USAToday is reporting that Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Emirates Airline are teaming up to let elite frequent fliers and guests earn reciprocal benefits on the ground and in the air.
The "Your World Rewards" program will apply to elite Emirates Skywards and Starwood Preferred Guest members. It kicks off Nov. 19.
The program is similar to one that Starwood launched with Delta Air Line last year called Crossover Rewards.
SPG members will still be able to take advantage of that program, but the deal with Emirates expands the reach of the loyalty program.
Starwood has about 1,200 hotels. The Middle East is the third fastest-growing market for Starwood behind China and India. SPG membership in emerging markets has increase 400 percent in the past five years, Vondrasek says.
Starwood has 82 hotels operating in the Middle East and expects to open 20 more by the end of 2015.
To earn SPG Gold status, guests must complete 10 eligible stays or 25 eligible nights in a calendar year.
