Manchester United and Marriott International announce global marketing partnership

Manchester United and Marriott International announce global marketing partnership

Hospitality News Middle East

Marriott Bonvoy members can bid points for access to a branded luxury suite within the stadium to enjoy great views of the pitch and be treated to VIP hospitality

Marriott International is launching a global marketing campaign introducing Marriott Bonvoy, the new name that replaces Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG). The campaign celebrates Marriott Bonvoy as a travel program with the tag line “Rewards Reimagined” through its 30 hotel brands, extraordinary experiences and rich member benefits. The comprehensive campaign encompasses advertising across television, digital video, mobile, print, social media, out of home, and cinema, as well as special events and member access to partner experiences around passion points like sports and entertainment. In addition, Marriott’s websites and mobile apps, co-branded credit cards and original content such as Marriott Bonvoy guest-room television and digital publication Marriott Bonvoy Traveler all reflect the new name.

Manchester United Marketing Partnership

Marriott is bolstering its roster of experiential marketing partners by entering into a multi-year agreement with Premier League powerhouse Manchester United Football Club. The marketing partnership brings together sales and marketing activities around the globe. Marriott Bonvoy branding will appear prominently on ground-level “digiboards” within Old Trafford stadium and will be visible during globally televised matches. Marriott Bonvoy members can bid points for access to a branded luxury suite within the stadium to enjoy great views of the pitch and be treated to VIP hospitality.

Marriott Bonvoy will reach the largest sports fanbase in the world, including Manchester United loyalists who travel to watch the team play league matches and exhibitions around the world. In addition, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, the program’s digital platform designed for members to purchase or redeem points for unique experiences, will add Manchester United matches, VIP experiences and more. By bidding the points they have earned through hotel stays and Marriott co-branded credit cards, members can access once-in-a-lifetime experiences including meeting club legends and stadium tours. Upcoming experiences available exclusively on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, will allow members who are hosted in the Marriott Bonvoy suite to enjoy:

  • shadowing the stadium announcer and helping with the pre-match preparations;
  • welcoming the first team on their arrival at Old Trafford;
  • following the team’s “Kit Manager” as they prep the home team’s dressing room for the players arrival.
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Manchester United is the latest addition to the list of Marriott Bonvoy’s marketing partnerships with iconic brands like Universal Music Group and the FIA Formula OneTM World Constructors’ Champions, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport. Marketing partnerships also provide access to popular cultural events like Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, NCAA Final Four, Hong Kong Sevens, Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival presented by Mastercard, Mutua Madrid Open, World Golf Championships—Mexico Championship, in addition to fan experiences with sports teams including FC Bayern Munich and Toronto Maple Leafs and, in a tie-in with the global advertising launch, the Oscars.

Additional highlights of upcoming Marriott Bonvoy event activations and member experiences which can be won by bidding points on Marriott Bonvoy Moments include;

  • Access during this year’s Oscars including red-carpet viewing seats to see the stars walk into the awards, followed by a private dinner and viewing party at El Capitan Theatre, tickets to the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 27th annual Academy Awards Viewing Party featuring a performance by The Killers, and the ability to attend the most exclusive after-party of the night hosted by Vanity Fair.
  • Elevated hospitality at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival taking place this April. Highlights of the activation include a branded member lounge, VIP dinner in the Rose Garden, behind-the-scenes tours, VIP viewing and more.
  • Coming soon; special meet and greets with FIA Formula OneTM World Constructors’ Champions, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas. Marriott Bonvoy Moments are planned at the circuit’s first three races in Melbourne, Bahrain and Shanghai.
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About author

Rita Ghantous

Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.

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