With the new year quickly approaching, are you considering your options for rewards programs? Alaska Airlines’ new offers might maximize your benefits. Thinking about finally taking that trip to Japan? A new tourist campaign is working overtime to catch your eye. We’re here to catch you up on all of that, plus a potential takeover riling up the travel sector, the latest on World Travel Awards’ global competition and how Jamaica is celebrating new improvements to tourists’ travel experiences.
Alaska Airlines Adding Status Milestones and Perks to Loyalty Program in 2025
Starting next year, members of Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan will gain access to new perks, including bonus miles, free meals, free Wi-Fi, lounge access, elevated Mileage Plan status for single trips, exclusive events and the option to roll over Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs). Miles accrued are based upon distance flown rather than amount spent on purchases. The current membership tiers are:
- Entry-level elite status: 20,000 EQMs
- MVP Gold: 40,000 EQMs
- MVP Gold 75k: 75,000 EQMs
- MVP Gold 100k: 100,000 EQMs
Next year, new milestones will be added to those who have accumulated 30,000, 55,000, 85,000, 150,000, 200,000 and 250,000 EQMs. Another key development is members’ ability to earn EQMs for flights on partner airlines that were purchased with miles. Also, following Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, an additional loyalty program will soon be launched as well.
Hoshino Resorts and Japan Airlines Team Up to Attract Tourists
Japan Airlines and Hoshino Resorts have partnered to launch a new sustainable tourism campaign, “All-Time Favorite vs. Hidden Gems,” which aims to attract visitors to Japan’s less-trodden locales. Categories such as “Cherry Blossoms,” “Festivals,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Snow” and “Nature/Activities” will focus travelers on specific themes as they explore places such as Kyoto (classified as an “All-Time Favorite”) and Nagato City (a “Hidden Gem”). The campaign is a response to an imbalanced tourism sector, with 73% of the total share of 2023 overnight stays in Japan occurring in just five locations (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido and Fukuoka).
Read More: Well-being, Exciting Food and Natural Beauty: Experiential Incentives in Asia
“All-Time Favorite vs. Hidden Gems” will also include targeted Instagram campaigns for residents of Japan as well as foreign tourists, encouraging them to share photos of regional beauty and culture. Participants will be eligible for prizes, including round-trip international and domestic flights for two on Japan Airlines.
Travel Sector Stirred Up by Uber’s Potential Expedia Takeover
Three anonymous sources have revealed to the Financial Times details of a potential takeover of Expedia by Uber, ruffling the feathers of many in the travel sector. Discussions of the acquisition, which would be Uber’s largest, are reportedly in their early stages and very well might not happen—but that didn’t stop the news from raising Expedia’s shares by 3.8% on Thursday, while Uber’s shares fell 2%.
Overall, Uber has had an 85% rise in its stock price over the course of 2024, reaching a $173 billion market capitalization and reporting this year as the first that has produced operating profitability. While Expedia is a markedly smaller company valued at $20 billion, its shares have risen 50% over the past year, an attractive upward trend to a potential suitor. Neither Expedia nor Uber have publicly responded to the report.
World Travel Awards Holds Africa Gala Ceremony at Kenya’s Diani Beach
On Friday, Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort hosted the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony in Diani Beach, Kenya. Key players in the travel and tourism sectors attended the final regional leg of Word Travel Awards’ 2024 Grand Tour, following stops in Berlin, Dubai, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Manila. Graham Cooke, founder of World Travel Awards, said ahead of the event, “Our gala ceremony promises to be a celebration of Africa’s tourism resurgence.
The continent is emerging as one of the fastest-growing travel regions globally, driven by its natural wonders, wildlife safaris and rich culture. As more travelers seek eco-conscious and community-driven experiences, African destinations have risen to the challenge by offering authentic and responsible tourism options.”
On Nov. 24, winners from each of the regional ceremonies will gather in Madeira, Portugal, for the announcement of the final victors in each of WTA’s World categories.
Sandals Resorts International Hosts Week-Long “Jamaica Love” Tour
On Wednesday, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) hosted a gathering of over 1,000 guests in Montego Bay for its Jamaica Lova Showcase. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, attended and announced the construction of new airports, roadways and other infrastructure that will provide visitors to the island with an improved travel experience.
The Jamaica Love Showcase is part of “Sandals Jamaica Love Tour 2024,” a week-long event from October 14-20 where travel advisors and partners are following an itinerary that includes Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts tours, Island Routes excursions, Sandals Foundation activities and exclusive networking events.
