Those who regularly travel for business are being encouraged to earn and redeem loyalty points where possible, to ensure their travel budget is extended to its full potential.
Travel loyalty programmes allow corporate travellers to earn and redeem points to optimise their travel expenses and ultimately reduce overall travel costs.
“There are a number of benefits to building up loyalty points, including - upgrades, freebies, and other perks, as well as greater flexibility in terms of booking options and changes, reducing the stress associated with last-minute business travel alterations,” said Angie Forsyth, General Manager of Corporate Traveller New Zealand
But, Forsyth admits, with many suppliers offering individual loyalty programmes, it can be difficult to judge which ones suit your needs and how best to leverage them.
To help business travellers decide which loyalty programmes to be a part of, Corporate Traveller has come up with a list of the top travel loyalty programmes for those travelling for business.
Accor Live Limitless
Accor is one of the world’s leading hospitality groups. Their portfolio includes Sofitel, Pullman, Mercure, Movenpick, Novotel and Ibis.
Its loyalty programme works on a points system that can be redeemed for your usual room upgrades and free nights, but also members can use their points for ‘lifestyle experiences’ including concerts, sports events, and fine dining.
IHG® One Rewards
IHG One Rewards is the loyalty programme of InterContinental Hotel Group, this benefits frequent guests at their hotel brands including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, InterContinental, and Regent.
Accumulated points can be redeemed for free nights as well as airline miles, gift cards, and experiences. One notable feature is that the programme claims to have no blackout dates, meaning members should be able to book nights even during peak periods.
Air NZ Airpoints
With our national carrier holding a significant size of the domestic air travel market as well as Trans-Tasman routes, this programme is almost essential for corporate travellers.
As well as earning on Air NZ flights, Airpoints members can earn and redeem points on Star Alliance partners. The programme offers different tier statuses which provide additional benefits such as lounge access, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Like Air New Zealand, members of Qantas Frequent Flyer earn points for flights with Qantas and other Oneworld alliance airlines – Qatar Airways, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and more. Additionally, you can earn points on credit cards, hotels, and car rentals.
World of Hyatt
Hyatt Hotels Corporation is one of the world’s leading hotel chains, with a diverse portfolio of brands including Hyatt Regency, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, and more. As well as providing the usual benefits of a loyalty programme - upgrades and other perks, its loyalty programme incorporates sustainable values into its offerings such as eco-friendly experiences and partnerships.
Hilton Honors
Hilton is one of the most iconic brands in hotels and hospitality. Their properties include Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Conrad, DoubleTree, and Waldorf Astoria. One advantage of Hilton Honors points is that they can be used for rewards not just limited to hotel stays, including merchandise and Amazon purchases.
SmartSTAY Hotels
Corporate Traveller has their own loyalty programme, SmartSTAY Hotels that gives travellers free extras every time they check in to one of their participating hotel partners.
SmartSTAY has more than 6,000 hotels in over 120 countries, which means corporate travellers can access the comfort and quality of the biggest brands in global accommodation.
Extras include free breakfast, WiFi, upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and bonus loyalty points.
