IHG Pursues Business Travelers Through Emirates and Other Deals

IHG's new deal with Emirates is as part of broader push to capture the underserved corporate segment. Expect more partnerships that offer fast-track loyalty status in exchange for direct bookings.

IHG signed a partnership agreement with Emirates this week, the latest move in the hotel group's multiyear strategy to capture more business from small- and medium-sized enterprises that lack the resources of large corporations but still need travel arrangements.

The deal allows business travel customers of both companies to access benefits from the other, creating what IHG executives describe as a community of services for companies with fewer than 500 employees. The goal is to encourage more direct bookings, avoiding commissions charged by online travel agencies.

Participating companies whose employees are members of Emirates' loyalty program can now re