Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and its award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest® loyalty program announced an exclusive new, extended partnership with Cirque du Soleil, the world-renowned live entertainment company, that now includes Starwood’s North America Division. The extended alliance, including all nine Starwood brands, builds on the success of the existing partnership between Cirque du Soleil and Starwood Preferred Guest in Starwood’s Europe, Africa and the Middle East Division.

Starwood is now the Official Hospitality and Accommodations Supplier Partner of Cirque du Soleil U.S. and Canada Big Top and Arena Touring Shows, as well as the U.S. Theatre Show Zarkana™.

Through this innovative partnership, SPG offers members the opportunity to go On Stage with SPG by transforming Starpoints into a variety of extraordinary experiences including behind-the-scenes tours, Q&A sessions with Cirque du Soleil production staff and performers, access to the Tapis Rouge™, and tickets for premiere nights to Big Top shows in each market, including TOTEM™,OVO™ and KOOZA™. Members also have access to premium tickets for the two Cirque du Soleil Theatre productions – Zarkana and IRIS-A Journey Through the World of Cinema™; in addition to arena shows such as Quidam™ and Dralion™.

The first of many On Stage events kickoffs off on March 10th with an exclusive SPG Family Fun Day at OVO™ in Santa Monica. Selected members can bring their children to experience VIP show tickets, private performance workshops with some of OVO’s artists, face painting, Q&A, gifts, pre-show and intermission access to the Tapis Rouge™ to enjoy delectable food, wine and cocktails surrounded by Cirque du Soleil-inspired décor.

The latest Cirque du Soleil Moments available can be explored by visiting SPG.com/moments.

“Our expanded partnership with Cirque du Soleil brings together two award-winning global brands committed to creating memorable experiences,” said Chris Holdren, Senior Vice President, Starwood Preferred Guest. “Starwood was drawn to Cirque du Soleil for its innovative and theatrical, character-driven approach and its integration of style and themes from around the world. Now even more of our guests and SPG Members will have access to an incredible line-up of Cirque du Soleil experiences that they can share with friends, family and loved ones.”

The partnership also offers members pre-sale and discounted tickets of up to 20% off performances. Additionally, Starwood hotel properties are offering tickets packages that include 10% off stays in North American cities including New York, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Francisco, San Jose, Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec with many more to come. Hotel properties in these markets will feature Cirque du Soleil inspired cocktails, branding, signage, costume displays and giveaways. Geo-targeting has been integrated within the Cirque du Soleil website to exclusively show Starwood properties within close proximity to Cirque venues. Starwood is also leveraging this partnership to host key corporate customers and owners. And, to further its commitment to the partnership, Starwood hotels have become home for hundreds of Cirque du Soleil performers and their families around the world as they tour for months at a time.