Emirates Skywards, the loyalty program of Emirates and flydubai, announced a multi-year strategic partnership with global payments leader Visa on February 26, 2024. This collaboration aims to elevate the travel experience for Emirates Skywards members across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
The partnership focuses on several key areas:
Strengthened Collaboration: Emirates Skywards will work more closely with co-branded credit card issuers in the GCC. This collaboration will enable the program to offer members more targeted benefits and experiences tailored to their spending habits and travel preferences.
Data-Driven Insights: The partnership will leverage data analytics to gain deeper insights into member behavior. This information will be used to personalize rewards and offerings, making the program more relevant and engaging for individual members.
Enhanced Digitization: The focus on digitization will streamline the member experience. This could include faster and more convenient ways to earn and redeem Skywards Miles, as well as access to exclusive member benefits through digital platforms.
Personalized Rewards and Products: The partnership aims to create more personalized reward options and co-branded credit card products for Emirates Skywards members. This could potentially include benefits like priority boarding, lounge access, exclusive discounts, and travel insurance tailored to specific member needs.
Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards, expressed his excitement about the partnership: "We are thrilled to announce this landmark collaboration with Visa. This strategic agreement unlocks significant value for our loyal members across the GCC and strengthens our ties with banking partners in the region."
Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for GCC at Visa, echoed the sentiment: "We are delighted to partner with Emirates Skywards, a leading loyalty program in the region. This collaboration will leverage Visa's global network and expertise to deliver innovative payment solutions and exclusive benefits to Emirates Skywards members, enhancing their travel experiences."
The partnership is expected to benefit all parties involved. Emirates Skywards can leverage Visa's extensive network and expertise to reach a wider audience and offer more attractive rewards. Visa can expand its reach within the travel and loyalty program sector, while co-branded credit card issuers can benefit from increased member engagement and spending.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward for Emirates Skywards, demonstrating its commitment to providing a more rewarding and personalized travel experience for its members. It also highlights Visa's continued focus on innovation and collaboration within the payments landscape.