Newly re-branded global hotel sales, marketing and distribution organisation WORLDHOTELS is entering into a loyalty marketing partnership with Air China, effective April 1, 2005.
WORLDHOTELS becomes the first international hotel sales and marketing organisation to enter a pioneering venture of this kind with the leading Chinese airline, a move which follows WORLDHOTELS becoming the first global hotel sales and marketing organisation to establish a full time presence in the PRC last year.

Under the partnership, the nearly two million members of Air China’s rewards programme, the Air China Privilege Club, will be able to redeem an additional 800 reward kilometers for each stay at any of the nearly 500 WORLDHOTELS members worldwide.

For the introductory period of Apr 1- Jul 31, selected WORLDHOTELS members are offering double kilometersÊ- 1600km - and an attractive special rateÊto Air China Companion members.Ê

“We see significant marketing benefits for both our member hotels and for Air China through this strategic alliance,” said WORLDHOTELS CEO Michael J Ball, who signed the deal with Air China on the occasion of the recent WORLDHOTELS annual conference in Hong Kong

“Our new partner WORLDHOTELS is a world-renowned group. Hotels that fall under its umbrella are in major cities which Air China’s international and domestic flights cover. We are extremely glad to be able to co-operate with such an internationally famous hotel group, and to also provide well-rounded services to our Privilege Club members,” added Ms Zhang Chunzhi, Deputy General Manager, Marketing & Sales, for Air China.

With a fleet of 147 aircraft, publicly listed Air China is the country’s leading airline and its only official national flag carrier. Its Air China Privilege Club is among the fastest expanding in the world, with nearly two million members, including 38,000 VIP members.

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Ê“The membership rise is especially noticeable in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Vancouver,” said Ms Zhang Chunzhi.

With a comprehensive global and domestic flight network, Air China is the only airline allowed to carry the Chinese national flag, and has been selected as exclusive partner to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Air China also owns 69 per cent of the Hong Kong-listed China National Aviation Company, holding major stakes in both Dragon Air and Air Macao. It also partly owns Shandong Airlines.

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