Shinsegae Duty Free announced on the 26th that it has established the world's first duty-free partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, the largest hotel membership in the world with approximately 248 million members. The two companies will operate a large-scale membership-linked program that allows customers to enjoy both hotel accommodations and duty-free shopping benefits starting today.
This program is designed to enable members linking their accounts to earn points at over 9,600 Marriott-affiliated hotels in 143 countries worldwide and at Shinsegae Duty Free's online and offline stores, while also enjoying VIP tier benefits. It is intended to provide a premium experience that encompasses both hotel stays and duty-free shopping.
Marriott Bonvoy offers a wide range of choices from five-star luxury hotels such as Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Westin, W, and St. Regis to business hotels. Thanks to differentiated tier benefits, it enjoys high preferences and loyalty among travelers around the world. Shinsegae Duty Free expects that the partnership will offer access to 200 million members of Marriott Bonvoy as potential customers.
Members of Marriott Bonvoy who have linked their accounts can earn 2 points for every 1,000 won spent at Shinsegae Duty Free's online and offline stores upon receiving their purchases, with a maximum of 1,000 points per month. The accumulated points can be used for hotel stays at Marriott properties worldwide, conversion to partner airline mileage, restaurant and spa experiences, as well as global car rental reservations with Hertz and Sixt.
Additionally, through membership tier matching, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite members will receive VIP status at Shinsegae Duty Free, while Gold Elite members will be granted Shinsegae Duty Free's Black status. Shinsegae Duty Free's Black and VIP members will receive Silver Elite status in Marriott Bonvoy.
To commemorate the partnership, Shinsegae Duty Free will operate a "Marriott Bonvoy Pop-up Store" at its Myeongdong location from today until the 4th of next month. This space will provide information on the membership program. Customers who sign up for Marriott Bonvoy will receive a limited quantity of welcome gifts daily, and those who link their accounts will receive additional benefits.
Yang Ho-jin, head of sales at Shinsegae DF (Executive Director), noted that "starting with this program, the two companies will share a long-term vision of expanding global customer touchpoints, innovating services, and enhancing brand value, creating even greater synergy."
Nam Gi-deok, Marriott International's Korea, Vietnam, and Philippines regional representative, said, "The partnership with Shinsegae Duty Free is the first global duty-free partnership that Marriott Bonvoy has established in Korea, showcasing the brand's commitment to connecting various touchpoints of daily life and travel beyond hotel accommodations."