Thursday, December 6, 2007

American Express and Jumeirah Group together launches Membership Reward programme

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network Services Company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in travellers cheques, insurance and international banking. American Express cards are accepted at millions of locations in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

At present it is operating in 18 markets in the Middle East and North Africa region, AEME issues dollar currency credit and charge cards: Personal (Green), Gold, Platinum as well as company and corporate cards. In 2001, it introduced its first local currency credit card in the United Arab Emirates, from then AEME has been introducing a range of local currency credit cards across the region.

Jumeirah properties are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The fast growing Dubai-based luxury international hospitality management group encompasses the world renowned Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel, the multi-award winning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London and the Jumeirah Essex House on Central Park South in New York.



Both American Express Middle East and Jumeirah Group are leading players in premium payments and hospitality sectors have announced a partnership that will create rewarding new opportunities for customers in their respective award-winning loyalty programmes.

Both have signed a global agreement under which the American Express card-members from over 60 countries, including the Middle East and North Africa, who are enrolled in participating membership rewards programmes, will be able to transfer their rewards points to Jumeirah’s Sirius Recognition and Rewards programme.

The members will be able to redeem the transferred points for a wide range of rewards, including luxurious hotel stays, dinners and spa treatments, at any of the Jumeirah properties around the world.

Trevor Stokes, CEO of American Express Middle East and North Africa, said: “Jumeirah Group is our valued strategic partner, sharing similar brand values and a commitment to delivering prestigious offerings, world-class service and comprehensive loyalty programmes, backed by a pioneering approach to business. We are proud that such a distinguished international company is the first from the Middle East to sign a global partnership for the American Express Membership Rewards programme.

“The Membership Rewards programme is about giving the card-members choice and flexibility to get the rewards they really want, and our partnership with Jumeirah Group will ensure that we continue to provide our customers with premium rewards that meet their lifestyle needs.”

Membership Rewards were launched in 1991, and is the world’s largest card-based rewards programme. It allows the card-members to earn points based on their spending on the card and redeem them for retail, travel, dining and entertainment benefits, as well as use the points to make charitable donations.

Natasha de Bodt, director of loyalty of the Sirius Programme, said: “As a rapidly growing name in luxury hospitality, we work with the best partners across every industry. With global expertise, a bespoke style of service and premium clientele, American Express is among our most valued partners. Through their Membership Rewards and our Sirius programmes, we will usher in a new world of rewards to our customers and their card-members — both of whom are discerning of new trends in luxury living.

“At a time when the Jumeirah Group is fast expanding its global operations, the support of partners such as American Express is integral to our offering the very best to our customers.”

In 2003 Sirius, Jumerirah’s unique Recognition and Rewards programme was launched. This programme allows members to experience a host of sensational awards and privileges. Sirius is divided into three tiers – Blue, Silver and Gold. Members earn Sirius points on everything from room stays to dining, spa visits to Jumeirah retail products worldwide, which can be redeemed against an impressive array of awards. Sirius Silver and Gold members also receive an exclusive package of privileges whenever they visit any Jumeirah hotel or resort.

The group’s activities are, not restricted to hotel and resort management only. The Jumeirah Group portfolio also includes Wild Wadi, regarded as one of the premier water parks outside of North America and The Emirates Academy, the region’s only third level academic institution specializing in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Gaining success in this Jumeirah Group became a member of Dubai Holding in 2004, a collection of leading Dubai based businesses and projects. This was a step taken to initiate a new phase of growth and development for the group. Jumeirah’s striving expansion plans to grow its portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts worldwide to 57 by 2011 are well in progress with projects currently under development in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Aqaba, Doha, Phuket, Shanghai, Bermuda, Mallorca and London.

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