Associate Earn: Individual Incentives
This information will be communicated to hotels via the July 9 Weekly Update.
SPG Franchise Management Companies | Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) will be combined into one program in August. Additionally, SPG hotels are migrating to the Marriott ecosystem through program launch, including The Big Four | Platform Integration – Loyalty, EMPOWER: Guest Experiences + Mobile, Channels, and Reservations Platform. This will allow Marriott to build a stronger foundation for future growth.
As part of this shift, Marriott has had an opportunity to evaluate the supporting technology platforms. Marriott’s technology platform does not currently support the ability to provision Starpoints directly to individual associates, which is essential for associates to earn Starpoints. As a result, beginning in August, Marriott will no longer be able to distribute Starpoints to individual associates.
During this time, associates will continue to only be able to earn Starpoints through their personal co-brand credit cards or if exchanging Vacation Club Ownership shares for points. Existing Starpoints earning through enrollment incentives, Make a Green Choice, recognition, and other programs will no longer be supported. As system rollouts are completed and additional capability upgrades are put in place, we will continue to evaluate opportunities that will enable franchise management companies to enhance your associates’ opportunities to engage in the loyalty program.
Current vs. Future
Currently, associates who enroll members into the loyalty program are eligible for enrollment incentives. After the August launch, group-based gift card incentives will be available for distribution at the discretion of the franchise management company.
Change Impact
There are no incremental costs associated with implementing the group-based incentive program, as the program is funded by Marriott’s Loyalty Programs. Gift Cards/OFB Invoice Credits are provided from Marriott HQ with more information available on the Marriott Rewards Group Incentive MGS page. Please note that there will be no change to the suggested 2018 enrollment goals.
Associates will still be able to use Starpoints they earned prior to August 2018 consistent with the terms of the Starpoints program. These Starpoints will be converted, automatically in August, at a ratio of 1:3, which is the same conversion that will be applied to all SPG members. Associates will continue to be able to redeem their Starpoints in all the various ways members do, as per loyalty program offers at the time of redemption.
Under the new system, individual enrollments will appear under the hotel account and will not be linked to individual associates, and associates’ personal data will not be visible or transferred.
FAQs
Q: Can I buy points with my Gift Cards?
A: No, associates may not buy points with their Gift Cards.
Q: How can I earn points after August?
A: Associates may only earn points through Credit Card purchases and offers.
Q: What happens to the Starpoints I have earned?
A: Associates will still be able to use Starpoints they earned through August 2018 consistent with the terms of the Starpoints program.
Q: When will I stop being able to earn through the SPG individual incentive program?
A: In early August, Starpoints or points can no longer be earned as an incentive. Associates at SPG hotels will transition to the existing Marriott Rewards Group Incentive for enrollments if your company elects to do so.
Q: Can I still use my Starpoints (points) after August?
A: Yes, points can continue to be redeemed in all the ways the Loyalty program offers redemption opportunities.
