Marriott Bonvoy and Ethiopian Airlines launch loyalty partnership - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s global travel loyalty programme, has announced a partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline and a member of the Star Alliance network. The collaboration enables members of both loyalty programmes to earn and redeem points and miles across hotel stays and flights.

Under the agreement, members of Marriott Bonvoy and ShebaMiles, the airline’s frequent-flyer programme, can convert their rewards between the two programmes. ShebaMiles can be exchanged for Marriott Bonvoy points that can be used for hotel stays, upgrades and other experiences. Conversely, Marriott Bonvoy points can be converted into ShebaMiles to book flights with Ethiopian Airlines and its partner network.

Expanded travel opportunities for members

The partnership connects Ethiopian Airlines’ network of more than 145 destinations with Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and around 10,000 destinations worldwide.

Members staying at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties will also be able to choose whether to earn Marriott Bonvoy points or ShebaMiles during their stay, giving travellers greater flexibility in how they accumulate rewards.

Andrew Watson, Chief Commercial Officer – Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, said: “Africa is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for travel, and this partnership reflects our continued commitment to deliver the most rewarding travel experiences for our members. Through our partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, Marriott Bonvoy members will have the freedom to enjoy the benefits of loyalty in ways that are most meaningful to them – whether earning miles during their stays or using points to get the miles they need for flights.”

New options for converting points and miles

ShebaMiles members can convert their miles into Marriott Bonvoy points at a ratio of 2:1. Marriott Bonvoy members can convert points into ShebaMiles at a ratio of 3:1 and receive an additional 5,000 bonus miles when transferring 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points in a single transaction.

Members staying at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels can earn up to two miles per US dollar spent or opt to collect Marriott Bonvoy points as usual.

Rahel Assefa, Vice President of Marketing at Ethiopian Airlines Group, said: “The partnership we have established with Marriott Bonvoy is part of our ongoing efforts to advance our vision of enhancing the ShebaMiles member travel experience while diversifying our service offerings. Through this new partnership, our ShebaMiles members will have greater opportunities to earn and redeem their miles through access to Marriott Bonvoy’s global network of hotels across multiple touchpoints and destinations in Africa and around the world.”

Access to the Star Alliance network

Ethiopian Airlines provides extensive connections across Africa and links major international cities such as Mumbai, Paris, London, Washington, D.C. and Beijing. As a member of Star Alliance, the airline also offers access to flight redemptions and cabin upgrades across 25 partner airlines serving more than 1,150 destinations worldwide.

Travellers wishing to use the new benefits simply need to be enrolled in both the Marriott Bonvoy and ShebaMiles programmes. No additional account linking is required.

Image Credit: © Ethiopian Airlines