Marriott and MGM reveal details of rewards partnership
Published on: January 16, 2024 at 09:20 pm.
Last updated on: January 16, 2024 at 09:20 pm.
Earlier today, Marriott International and MGM Resorts International finally shared some details about their upcoming customer loyalty partnership – The MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy.
Although the program will not involve converting Marriott Bonvoy points to MGM Rewards, it will go the other way for MGM Rewards Gold members who qualify for Marriott Bonvoy Silver elite status. Those in the casino operator’s rewards plan’s Platinum tier will be eligible for Bonvoy Gold Elite, while those in MGM Rewards NOIR’s invitation-only status will be eligible for Bonvoy Ambassador Elite. Prime tier status matching and associated perks will remain in effect through the end of 2024, according to MGM.
Marriott Bonvoy and MGM Rewards will unlock great benefits and experiences for members of both programs. By early 2024, members can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at more places in Las Vegas — on the Strip and off, according to the gaming company.
No specific date has been set for the MGM Collection’s debut with Marriott Bonvoy. It was announced last October that the partnership had been postponed after the casino giant was the target of a ransomware attack the previous month.
Marriott, MGM can bring benefits
The licensing agreement, announced last July, covers 17 domestic MGM properties, including those on the Las Vegas Strip and the brand’s regional casino hotels. Starting in October, several MGM Collection hotels with Marriott Bonvoy will be available to book Marriott.com And on the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. All MGM venues are expected to be available on those platforms by the end of the year.
While a hands-on approach in the wake of the cyberattack against MGM is pragmatic, the two companies will likely be incentivized to bring the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. This urgency could be amplified at a time when travelers are increasingly eager to rack up points, and at a time when some gaming companies are changing loyalty plans — and not always for the better.
Regarding up and down lines, MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle acknowledged that the operator may see some benefits through the Marriott partnership.
“And I think by the third and fourth quarter of next year, at this time next year, we should have a good sense of what it’s going to deliver. The group activity that we’re going to be a part of is a little bit of a different discussion and we’re going to take a little more time given the clear nature and cycle of this work.” “And remember, I think in year one, we were looking at $50 million to $75 million of incremental (revenue),” he said on the company’s third-quarter earnings conference call last November.
Another MGM collection with Marriott Bonvoy details
The hotelier noted that more than 43 million MGM Rewards members will be able to link accounts with Marriott Bonvoy “and receive specific member benefits for stays at participating hotels within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.”
Marriott Bonvoy members who are not part of the MGM platform cannot earn points and level credits at the operator’s casino resorts, but they have ways to benefit.
He added that these participants “will be able to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for stays at all MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy destinations including ARIA Resort & Casino, Bellagio Resort & Casino, and Park MGM Las Vegas once these hotels are available on Marriott channels.” Marriott.
About The Author
