Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme from Etihad Airways, has announced an exciting new hotel partner, Australian-based hotel group, Rendezvous Hotels and Resorts International (RHI).

RHI offers four and five star hotels and resorts in 10 locations across the Asia Pacific with a choice full service Rendezvous Hotels or boutique style Marque Hotels.

Under the agreement, the Etihad Guest members will earn 500 miles per qualifying stay at Rendezvous Hotels and 300 miles per qualifying stay at Marque Hotels. Currently, Rendezvous Hotels operate in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Port Douglas, Singapore, Shanghai and Auckland.

New Rendezvous hotels will open in Christchurch and Kuala Lumpur in October 2009 and March 2010, respectively, said a top official.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: "Etihad Airways award-winning loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, prides itself on offering its members some of the most exclusive benefits available within the industry."

"It’s very exciting to see another excellent partner like Rendezvous Hotels join the Etihad Guest programme and take it to new heights."

Alan Featherby, CEO at Rendezvous Hotels and Resorts International, said: “We are thrilled to be aligned with such a well respected international airline and are looking forward to working with Eithad to bring more benefits to Rendezvous and Marque guests.”

Etihad Guest was recently voted best website, best member communication, best bonus promotion and best award redemption at the global ‘Freddie’ awards. The programme also claimed runners up spot in three other categories: best award, best customer service and programme of the year.-TradeArabia News Service