IHG Business Edge, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ comprehensive program designed for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), has joined forces with Virgin Australia Business Flyer to create the industry’s first complimentary SME partnership enabling members to enjoy benefits of both programs when they book hotels and flights.

The partnership marks Virgin Australia Business Flyer’s first hotel partnership, extending value to its members with access to guaranteed savings at IHG Hotels & Resorts’ leading portfolio of over 6,200 hotels across 19 brands.

In addition to members receiving benefits of both programs when they link their IHG Business Edge and Virgin Australia Business Flyer accounts, members will also jump to Gold Elite status in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program on their first stay as an exclusive benefit of the partnership (previously Silver Elite). Gold Elite enhances member benefits including a late check out of 2pm*, complimentary internet, exclusive access to member promotions and member rates and a guaranteed rollover of status to the following year.  

 “This is a significant move for the industry” says Dean Jones, Vice President Commercial for IHG Hotels & Resorts, Japan, Australasia & Pacific. “In a time when business operating costs are higher than ever, our partnership with Virgin Australia Business Flyer is specifically designed to reward members twice with meaningful perks and savings we know they need, while keeping the programs free to join. The partnership is an exciting milestone for tourism, not only to maximize business efficiency for SMEs, but to take advantage and explore the extensive global networks of these two much-loved brands.” 

Perks of the Virgin Australia Business Flyer program include savings of up to 6% on eligible Virgin Australia flights, discounted annual lounge membership for the business team and two Velocity Pilot Gold memberships to manage travel in one central place. The program is complimentary to join.

Members will continue to earn points across both programs when they stay and fly, including 3 IHG One Rewards point for every $1 spent, and up to 2 Velocity points per $1 spent. 

The partnership is the first in an exciting series of activations and promotions to launch in the months ahead between the two travel giants.

For more information visit: ihg.com/virginbusiness

*2pm late check out subject to availability