Best Western Adds Southwest Airlines as Key Loyalty Program Partner
FEBRUARY 5, 2009 - Members of Best Western's global hotel loyalty program, Best Western RewardsSM, will be able to earn Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credits redeemable for free flights anywhere the airline flies beginning February 15, the company announced today at its annual Business Travel Summit in New York.
Best Western Rewards members have the option to earn half of one Southwest Rapid Rewards credit for each stay at any of the more than 4,000 Best Western hotels worldwide.
During Best Western's spring promotion, which runs February 15 through April 5, Best Western Rewards members who register Southwest Airlines Rapid Reward credits as their earning preference can earn double - one full credit - after staying two nights during the promotional period.
'Whether they choose to earn points toward free room nights or credits toward a free flight, our guests can travel with confidence knowing Best Western and Southwest Airlines are helping stretch their budgets,' said Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Best Western International. 'This alliance is a tremendous opportunity for Best Western and Southwest Airlines to best serve our loyal travelers, as we have hotels in every U.S. city Southwest flies.'
To celebrate this partnership during the hotel chain's spring promotion, one Best Western Rewards member who registers Southwest Airlines credits as their earning preference will be randomly selected to win six roundtrip tickets to any destination Southwest Airlines flies nationally. Eligible members can register by using promo code SWSPR09 at www.bestwestern.com/swspring.
"Earning credits towards free travel on Southwest Airlines by simply staying at Best Western hotels is an option we know our Members will appreciate,' said Kevin Krone, vice president of marketing, sales and distribution.
In addition to earning Rapid Rewards credit for staying at Best Western hotels, Best Western Rewards members also are able to convert 5,000 Best Western Rewards points into one Rapid Rewards credit.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
