Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath and Qantas Loyalty CEO, Olivia Wirth with respective team members.

Opportunities to earn points concurrently on flights, hotels and other elements of the travel journey will be possible from early next year under a new loyalty partnership between Accor and Australia’s national airline, Qantas.

Under the tie-up to launch in mid-2021, eligible members of both programs will be able to link their accounts, enabling them to earn Accor Live Limitless (ALL) points on both their Accor accommodation booking across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the Qantas flight they may have taken to reach their destination. Conversely but singularly, ALL points will also be credited on qualifying Qantas flights across its global network, while Qantas points can be earned on qualifying Accor hotel stays.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

In addition, points from both programs will be able to be redeemed for eligible hotel stays and flight bookings, with a range of exclusive rewards available for top-tier members of both programs. Members of the two programs can currently convert their ALL and Qantas points into each other’s respective currencies at the rate of 1:1.

The partnership is the first in Australia of its kind between an airline and a hospitality group in the Asia-Pacific region. Members will receive information on the partnership as well as how they can earn points across the two businesses early next year.

Accor’s guests will be flying high with Qantas under the new partnership.

Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, said the partnership was a major milestone for the travel industry and will deliver great benefits to customers of Accor’s 1,240 hotels, apartments and resorts across the Asia-Pacific.

“We are joining forces to enable our customers to be part of something special, delivering exceptional travel benefits and unrivalled service for people who enjoy our two much-loved brands,” McGrath said.

“Customers are at the heart of this joint venture and the combined strength of Accor and Qantas will bring significant extended benefits.”

It’s a points bonanza for Qantas and Accor loyalty members under the new partnership.

Qantas Loyalty CEO, Olivia Wirth, said the carrier was always looking for new ways to reward its loyal member base.

“From next year, eligible members of Qantas’ and Accor’s loyalty programs will earn twice when they fly or stay with the two brands,” Wirth said.

“This is an entirely new way to recognise the loyalty of our frequent flyers which we know will be very popular.

“Although our members haven’t been flying much lately due to border closures, we know there is huge pent up demand, and we’ve been looking at how we provide even more value when their travel resumes whether that’s for business or leisure.”