in travel, where travel bookings have surged, especially for luxury and bucket-list travel.  

Perhaps Virgin Australia is anticipating the same here for 2H2022.

If they are right, now may be the time to lock in flights and accommodation to ensure you get the trip you have dreampt about...

Our associated travel agency Rewarding Travel would be delighted to assist you.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet expanding
19 Mar '22

Following on from the news of 2 March about the launch of RCYC's first yacht Evrima (pictured), the company confirmed yesterday that it has recently placed orders for superyacht twins, Ilma and Luminara, which will sail in 2024 and 2025 respectively. 

Compared to the Evrima, the new superyachts are both substantially larger (228 suites compared to 149 on Evrima) and have enhanced sustainability, including a move to dual-fuel engines utilising liquified natural gas (LNG) as their main fuel source.

The new superyachts will feature itineraries ranging from seven to 10 nights in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Virgin Hotels first European locations - both in Scotland
17 Mar '22

Nestled in Edinburgh's Old Town a few minutes' walk from The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, Virgin Hotels' first European property is open for bookings for stays commencing 1 June 2022. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will be followed in 3Q2022 by Virgin Hotels Glasgow.

The Virgin Hotels Edinburgh promises a mix of its 19th-century origins and modern luxuries to capture the timeless character of this historic city. The Commons Club restaurant//bar pictured is a good example.

The Virgin Hotels Glasgow is in a prime City Centre position overlooking the River Clyde and is an easy walk to Central Station, St Enoch underground station and Buchanan Street (Glasgow's shopping area), making it an ideal base to explore the city.

Virgin Hotels (the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson) has a loyalty program - The Know.  No points earning to think about.  Just sign up and your loyalty is rewarded at every stay with room upgrades (st availability), member discounted rates and free cocktails during the Spirit Hour.  Members in The Know can also tailor their preferences for the duration of their stays.  Read More…

Cruises to return to Australia
15 Mar '22

The Australian Federal Government has at last announced that it will lift the ban on foreign flagged ships from April 17th, ending two years which halted cruising for all but Australian registered vessels.

The government has increased some safety measures, including:

• Enhanced pre-arrival reporting and identification of COVID-19 risk through more questions of passengers and improved processes.

• Amendments to the Biosecurity (Negative pratique) Instrument 2016 to ensure cruise vessels always arrive in negative pratique (that is, permission to unload passengers and cargo).

• Stress testing of the emergency response system in relation to cruises.

• Passengers will be required to be double vaccinated.

The next required step is for the State Governments to change legislation to open the ports themselves and/or set their own regulations for the cruise resumption.

P&O immediately said that they would resume voyages to Australia in May, with the launch of a new 2022 program of sailings from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne. 

Joining them later will be newcomers (for Australia at least) Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (from August 2022) and Virgin Voyages (from October 2023), who have both announced routes from Athens to Sydney.

Slowly but surely, Australia is opening up to international travellers.

Melia limited time promotion Up to 40% off and at least 25% guaranteed for MeliaRewards members !
15 Mar '22

Melia has a very attractive promotion running that will appeal to many people looking for some sun and fun. 

For a limited time, if you book through select Travel Agents (including our associated Travel Agency - Rewarding Travel), you receive a discount of up to 40% off !  If you are a MeliaRewards member, a discount of at least 25% is guaranteed.

T&C's apply, including:

• you must book before 21 March, for stays from March 14 until December 31.  Some hotels could be extended until April 2023*
• note that 15 hotels are not participating in the promotion
• note that  some hotels are also including  (1 or 2)  kid stays free deal.

So if you've been thinking about your next break, send me an email with details of your thoughts and I will help you find your best deal.  This may mean joining MeliaRewards, but that's free.

You must act soon, as bookings must be made by 21 March.

My Millennium program upgraded
14 Mar '22

My Millennium, the loyalty program of Millennium Hotels & Resorts (MHR), today announced an upgrade.   Effective from April 2022, a second membership tier has been introduced, so there will be Members and a "Prestige" tier, attained after stays totalling 10 nights.  Currently all My Millennium members:

• earn 10 My Points for every USD 100 charged to a booked room at participating properties
• during the month of a Member's birthday, the earning rate is tripled to 30 My Points / USD 100
• My Points earned in blocks of 10 nights will be doubled
• can redeem points to offset part of a room booking at the rate of USD 5 / thousand My Points.

I suspect the new Prestige tier will replace the current points doubling benefit (possibly at a lower rate) and add other "tier benefits" (experiences and rewards) which are yet to be announced. To celebrate MHR are offering 100 members a complimentary upgrade to the new Prestige tier. To qualify for the prize draw, simply book and stay three nights or more at any of MHR's hotels between 1 April and 30 June 2022. If you miss out there, a further 20 lucky winners will also walk away with 50,000 My Points (worth USD 250).  We rate My Millennium as a good (albeit smallish) program, so if you are not already a member, now may be the time to consider joining. Read More…

Launch of first new yacht of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection delayed
2 Mar '22

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection said on Tuesday that it will reschedule the debut of its first new yacht, Evrima (pictured). 

People itching to sail on her, including Bonvoy members, will need to wait a little longer.  

Originally slated for May when it was first announced last November,  Evrima now will set sail on its inaugural voyage from Athens (Piraeus), Greece on August 6, 2022.

Ongoing supply chain and labor issues related to the pandemic were cited as the causes of the delay.

Qatar Airways Shock Move - Replacing Qmiles by Avios
23 Feb '22

In a surprise move, Qatar Airways and IAG Loyalty announced overnight that effective from late March, Qatar's mileage currency will be Avios, replacing Qmiles. 

Qatar will join BA, Iberia,  Aer Lingus and Vueling, but will be the first airline not owned by IAG using Avios. Qatar will be no stranger to Avios though, as it a key shareholder of IAG with approx 25% ownership.

While more details are to be provided in early March, key points revealed so far are:

• Qpoints (used to determine tier status) and Qcredits (offering free upgrades on Qatar Airways flights for elite Gold and Platinum tier members)  will remain unchanged.
• Existing Qmiles will transfer 1:1 into Avios in your Qatar Airways Privilege account “by the end of March” 2022.
• Qatar Airways promises that the number of Qmiles/Avios you need to redeem for flights will remain the same - no devaluation (at least for now).
• Rules for expiration of Qatar Avios will remain the same as for Qmiles, as will those for attaining tier status. The tier validity of all Silver, Gold and Platinum members due for renewal this calendar year was recently extended to 31 December 2022.
• For Qatar Privilege members, it opens the possibility of earning Avios in far more many ways, which can be then redeemed for flights on not only Qatar Airways flights, but also BA, Iberia etc (or other OneWorld members).
• While not explicitly stated, there are hints that Qatar Avios will be able to be transferred to other Avios programs on a 1:1 basis without cost. This would open up the potential to earn Avios on (say) BA and redeem them on a Qatar flight (or vice versa).
• Privilege Club allows for sharing miles with your family, and, British Airways allows for points pooling, so if we see the ability to pool Avios together and then transfer them to other programs, this could make the programs very flexible.

Initial Thoughts:

• If Avios can be pooled, or transferred freely, then potentially a member could select whichever carrier best suits their redemption goals.  BA’s distance-based redemption table is known to favour short-haul flights, while Qatar’s redemption table offers greater opportunities for (surcharge-free) travel between say UK and Asia or Australia.
• For Australians, Avios earned on the more plentiful Qatar routes could be redeemed (as BA  Avios) for domestic Qantas flights, for approx 2/3 the number of Avios vs Qantas points.
• The greater options to earn Avios (say from spending or credit-cards sign-up bonuses or transfers) will provide more travellers with access to redemptions for Qatar’s famed Q-suites.
• Could this be the start of Avios becoming the mileage currency for all OneWorld alliance members?  Imagine the possibilities !

As always, the devil is in the detail.  More will be revealed in the next few weeks...

Radisson Rewards Extends Member Benefits
23 Feb '22

Radisson Rewards has extended its expirations for members.

Elite status extension:
They have extended your elite status through to 28 February 2023. .

Point expiration suspension:
The expiration of points is extended until June 30, 2022, for all members who had points expiring before this date. You can extend your points expiration period for the next 2 years by Staying, Donating, exchanging, purchasing, or gifting points.

Elite earning rollover:
All eligible nights and stays earned in 2021 will roll over to 2022, contributing to attaining or elevating your tier status.

Don't Show This To Any Nervous Flyers
22 Feb '22

A video of Captain Khalifa Al Thani landing his Boeing 777 at Heathrow during Storm Eunice on 19 February 2022.

It makes one appreciate how skilled Commercial Pilots are !

Kudos to Captain Al Thani of Qatar Airways and all the pilots whose skills keep us safe.

My moment of pause to respect  

Wishing to all pilots, skies like the picture rather than the video... Read More…

Is Accor changing ALL status requirements ?
20 Feb '22

It looks to me that Accor will be changing its qualification criteria for elite tier status levels.

The latest ALL T&C's dated 26 Jan 2022 show qualification based on either nights stayed or rewards points accumulated (Silver 2,000; Gold 7,000; Platinum 14,000 and Diamond 26,000).

However, the ALL members' site is currently showing the criteria as based on (the same number of) nights stayed or eligible spending (Silver €800, Gold €2,800; Platinum €5,600 and Diamond €10,400).

Since all tiers of members earn status points at the rate of points per €10 spent (eg 25 at say a Sofitel property), this will result in the same amount of spending required.

Why the subtle change? 

While all members receive the same earning rate at a particular property (no tier bonuses), not all properties have the same earning rate for status points (eg IBIS 12.5 or 10 for both Peppers and Mantra).

So for all members, a stay at a Peppers property would, for the same spend, earn 40% compared to the identical spend at a Sofitel property.

By changing the thresholds to spending rather than based on one of only 4 earning rates, this is much fairer to members, as the same spend provides the same tier status, regardless of which properties received the spending.  

If this change does come into effect, it is an improvement for Accor's ALL members. Bravo!

Four Seasons Hotel Coming to Melbourne
18 Feb '22

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has been selected as the luxury hotel partner for the new  STH BNK by Beulah development in Melbourne.

The new hotel will occupy the upper levels of one of the development's towers at 60 Southbank Parade, which is an easy walk to Melbourne Sky Tower, the Melbourne Arts Precinct, with the city proper just across the Yarra River.

Four Seasons Hotel Melbourne will include 210 rooms, and will see guests arrive via a Sky Lobby situated on the 63rd floor, with views over Melbourne’s city skyline, beachfront and Royal Botanical Gardens.

While Four Seasons operates 122 hotels and resorts, and 48 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries, the Melbourne hotel will play a pivotal role for the brand’s expansion as only the second Four Seasons’ branded property in the Oceania region (the only current one being the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney).

Construction is forecast to commence late 2022 and will take approximately 5 years to complete - waiting that long is the only disappointment.

I expect to see some (unfounded) jokes made about Four Seasons and Melbourne's weather from residents of a certain other city...   (just kidding)

Image illustrating how the two towers of the STH BNK by Beulah project will look once completed - courtesy of Unstudio

Alaska Airlines latest innovation - ‘Flight Pass’ Subscription Guarantees Cheaper Flights on US West Coast
17 Feb '22

Alaska Airlines launched its latest innovation on 16 February 2022 - a subscription model for people who fly regularly (not necessarily frequently).

By committing to one year of a monthly subscription, passengers will get credits to put toward roundtrip flights on eligible daily routes within the selected west coast region, which includes California airports in Sacramento, Sonoma,  San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Burbank, Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, and San Diego.  There are also flights to nearby Reno, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.

Under the program savings average approx 20% to 30% across the 100 daily flights between the 16 airports.

The way it works is that travellers who agree to pay a monthly fee will receive credits to fly a fixed number of round-trips through the subscription year. A basic subscription starts at $49 a month and requires booking tickets at least two weeks before travel. A more flexible subscription starts at $199 a month and allows booking up to two hours before flight departure time. Both plans allow flight selection as early as 90 days ahead of the travel date. Once travellers have selected a plan, they can choose their volume of flights, such as six, 12, or 24 a year. A basic plan with six flights typically costs $763 a year — after taxes and fees.

Two caveats are that:
(1) you can only subscribe through the Alaska Airlines website and
(2) that the booking credits do expire and must be booked for a flight within 90 days before the next set of credits will be deposited. If the credits haven't been used at the time the next credits are added, then they’ll be forfeited.

Once the booking process is complete, Flight Pass passengers will receive the same class of service Alaska Airlines normally provides, including main cabin seat selection, no change fees, and earned miles on every flight.

To ensure passenger safety, the airline continues to enact its Next-Level Care program, that includes 100 pandemic-era health and safety checks, including a hospital-grade air filters and a partnership with Clorox.

I am sure we will see many more post-covid era changes to the ways we travel. Read More…

Hyatt makes 146 Category Changes for 2022
15 Feb '22

Disappointing news was announced today by Hyatt.  146 properties will be re-categorised, with effect from 22 March 2022.

This represents a reasonable proportion of the properties participating in World of Hyatt (approx 12.5%), but that's cold comfort if your favourites are in the group to experience increases.

69 properties will move up a category, 1 will move up 2 categories (the Hyatt Place Moab) and 76 properties will move down a category.

Disappointing, as Hyatt is also moving to peak/off-peak pricing effective from 1 March 2022, so a potential double-whammy for popular properties in peak periods.

Check the full list of Hyatt 2022 category changes to see if your favourites are affected.  You can also look at their associated FAQ page.

Bookings made prior to 22 March at properties increasing in category will be honoured at current category pricing, while those that move to a lower category will have points reimbursed. A member-friendly approach.

So if you are thinking of making a booking - Act Now !

Pictured is the Park Hyatt Sydney, which will move from Category 7 to Category 8 - one of 10 highly desirable Hyatt properties moving to the highest category previously only occupied by SLH and Destination By Hyatt residences.

Australia’s First Kimpton Hotel opens for Valentine's Day 2022
14 Feb '22

I’m pleased to say that one of my favourite hotel chains has opened its first Australian hotel today, on Valentine’s Day.

The Kimpton Margot, Sydney is a gorgeous repurposing of an art-deco ex-public building into a luxury hotel. There is a rooftop pool (for guests only) and a separate rooftop bar to enjoy those balmy evenings.

No water views but very centrally located on Pitt Street within an easy walk of Town Hall Rail and Light Rail stations, Hyde Park and Chinatown.

IHG Rewards members can currently book an awards stay for 33,000 points per night – a premium compared to the 27,000 points required at the (older but still very nice) InterContinental Sydney that is closer to Circular Quay.

Checking my points balance right now…

For bookings with elite benefits included, make a time to talk with our associated travel agency.

Melbourne's Grand Prix returns for 2022 - Don't Be Left On the Grid !
11 Feb '22

The Australian Grand Prix returns to Melbourne after covid-related cancellations in 2020 and 2021.

A little later in the calendar this year with dates being 7 - 10 April 2022.

Tickets are still available, but good accommodation is getting tight.  Make sure you book soon.

Our associated travel agency would love to help you, so make a time for a chat. Read More…

Qantas slashes points required for Qantas Hotels & Holiday bookings
4 Feb '22

Qantas today announced that it is permanently cutting the points required when booking Qantas Hotels by 30% and for Qantas Holidays by 45%.

Both are significant reductions for Qantas Frequent Flyer members.

Further, to celebrate the announcement Qantas is also offering for a limited time, 20% off Points Plus Pay flights.

Get on board!

For further details... Read More…

Auckland named as number one city to visit in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022
4 Feb '22

Auckland has been named the number one city to visit this year in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022

The book, which is on sale worldwide, is Lonely Planet's annual collection of the world’s hottest destinations and must-have travel experiences for the year ahead, and features their top 10 countries, cities, and regions to visit in 2022. The lists were compiled by a panel of Lonely Planet contributors across the globe.

The book goes on to list its top five Auckland highlights, including: West Coast beaches, Hauraki Gulf Islands, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, and volcanic cone climbs.

Yesterday, the New Zealand government annouinced that its border will initially open to vaccinated New Zealand citizens and visa holders coming from Australia. From April, 5,000 international students and other eligible temporary visa holders will be allowed to enter. Finally, all other (vaccinated) international visitors will be allowed to enter New Zealand from October. Travellers will still have to self-isolate at home for ten days, but will no longer have to pass through space-limited managed isolation facilities, known as MIQ.

This may change, so always check closer to your planned arrival date for the latest updates. Auckland has a number of top-notch accommodation options. Our associated Travel Agent can help you to decide which is best for you.

Pictured is Auckland CBD - By ChewyPineapple - Own work, Wikimedia.

2022 Sustainability Awards announced by S&P Global
4 Feb '22

S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2022 considered over 7,500 companies across 61 industries around the world and selected 716 companies for this year’s edition based on their S&P Global ESG Scores using this Yearbook Methodology. Prize winners in the 2022 edition included:

Airlines
Gold:  ANA     Silver:  China Airlines, EVA     Bronze:  LATAM Airlines      Honourable Mention:  Air France-KLM, JAL, American Airlines

Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines
Gold:  Hilton Wordwide      Silver:  Melia Hotels    Bronze:  NH Hotels

Interestingly, both Melia Hotels and NH Hotels are Spanish companies.  Of the total 716 companies selected this year, 26 ( 3.6%) are Spanish companies - a strong showing.

Congratulations and thanks to all whose efforts made the grade for this year’s yearbook !

For more information... Read More…

Sixt Car Rental - new points partner for Accor
3 Feb '22

Car rental company Sixt and French hospitality giant Accor have just signed a points partnership deal, that will provide attractive benefits for members of  Accor's loyalty program ALL – worldwide and free of charge.

As part of the long-term collaboration, members of  ALL will be able to collect points when they book a rental car with Sixt, with packages of 200 to 500 points

Currently Accor also has a partnership with Europcar, where ALL members earn up to 1,000 points for every rental, plus get a 10-20% discount. 

So we will wait to see if both partnerships survive, or Sixt replaces Europcar.

AirAsia X to resume flights between KL & Australia
1 Feb '22

Following a restructure, AirAsia X is resuming its full commercial service post-pandemic between Kuala Lumpur and Sydney commencing from February 14.

The airline said it will prioritize full redemptions for its passengers affected by the restructuring with passengers able to reinstate their flight booking and utilize their credit account to book the flights.

Flights will initially be operated weekly on Mondays from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney and returning on Tuesdays, starting February 14, 2022, to March 22, 2022.

Schedules for the autumn/winter session will be announced in mid-February.

It is understood that a resumption of flights to other Australian destinations including Perth will be reviewed over the coming months.

AirAsia X is a low-cost affiliate of the AirAsia Group operating an all wide body A330-300 fleet.

Vueling launches new routes from/into UK
30 Jan '22

Vueling, the low-cost sister airline of British Airways (BA) and Iberia, has announced an expansion of routes as part of its summer 2022 flying program.

The Spanish carrier plans to operate 12 short-haul routes from London Gatwick (LGW), five of which are new additions. Three of its aircraft will be based at Gatwick from April.

The latest expansion will see Vueling begin flying to Granada (GRX), La Coruña (LCG), Malaga (AGP), Menorca (MAH) and Seville (SVQ).

These new routes are in addition to the 28 services from Paris Orly it ANNOUNCED LATE IN 2021 following approval by the European Commission for 18 slots as part of the recapitalisation of Air France. Six UK airports—Belfast (BFS), Birmingham (BHX), Cardiff (CWL), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA) and Newcastle (NCL)—were among the destinations to receive new routes.

Learn more about the new Vueling routes. Some may suit you very well.

Vueling is one of our advertisers. Using our link may provide us with a small remuneration.

Millennium Hilton New York Downtown Transforms into Millennium Downtown New York
28 Jan '22

Milennium Hotels has confirmed the transition of the Millennium Hilton New York Downtown into the Millennium collection of hotels.

Now to be known as the Millennium Downtown New York, all hotel amenities and services remain unchanged.

The hotel will also be part of the My Millennium loyalty program

Members can earn/burn points while enjoying stays at the convenient location only steps from The Oculus (a major transportation hub and retail center), the World Trade Center, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Wall Street, Battery Park and South Street Seaport.

Discover Corinthia with 20% off, breakfast included
21 Jan '22

Not yet experienced the luxury and service of a Corinthia Hotel?

Even if you have, you can (re)discover the pleasures of its boutique luxury properties for a limited time with up to 20% off the usual rate with breakfast included !

Tempted ? Read More…

Urgent! Anantara Limited Time Offer Of Luxury Stays with 40% off + breakfast included
21 Jan '22

Anantara Hotels & Resorts (advertiser) has a limited time promotion where you can book a stay with up to 40% off the usual rate with breakfast included.

You must stay by 21 December (lots of time) but must book within the next 2 days !

Take a look at Anantara's loyalty program GHA Discovery, to see what other benefits you may be able to gain.

T&C's apply

Iberostar Last-minute Offer | 20% off at a sunny resort, but be quick!
20 Jan '22

Miss out on booking your escape to the sun?

Iberostar is offering a discount of 20% for stays at its All-inclusive resort on Spain's Playa de la Barossa.

Iberostar Royal Andalus in Cádiz has easy beach access and is family-friendly. It also offers adults only pool areas and 2 golf courses of 18 holes each.

Something for everybody to get "some sun on their bones".

All you need to do is add the code CADIZIB20 into your booking.

You'll need to hurry - bookings and stays must be completed by 31 January.

T&C's apply 

IHG Rewards to get big changes | Initial Details
20 Jan '22

A few hours go, IHG announced that it will be making several changes to its loyalty program - IHG Rewards Club.

The first to be shared relates to a new tier and bonus point earning structure:

• a new Silver Tier is being introduced. Qualification is 10 nights (only). Tier bonus will be 20%.
• Gold Tier will have higher qualification requirements -  20 nights or 40,000 points (currently 7 nights or 7,000 points) The biggest increase, but tier bonus will increase from 10% to 40%
• Platinum Tier will have higher qualification requirements -  40 nights or 60,000 points (currently 30 nights or 30,000 points). Tier bonus will increase from 50% to 60%. 
• The top Elite Tier will have much higher qualification requirements -  70 nights or 120,000 points (currently 55 nights or 55,000 points)
• Renaming of the ‘Spire Elite’ tier to ‘Diamond Elite’ - tier bonus to remain at 100%.

So far, no changes to be made to the Ambassador or Royal Ambassador programs. 

All members’ statuses have been extended through February 2023. To requalify, you will need to satisfy the requirements under the new tier structure which goes live from March 2022.

Note that due to Covid-19 there are currently reduced earning requirements in place, which will remain until the changes go live on March 1, 2022 – these are as follows:

• Gold Elite qualification by earning 7,000 points or staying seven nights
• Platinum Elite qualification by earning 30,000 points or staying 30 nights
• Spire Elite (soon to be known as Diamond) qualification by earning 55,000 points or staying 55 nights

One concession is that all stays from January 1, 2022 will count toward your new status when it goes live.

So, consider some of the current IHG promotions to help you get status before the criteria change in March. A 7 night stay somewhere before 1 March could be enough to qualify for Gold tier.

We will cover this program in greater detail once further details on the changes to the program are released. 

Initial reaction - subject to seeing what additional benefits will be included at the various status tiers, this looks like a less attractive development. The lowest elite tier now has a minimum number of nights rerquirement only (points/spending won't get you there) and the bar has been lifted significantly for qualification at higher tiers.
Read More…

Shangri-La revamps loyalty program | 50% off awards stay
19 Jan '22

Shangri-La Hotels has announced a revamp of its loyalty program, which will be renamed from Golden Circle to Circle.

The style of the program will also change. Rather than being a rewards program, it will become more revenue focussed:

• tier status qualification will be based on either qualifying nights (the same number as  currently with Golden Circle ) or tier points earned (effectively amount spent) replacing the current option of qualification based on number of stays. There will be more flexibility to earn points from stays, F&B, Spa, Wellness and Shangri-La merchandise
• rewards points will have a fixed earning rate (receive 1 point per US$ spent) and redemption value (15 points = US$1 - no more award tables), making Circle more similar in nature to Accor ALL and GHA Discovery.
• Golden Circle members' points and tier status will be transferred to the new Circle program
• the new Polaris invitation-only elite tier will be launched.

The changes are to be effective from 28 April 2022.

In the interim, for current Golden Circle members, Shangri-La is holding a Less is More promotion for a Standard Room, a Club Room or an Executive Suite at any of its participating hotels.

Book an award stay before 21 April 2022 (Hong Kong Time) for stays completed by 22 April 2022, to receive a 50% reduction in the number of points required.

T&C's apply 
Read More…

Native Places | New Year Sale - save 15%
19 Jan '22

Native Places (a collection of 6 Apartments & 6 ApartHotels all based in the UK) has a January sale that is ending soon..

Book before 31 January and check-in through 31 May 2022 to receive a discount of 15% on the cost of your stay.

Use the code NATIVE15 on the booking page.

Could make for a very nice Spring/Summer stay...

T&C's apply. 
Read More…

Preferred Hotels | 35% off Last Minute Escapes
19 Jan '22

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has a Last Minute Escapes promotion, with attractive discounts of 35% (or more).

To participate, you must book by February 1, 2022, and complete your stays through March 4, 2022.

Properties participating in the promotion include 2 in London, 1 in Manchester, 1 in each of Rome, Amsterdam and St Moritz. A further 18 properties are located in North America.

Members of the loyalty program I Prefer receive special benefits.

T&C's apply. 
Read More…

World Ski Awards - Best of 2021
18 Jan '22

World Ski Awards - the sister organisation of World Travel Awards  - has unveiled the winners of its ninth annual programme. The results follow a year-long search for the world’s leading ski travel, tourism and hospitality brands.

A brief selection of the prize-winners (and their loyalty programs where relevant) is shown below.

• World’s Best Ski Resort – Verbier, Switzerland
• World’s Best Ski Hotel -  W Verbier, Switzerland (Marriott Bonvoy)
• World’s Best Green Ski Hotel -  rocksresort, Switzerland
• World’s Best Ski Chalet -  Chalet Zermatt Peak, Switzerland
• World’s Best New Ski Chalet -  Chalet Face a Face, France
• World’s Best Ski Tour Operator -  TUI

• Australia’s Best Ski Resort - Thredbo
• Australia’s Best Ski Hotel -  Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa Hotel (Accor ALL)
• Canada’s Best Ski Resort – The Lake Louise Ski Resort
• Canada’s Best Ski Hotel – Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside   (GHA Discovery)
• France’s Best Ski Resort -  Val Thorens
• Japan’s Best Ski Hotel – The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido (Marriott Bonvoy)
• New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort – Mount Hutt
• New Zealand’s Best Ski Hotel -  The Rees Hotel , Queenstown
• Norway’s Best Ski Hotel – Radisson Blu Resort, Trysil (Radisson Rewards)
• Poland’s Best Ski Hotel  – Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Zakopane (Radisson Rewards)
• Russia’s Best Ski Hotel –  Rixos Krasnaya Polyana Sochi (non-participating in Accor ALL)
• Slovakia’s Best Ski Hotel – Grand Hotel Kempinski, High Tatras   (GHA Discovery)
• Slovenia’s Best Ski Hotel – Ramada Resort by Wyndham  (Wyndham Rewards)
• Spain’s Best Boutique Ski Hotel – Melia Royal Tanau Boutique Hotel  (MeliaRewards)

Congratulations to all of the World Ski Awards 2021 prize-winners  !

Qantas & Accor - up to 10,000 bonus Qantas points for business owners
15 Jan '22

Similar to the crossover program between Accor Live Limitless and Qantas Frequent Flyers, there is now a similar offer specifically for business owners.

Benefits include discounted flights and Qantas Club membership with Qantas and for Accor, discounted rooms, food & beverages at participating Accor properties in the APAC region.

Better yet, for a limited time there is a promotional offer where you can receive 5,000 bonus Qantas points when you join Accor Business Plus and Qantas Business Rewards. You can receive a further 5,000 Qantas points by making purchases.

You must purchase an Accor Business Plus between 17 January and 13 March 2022 to receive the bonus Qantas points. Other T&C's also apply.

This is a very attractive promotion if relevant to you. Like to learn more?  Read More…

Six Senses Laamu is Rewarded For Its Conservation Efforts in the Maldives
14 Jan '22

Six Senses has long been highly regarded as a luxury spa brand with a sustainability focus (before other chains more recently caught up).

Recently, Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) the marine biology team at Six Senses Laamu, has been named Marine and Coastal category winner at the 2021 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards for a second time (the first being in 2018).

Three independent sustainability experts judged 50 entries from 26 countries, placing MUI top in its category ahead of five other projects.

Philippa Roe, MUI’s Head Marine Biologist said that “For years, the partners within MUI – Six Senses Laamu, the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and the Olive Ridley Project – have been gathering research on Laamu’s marine ecosystems and species, much of which was used as evidence to support marine protection.”

Shortly after this announcement, the Maldivian President and his administration designated six naturally unique and eco-rich areas in Laamu Atoll as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):

• the turtle nesting beach, mangrove and seagrass area of L. Gaadhoo (a neighboring uninhabited island of Six Senses Laamu),
• the channel between Six Senses Laamu and L. Gaadhoo,
• the mangrove of L. Hithadhoo (an inhabited island on the other side of Six Senses Laamu),
• as well as two channels, a mangrove, a wetland and an island in other areas of the atoll.

Congratulations (and thanks) to Six Senses and more specifically Six Senses Laamu (advertiser).

Six Senses resorts and spas can be booked either direct or through IHG to earn IHG Rewards points.

IHG Rewards Members can also book award stays for 100,000 points per night.

Qatar Airways Outstanding 25th Birthday Sale | Hurry - Limited Time
13 Jan '22

Qatar Airways (advertiser)  is celebrating its 25th birthday with a host of special offers for the next 7 days (book before 18 January). The Global Sale 25th Anniversary Campaign is valid on all Qatar Airways flights for travel until October 31, 2022.

There are great savings on flight tickets (economy and business), seat selection, extra baggage allowance, hotel bookings, and car rental.

If not already a member, join Privilege Club using the enrolment promo code FLYQR22 to instantly earn an additional 2,500 bonus Qmiles.

To take advantage of this offer, travellers must book on qatarairways.com/25Years or visit their preferred travel agents.

Qatar Airways has won numerous awards during its 25 year history, including Skytrax 2021 Airline of the Year (the sixth time),  Skytrax 2021 World's Best Business Class, Skytrax 2021 World's Best Business Class Seat, as well as AirlineRatings.com Airline of the Year for 2021.

Congratulations Qatar Airways !
Read More…

IHG expands in Bali with new Luxury and Lifestyle offer
12 Jan '22

The all-suite and villa resort InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort will be a rebrand of the hotel formerly known as Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali, and will relaunch soon with a fresh identity and ready to welcome guests.

It boasts 26 villas, each with a private pool, as well as 94 suites and is located on Sanur Beach which is known for its long stretch of sandy beach with shallow waters. 

Pre-pandemic, Sanur Beach was growing in popularity with an increasing supply of hotels, restaurants and bars and travellers looking to enjoy the laid-back nature of Bali while being easily accessible from the both the airport and the city.

Tempted? Perhaps top-up your existing IHG Rewards balance to experience this relaxing luxury.    Read More…

Hilton Honors offering 100% bonus | half price points !
12 Jan '22

Hilton Honors (advertiser) members purchasing between 15,000 and 80,000 points through February 9th will receive an equal amount of bonus points.

Under this promotion, you could receive up to 160,000 points. Enough for a long-weekend somewhere very nice !

T&C's apply.
Read More…

Emirates Skywards Miles - 35% off flash sale
12 Jan '22

Until 20 January, Skywards members can buy miles at a 35% discount to their usual price, when purchasing 5,000 miles or more.

Members can buy up to 100,000 miles per calendar year (200,000 for Gold and Platinum elites).

This is a very useful discount if you have a particular redemption in mind. Just be aware of the fixed expiration of Skywards miles (3 years from date of purchase - which should provide flexibility). Read More…

Virgin Australia suspends 10 routes due to covid-19
11 Jan '22

Virgin Australia will suspend 10 routes from Jan. 24 through at least the end of February citing high COVID-19 case numbers. 

Together with reducing the frequency of flights on other routes, it is expected to lower capacity by 25%.

Routes affected are:

From Sydney (SYD) flights to Fiji (NAN) will be dropped, the lone international route that will be shelved. Also from SYD, domestic flights to Townsville (TSV) will be paused.

From Melbourne (MEL), Virgin will also suspend routes to TSV, together with Coffs Harbour (CFS), Hamilton Island (HTI) and TSV.

From Adelaide (ADL), the airline will pause routes to Cairns (CNS), Darwin (DRW) and Sunshine Coast (MCY).

From Gold Coast (OOL), Virgin will suspend routes to Hobart (HBA) and Launceston (LST). 

It appears that Virgin Australia is targetting the period immediately after many schools will have returned for this year. If you are planning to travel during February, you may need to adjust your planned flights...

Avani Sale for Luxury Stays | includes Avani+ in Phuket with 40% off
7 Jan '22

Avani Hotels & Resorts (advertiser) is having a promotion where you can book a stay with up to 30% off the usual rate.

For the luxurious Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas (pictured)  it gets even better !  Enjoy upto 40% off at Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas, Thailand.

Some locations include complimentary breakfast & other benefits, which vary. T&C's apply. 

Top 20 Safest Airlines for 2022
7 Jan '22

Airline Ratings has announced its 2022 rankings of the Top 20 Safest Airlines, taken from the list of 385 different airlines it monitors.

Qantas lost its long-held spot at number 1. This year, the winner's prize travels across the Tasman sea to Air New Zealand. 

When announcing the results, Airline Ratings noted that “there is very little between the top 20, they are all standouts.”  So all of these 20 are excellent choices from a safety perspective.

Two of the ME3 were in the top 5 with Singapore Airlines and TAP.

Qantas dropped to 7th spot. The Virgin cousins ranked 10th.

The full list of rankings are:

• Air New Zealand
• Etihad Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• TAP Air Portugal
• SAS,
• Qantas
• Alaska Airlines
• EVA Air
• Virgin Australia/Atlantic
• Cathay Pacific Airways
• Hawaiian Airlines
• American Airlines
• Lufthansa/Swiss Group
• Finnair
• Air France/KLM Group
• British Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines; and
• Emirates.

Congratulations (and thanks) to all these airlines for their ongoing commitment to safety !

Taj Inner Circle members get 20% off | must book by January 11
7 Jan '22

For a limited time, members of Taj Inner Circle can book stays at a large range of participating properties at a 20% discount to the Best Available rate.

You must book before 11 January, but there doesn't appear to be a restriction on when you complete your stay, other than it must be for 30 days or less.

Not a member? You can join first and book immediately.

T&C's apply.
Read More…

SLH Invited sale EXTENDED | 40% off at selected destinations
5 Jan '22

SLH has a limited time sale for members of its Invited loyalty program.

Book before 5 January for at least 2 nights at any of 100 destinations for a stay completed by (previously 31 December 2021, but now) 9 January 2022  and receive 40% off.  A whole year to complete your stay provides great flexibility.

SLH has a collection of independently-owned, luxury boutique hotels & resorts. They offer exceptional stays with high standards that are assured through regular (undisclosed) reviewers.

There are participating properties in:

• Caribbean
• USA
• Greece
• Thailand
• Italy
• UK
• Spain
• Portugal

You must be a member of SLH Invited for this offer and book through the SLH website. 

If you aren’t already a member, you can learn all about this exceptional program in our Guide to SLH Invited. 

Then join and take advantage of this offer !

T&C's apply... Read More…

Alaska Airlines Extemds Status | Status Challenge to Requalify in 2022
31 Dec '21

Alaska Airlines has extended the status of its elite tier members. Current tier status will now expire on 30 April 2022 (rather than tomorrow) - a 4 month extension.

Not as good as the 12 month extension given by some other airlines, but there is also a status challenge to help elite tier members re-qualify for their current tier (nb you can't move up tiers).

If you earn the following amounts of base miles between January 1 and April 30, 2022, you will retain your 2021 status through the end of 2022:

• MVP members: 5,000 miles
• MVP Gold members: 10,000 miles
• MVP Gold 75K members: 20,000 miles

These amounts are roughly 25% of what you would normally need, meaning you must earn 1/4 of the usual requirements in 1/3 of a year.  

On the face of it, this looks to be a more relaxed pace than usual. It is if your flying patterns are spread evenly through a year, but if it is concentrated in say the summer months, you may miss out.

T&C's apply.  The next 4 months are ok, but beyond then you may need to plan ahead. Read More…

Iberostar | huge 30% off your next summer holiday
30 Dec '21

Iberostar (advertiser) is offering 30% off the price of your next summer holiday.  There are 28 hotels and resorts in Spain & the Mediterranean participating in this offer - plenty to choose from.

The offer is valid for stays booked from now through 30 April 2022  for stays completed 1 May through 30 September 2022.

Free cancellation is included for flexibility in the unlikely event that your holidays are interrupted due to COVID-19 symptoms.

Some destinations offer Kids Stay for Free. Only valid for stays in a double room.

Book your summer holiday with Iberostar now to stay somewhere as nice as the resort pictured. Joining the Iberostar Horizons loyalty program provides even more benefits (hint).

T&C's apply.

IHG Rewards | targeted offer for 5,000 bonus points
30 Dec '21

IHG is running a targeted offer for some IHG Rewards members.

If you're part of the targeted campaign, you can register now and stay two nights between 1 January and 31 January 2022, and you’ll earn 5,000 bonus points.

Worthwhile checking your IHG Rewards account to see if you have received this offer. Read More…

Qantas Airbus A380's | early return to commercial service in January
30 Dec '21

Qantas’ flagship the Airbus A380 superjumbo will return to service in January, three months ahead of schedule and almost two years since last flying commercially.

The service provides the flexibility now needed to replace flying that was scheduled to be performed by the airline’s Boeing 787s.  About 70 Qantas 787 pilots are Queensland-based and are required to undertake 14 days isolation after each international service, reducing their availability to operate.

The Queensland Government has indicated it will relax restrictions on international travel when 90 percent of the state is double vaccinated, currently estimated to occur in late January, enabling 787 flying to normalize from then.

From January 11 the Sydney-Los Angeles service will be reduced from a daily 787 service to three weekly A380 services and one weekly 787 service.

The changes will commencing from January 11 will be

* Qantas Sydney-Los Angeles service will be reduced from a daily 787 service to three weekly A380 services and one weekly 787 service.

* Qantas Melbourne-London route will be reduced from daily 787 services to up to four weekly services

* Qantas Melbourne-Los Angeles service reduced from four weekly 787 services to three.

Additional A380 aircraft will progressively return to Australia in early 2022 for maintenance checks and crew training before being returned to service.

A great step forward - I much prefer the A380 for the long-haul flights needed to get almost anywhere from Australia.

Anantara luxury villas on Banana Island, Doha | 20% off !
30 Dec '21

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has a promotion running - Villa Exclusive: 20% off at Banana Island Resort Doha, Qatar.

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a crescent of golden beach and over water villas just off the coast of downtown Doha. This private, luxury destination has:

• 141 sea view rooms, suites, beach and over water pool villas
• 800 m of golden shoreline
• Surf pool, dive centre, VIP cinema, bowling alley, putting green
• Anantara Spa and Balance Wellness Centre.

The offer is valid for stays booked and completed through 31 October 2022.

Like more details? 

Oberoi Hotels offering luxurious welcome to New Year
29 Dec '21

Looking for somewhere exotic for a luxury-filled New Years Eve ?

Oberoi Hotels is a smaller chain of uber-luxury 5-star hotels and has the #1 rated resort in India (2021 T+L  Awards).

Oberoi has an attractive promotion #SeasonofJoy where you can enjoy a luxurious stay at 13 select destinations (including the Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius, pictured), with:
* complimentary breakfast for 2
* 15% off food & beverage
* happy hour at the bar
* up to 25% off spa treatmetns at The Oberoi Spa.

If you join OberoiOne (their loyalty program), one of the member benefits is discounted roomrates too.

You must complete your stay through 9 February 2022 - allowing plenty of time for some pampering to recover from New Years Eve !

T&C's apply.
Read More…

Preferred Hotels sale | 35% off at 16 destinations
29 Dec '21

Explore the latest Last Minute Escape promotion starting at 35% off in 16 destinations ranging from Malaysia to California. 

Book by 11 January, 2021, and save on stays through 11 February, 2022 - providing flexibility via more than a year in which to complete your stay.

You don't need to be an I Prefer member to take advantage of this offer. However if you are not already a member, and join iPrefer after reading our complete guide to I Prefer, you will enjoy the following member benefits:

• Free wifi
• Room upgrade
• Priority early check-in
• Earn points towards future stays or room upgrades.

T&C's apply, including:

* Rates and amenities vary depending on hotel.
* Book by dates and stay dates vary by hotel.
* Subject to availability; minimum night stay might be required and varies by hotel. Read More…

Singapore Airlines Supporting its Corporate Customers with Carbon Offsets
28 Dec '21

Singapore Airlines continues to be invested in conducting business responsibly and integrating sustainability in its operations.

To help its corporate customers (through its HighFlyer loyalty program) it has launched a program where In partnership with Tasman Environmental Markets (TEM) and its BlueHalo® digital solution, businesses can calculate and offset carbon emissions associated with the travel of their employees.

Perhaps not as good as SIA offsetting it themselves, but a step in the right direction and every little bit helps.

Once you have calculated the amount to offset, businesses can offset them using Paying.Green's CarbonEasy program. (advertiser)

Hilton Honors Points Unlimited Returns | 2500 bonus points per stay
28 Dec '21

Hilton Honors has launched another of its Points Unlimited promotions.

For each and every stay booked and completed within the promotion period, registered members will receive 2,500 bonus points in addition to the base points earned.

T&C's apply.  Further information is on our Hilton Honors Promotions page. Read More…