Marriott Bonvoy, Ethiopian Airlines expand travel perks for members    

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel programme and Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline and a Star Alliance member, have launched a partnership that lets travelers earn and use points and miles across both hotel stays and flights, widening options for frequent travelers moving within Africa and beyond. 

From today, members of Marriott Bonvoy and ShebaMiles can convert miles and points between the two programs. ShebaMiles can be exchanged for Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays and upgrades, while Bonvoy points can be transferred into miles for flight bookings. Guests staying at participating Marriott properties can also choose whether to earn hotel points or airline miles.

Expanding reach across Africa and beyond 

The agreement links Ethiopian Airlines’ network of more than 145 destinations with Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 brands and about 10,000 destinations worldwide. For travelers, that means more flexibility in how rewards are earned and used across trips that combine flights and accommodation.

Andrew Watson, Marriott International’s chief commercial officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said the agreement reflects growing travel demand across the region. 

“Africa is one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets,” Watson said. “This gives our members more choice in how they earn and use rewards, whether during a hotel stay or when planning a flight.” 

Rahel Assefa, Ethiopian Airlines’ group vice president for marketing, said the partnership is part of efforts to improve the experience for frequent travelers.

 “This opens more ways for our members to use their miles across a wider network of hotels and destinations,” she said, adding that the airline will continue to build partnerships that expand its services.

ShebaMiles converts to Bonvoy points

Under the agreement, ShebaMiles can be converted to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 2-to-1 ratio. Bonvoy members can transfer points to ShebaMiles at a 3-to-1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points moved in a single transaction. 

On eligible hotel stays, members can earn up to two miles per dollar spent or opt to collect Marriott Bonvoy points instead. 

Ethiopian Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance, also gives members access to a broader network of partner airlines. Travelers can redeem miles or upgrade cabins across more than 25 airlines serving over 1,150 destinations.

Marriott, Ethiopian expand loyalty integration

Marriott Bonvoy includes more than 30 hotel brands, spanning luxury, boutique and extended-stay offerings. The company says the platform is designed to connect travelers with experiences ranging from dining and entertainment to sports and culture. 

Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Its fleet includes aircraft from Boeing, Airbus and De Havilland Canada, supporting long-haul and regional travel. 

The partnership adds to a growing list of loyalty tie-ups as airlines and hotel groups look to keep customers within their networks and offer more ways to travel using points.