All you need to know in global loyalty this week: SAS • Delta • Chase • Cathay Pacific • American Airlines • Spirit Airways • Brussels Airlines • Virgin Australia • Emirates • Azerbaijan Airlines • Lufthansa • Qatar Executive • TAP Portugal • United Airlines • Southwest • Air Canada • Accor • ibis • Marriott • Ponant Cruises • Majid al Futtaim • Visa • Qatar QIB • Loyalty Reports • Loyalty Jobs • Loyalty Careers
GLOAirlines, Alliances & Airports:
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SAS has launched SAS Holidays, a one-stop service that bundles flights with hotels, transfers and extras. The offering covers nearly all SAS destinations, lets travelers earn EuroBonus points on full packages, and preserves elite perks. Developed with TripX, it provides curated, quality-assured hotels and simplified booking. SAS Holidays is now available across European sales channels and on flysas.com. (Image: SAS)
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Delta Updates 2026 SkyMiles Choice Benefits Delta will enhance SkyMiles Choice Benefits for 2026. Beginning Feb. 1, Platinum and Diamond members can gift twice as many status upgrades, while bonus miles and travel vouchers also increase. MQD requirements for 2027 status stay the same. The changes follow Delta’s broader loyalty updates. Members have until Dec. 31 to secure their 2026 Medallion tier.
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Chase Sapphire Lounge Opens at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid Airport Chase has opened a new two-story Sapphire Lounge at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid Airport in Terminal 1, Concourse C. The 4,590-sq.-ft. space offers a champagne bar, Momofuku dining, and quiet zones. Sapphire Reserve, J.P. Morgan Reserve, and Ritz-Carlton cardholders have access, with guest privileges. The launch follows Philadelphia’s opening, with LAX and DFW lounges coming next. (Image: Chase)
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Cathay Pacific to Debut New Cabin Products on U.S. Routes Cathay Pacific will launch its new Aria Suite business class, upgraded premium economy, and refreshed economy cabins on select San Francisco–Hong Kong flights starting Dec. 31. The products, already introduced on the Hong Kong–Vancouver route, will appear on six weekly flights operated by retrofitted Boeing 777-300ERs. (Image: Cathay Pacific)
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American Airlines Increases Checked-Bag Fees on Select International Routes American Airlines raised first checked-bag fees on Dec. 1 for Canada, Mexico, most Caribbean destinations, Central America (except Panama) and Guyana. The cost is now $40, or $35 online—up $5. These routes now match the baggage fees already charged on U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands flights. (Image: AA)
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Spirit Airlines Makes Grand Entrance in Grand Cayman with New, Nonstop Flights from Fort Lauderdale Spirit is celebrating the launch of its service to the Cayman Islands with a Free Spirit loyalty program promotion* where members can earn 1,500 bonus points on roundtrip flights and 750 bonus points on one-way flights to and from Grand Cayman (GCM).
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Brussels Airlines, Beobank and Mastercard are launching the first card that comes with a miles programme designed specifically for self-employed professionals and business owners: a unique offer in Belgium. The Beobank Brussels Airlines Navigator Mastercard is a deferred debit card that offers exclusive benefits and a comprehensive, efficient solution for managing business expenses and cash flow. (Image: Brussels Airlines)
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Australians saved an estimated $3.5B in the past year by redeeming airline loyalty points, with many planning a “cash-free Christmas” as cost-of-living pressures rise. Members hold 783B unused points worth nearly $2B, and average savings reached $400. Retail redemptions are growing, led by Gen Z, as points increasingly support everyday budgets, not just travel.
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Brussels Airlines Appoints Glenn Verhasselt as New “Star Chef” Brussels Airlines has appointed Glenn Verhasselt, the two-Michelin-star chef of Sir Kwinten, as its new Star Chef from January 2026. Business Class passengers on long-haul flights will enjoy rotating menus featuring seasonal Belgian cuisine. Verhasselt, widely awarded, succeeds Arabelle Meirlaen. Expert-selected wines, Belgian beers and cheeses will complement the dishes as the airline promotes Belgium’s culinary excellence. (Image: Brussels Airlines)
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AZAL Upgrades In-Flight Entertainment System AZAL has upgraded its in-flight entertainment system, offering more Azerbaijani and international films, including Hollywood releases and classics. International movies now have Azerbaijani subtitles, and a special section highlights national cinema. The update enhances comfort and promotes Azerbaijani culture. For details, visit AZAL’s website or app. (Image: AZAL)
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Azerbaijan Airlines Partners with HTS, Hopper Technology Solutions Azerbaijan Airlines has partnered with HTS to introduce DAFAR, a fintech add-on that protects travelers from delays of 2+ hours or same-day cancellations. Offered during booking, DAFAR monitors flights and lets passengers rebook on any airline at no extra cost or receive a full refund. Both companies say the partnership enhances customer experience and loyalty while expanding HTS’s fintech presence in Eurasia. (Image: HTS)
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Emirates has launched the Emirates Asia Pass, allowing travellers to book up to ten flights across Southeast Asia on one ticket. The pass offers flexible multi-city travel to destinations in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore and Laos, supported by partner airlines Bangkok Airways and Batik Air Malaysia. It simplifies bookings, offers cost savings, and allows itinerary changes for a small fee. (Image: Emirates)
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Qatar Executive Announces Full-Fleet Starlink Installation for Unmatched Inflight Connectivity Entire ultra-long-range fleet to feature high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi by early 2026. (Image: Qatar Executive)
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Emirates has launched an interline partnership with Bahamasair, giving its customers easier access to The Bahamas via Miami and Orlando. Travellers can book a single-ticket journey to Nassau or Freeport with unified baggage rules. The agreement follows a June MoU and expands Emirates’ Caribbean reach. It also supports tourism promotion efforts between the Emirates and The Bahamas. (Image: Emirates)
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Ryanair has partnered with CarTrawler to power its car rental services, giving passengers exclusive rates, a wider vehicle selection, and a seamless booking experience. Using CarTrawler’s Connect Platform, the partnership supports Ryanair’s low-cost strategy and enhances its ancillary offerings. Both companies aim to deliver strong value, improved customer choice, and long-term commercial growth. (Image: CarTrrawler)
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Lufthansa Group accelerates efforts toward more sustainable flight operations Lufthansa Group is expanding its fuel-efficiency program to make flight operations more sustainable. Since 2022, over 90 initiatives have cut 170,000 tonnes of CO₂, and the Group aims to reduce emissions by a further 50,000 tonnes annually. New digital tools and data-driven processes will drive future efficiency gains. (Image: Lufthansa)
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TAAG Angola Airlines and South African Airways (SAA) unveil a new codeshare partnership TAAG Angola Airlines and South African Airways have launched a new codeshare partnership to expand regional and international connectivity. The agreement enables both carriers to share routes, offer seamless travel via Luanda, Johannesburg and Cape Town, and provide smoother booking and baggage processes. The collaboration boosts passenger options and supports trade, tourism, and Africa-wide mobility.
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Lufthansa joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lufthansa joined the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program on December 1. More than one billion people live with an invisible form of disability. The Sunflower Program is also being implemented at the two home airports in Frankfurt and Munich. Numerous initiatives within the Lufthansa Group to improve the travel experience for people with additional needs. (Image HDS)
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TAP Air Portugal unveils updated Premium Economy experience from summer 2026 TAP Air Portugal is unveiling a brand-new cabin concept designed to elevate the onboard experience with added space, privacy, comfort, and an enhanced overall journey. (Image: TAP)
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New model of collaboration delivers Travelport access to United’s best retailing capabilities, co-development of innovative features, and accelerated deployment of next-level New Distribution Capability (NDC) functionality for travel agencies and corporate buyers.
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Southwest Airlines teams up with Condor Southwest Airlines now partners with five overseas air carriers connecting the Southwest network with transoceanic originations and destinations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Southwest is working to bring more choice and enhance the quality and quantity of travel experiences, including a redesigned cabin experience and an ability to book assigned and extra legroom seating on flights operating from January 27, 2026.
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Emirates brings elevated travel to Adelaide with A350 debut and new Premium Economy Cabin Emirates has debuted its first ultra-long-range A350 and Premium Economy in Adelaide, making all five Australian cities served by Emirates operate next-generation aircraft. The service boosts tourism and trade, with freight exports worth $98m yearly and total economic impact of $160m. The A350 offers advanced cabins, enhanced comfort and connectivity, strengthening links between Australia and Dubai. (Image: Emirates)
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Skip the mileage run and earn status points by supporting sustainable aviation fuel As Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ guests prepare to explore our combined network on their end-of-year travels, Atmos Rewards loyalty members can earn additional status points — and maintain or upgrade their status or reach their next milestone — by contributing to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
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Global Traveler Announces 22nd Annual GT Tested Reader Survey Awards The survey honors airlines, hotels, loyalty programs and travel-related products in more than 80 categories. GT’s distinguished readers vote for their favorites in the world of travel in an open-ended survey running in the magazine and online.
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A new chapter for Qantas First: From culinary excellence to curated care Progressively rolling out across the Flying Kangaroo’s international network from December, the enhancements, and introduction of new onboard partners, are part of the airline’s ongoing investment in customer experience and have been shaped by customer insights and inflight trials.
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SAS and Aeroméxico Announce New Codeshare Partnership SAS and Aeroméxico have launched a new codeshare effective Dec. 6, enabling SAS passengers to reach Mexico City via major U.S. and Canadian gateways and giving Aeroméxico customers access to key Scandinavian destinations. EuroBonus and Aeroméxico Rewards members gain reciprocal SkyTeam perks, including earning/redemption, priority services and lounge access, supporting SAS’s move toward SkyTeam. (Image: SAS)
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AZAL now lets passengers add boarding passes to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet after online check-in in the AZAL app. The digital pass works offline, speeds up boarding, and removes the need for printed documents. It keeps all travel info in one place, useful during transfers or roaming, and supports AZAL’s push for improved digital services. (Image: AZAL)
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Air Canada Showcases Special Olympic and Paralympic Team Livery Ahead of Milano Cortina 2026 Air Canada will transport more than 750 athletes and delegation members to and from the Games. Eight Team Canada members named Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassadors. Livery features images of Team Air Canada Athlete Ambassadors on Fin 940, an Airbus A330 (Image: Air Canada)
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Hotels & Hospitality:
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ibis (Accor) Launches “The Go Getters” ibis has launched The Go Getters, its first social miniseries designed for TikTok-style vertical viewing. The series uses short, creator-led travel stories shot in real ibis hotels to connect with Gen Y and Z. Miniseries—now a multi-billion-dollar global format—let the brand blend entertainment with authentic travel moments. The show follows five creators on a chaotic trip to Budapest, forming ibis’ new multi-platform storytelling franchise. (Image: Accor)
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Mesa Partners with Omni Hotels & Resorts to Launch New Loyalty Transfer Program Homeowners can now turn Mesa Points into a 1 night stay at select Omni properties*
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Kajima and Accor Announce Raffles Residences Bali Raffles Residences Bali is supported by Accor One Living, an innovative platform in the industry that offers a 360º approach to the development, design, and operation of mixed-use projects and branded residential communities. Through Accor One Living, owners, guests, and partners are connected to Accor’s diverse ecosystem of brands, expertise, and solutions, creating a continuous flow of new opportunities to live, work, and enjoy.
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The Journey Continues: Accor’s Most Anticipated 2026 Openings Encompassing more than 45 brands, Accor plans to debut around 350 new addresses over the next 12 months. From the vibrant nightlife of Miami and the buzzing streets of Shanghai to the coffee capital of Melbourne and the canals of Venice, 2026 is set to be an unforgettable year for Accor’s internationally renowned brands.
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Preferabli is elevating the way that Napa Valley Marriott guests discover the wines, spirits and foods they will love with offerings rooted in individual taste preferences, using the patented, Preferabli Sensorial AI ℠. The Napa Valley Marriott guest experience includes personalised itineraries, as well as guided recommendations for wine, spirits and food.
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Cruises:
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PONANT Launches Exclusive Status Match Offer for Aqua Expeditions Members PONANT has launched an exclusive status match for Aqua Expeditions’ Captain’s Club members, allowing them to transfer their elite status into Le Club PONANT and immediately access premium benefits. The offer provides priority access, exclusive savings, and onboard perks, making it easier for Aqua guests to experience PONANT’s luxury expeditions while retaining loyalty recognition.
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Retail, E-commerce, F&B, Healthcare:
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Majid Al Futtaim Partners with Lime Consumer Finance to Enhance Retail Experience Across Egypt Majid Al Futtaim has partnered with Lime Consumer Finance to offer flexible, app-based financing across its malls in Egypt. Shoppers can access instant approvals, installment plans, and personalized credit, with kiosks providing on-the-spot activation. The collaboration supports Egypt’s shift toward digital, cashless retail. It launches with a 15% cashback campaign across major malls using Lime for tuition payments. (Image: MAF)
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Hot Plate Redefines Loyalty With a Participation-First Rewards Model Hot Plate’s new program moves beyond the familiar “buy to earn” equation. Instead, members are recognised for the role they play in shaping the community: attending events, checking in at the taproom, joining special releases, supporting local artists, or simply taking part in the cultural life around the brand. Each interaction earns points and unlocks tiered benefits, including exclusive merchandise, limited-edition releases, and access to private gatherings.
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Shopkick Launches “My Shopkick” – A Personalized Experience Driving Brand Growth and Shopper Rewards Built on advanced personalization technology and real community feedback, the new My Shopkick experience makes every interaction count. From tailored offers to gamified engagement, brands can now influence shoppers at every stage of the purchase journey – while shoppers enjoy a dynamic, intuitive app that makes earning rewards faster and easier – from the couch to the aisle.
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How 5&5 Helps Restaurants Strengthen Digital Operations: Featured on All Access with Andy Garcia The forthcoming segment will introduce viewers to the operational importance of aligning systems such as point of sale, online ordering, loyalty, and menu management. It will show how inconsistencies across digital platforms can lead to delays, incorrect orders, and friction for operators, and even greater frustration for guests.
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Inmar Intelligence Expands Leadership in Adult Beverage with New Category Head Versaw brings over a decade of experience in retail media, martech, and promotions with the majority of that time focused exclusively on the Adult Beverage category. Her deep knowledge of the industry’s complex regulatory landscape and her passion for connecting incentives, loyalty, and media solutions position her to lead Inmar’s next phase of growth.
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Consumer Edge Releases 2026 Restaurant Outlook Consumers across income levels are becoming more deliberate about dining out. CE data shows grocery spending has gained share of stomach across all income groups. The result is a more polarized landscape where consumers are either trading down for savings or trading up for experience and atmosphere.
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Spotnana Announces Partnership with Booking.com “Spotnana’s unique architecture enables us to provide an exceptional experience to travelers, while making our inventory easy for TMCs to service”, said Mark van der Linden, Vice President of Partnerships at Booking.com.
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Sub Club Is Back and Better Than Ever at Subway®, Get Every Fourth Footlong Free Subway is bringing back Sub Club after 20 years and it’s bigger, bolder and more rewarding than ever. Launching 1 December 2025, the brand is reviving its beloved, trailblazing loyalty program with a modern twist and unparalleled value when guests need it the most: every fourth is footlong free.
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Transport, Fuel Retail & Mobility:
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Circle K Ireland Named Best Loyalty Programme Circle K Ireland won “Best Customer Loyalty Programme” at the 2025 Customer Experience Awards for its Circle K Extra app. The mobile-first programme delivers personalised rewards, including fuel discounts and exclusive offers. In partnership with PDI Technologies, Circle K seamlessly upgraded members to the new platform, enhancing benefits across its 420+ locations. (Image Circle K)
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Swiss Post Modernizes Fuel Stations with Hectronic’s Fully Digital, Cashless Refueling System Swiss Post has fully digitalized payments at its fuel stations with Hectronic technology. The new Post Tanken app lets users choose a pump and pay via digital fuel card, Visa or Mastercard without using a terminal. At about 60 stations, Hectronic’s HecVision systems also support contactless payments with debit/credit cards, PostFinance Card, coupons and TWINT. The upgrade makes refueling faster, cashless and accessible for all users. (Image: Hectronic)
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Payments, Finance, Property & Insurance:
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Spin by OXXO and Visa Extend Partnership to Accelerate Digital Payments Adoption in Mexico Spin by OXXO and Visa have extended their partnership for eight more years to accelerate digital payments in Mexico. Supported by OXXO’s 24,000-store network, Spin has over 9 million users and rising transaction volumes, while its Spin Premia program counts 27 million members. The alliance aims to expand secure, cashless payments as Mexico’s digital payments market grows toward an estimated $125 billion in 2025.
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QIB has announced the winners of its 2025 Mastercard International Spend Campaign, awarding a total of 10 million Absher loyalty points. Four grand winners earned 1 million points each, while 60 monthly winners received 100,000 points. Absher points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, shopping, bills, and more. QIB says the campaign supports its goal of offering rewarding, seamless digital payment experiences. (Image QIB
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EQB redefines challenger banking in Canada with agreement to acquire PC Financial from Loblaw In connection with the closing of the Acquisition, EQB will enter into a long-term strategic relationship with Loblaw to become the exclusive financial partner of the PC Optimum™ loyalty program, creating one of Canada’s largest loyalty-linked banking ecosystems with significant benefits for millions of Canadians
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Retail banking’s next profit engine ignites in 2026 Financial media networks bring commerce media to consumer banks, transforming customer engagement into a new growth stream.
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Jack Henry Study Uncovers Gaps in Consumer Financial Confidence and Digital Experience The survey of 2,435 individuals across five distinct consumer segments reveals how consumers feel about their financial health and where financial institutions can step in to build trust and deliver meaningful guidance.
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EnKash Launches Full-Stack Co-branded Digital Wallet Infrastructure for B2C Businesses The new solution enables fintech players across sectors like bill payments, campus ecosystems, and loyalty to embed open-loop, fully compliant wallets into their offerings without depending on third-party processors or lengthy regulatory integrations.
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Loyalty Technology, Solutions & Consulting:
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Omnichat collaborates with L’OCCITANE to deliver VIP offers to members A new collaboration between Meta, L’OCCITANE, and Omnichat is signalling a major shift in how brands design and deliver loyalty experiences. By combining Meta’s messaging capabilities, L’OCCITANE’s customer-centric retail vision, and Omnichat’s conversational commerce technology, the partnership transforms WhatsApp into a powerful channel for real-time engagement, personalised journeys, and loyalty growth.
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Immersive Technology in Advertising Market Surges Toward USD 153.8 Billion by 2032 The market is undergoing a major transformation driven by technological innovation. Brands are integrating augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality, spatial computing, and 3D content platforms into campaigns to create hyper-personalised and memorable experiences. Growing investments in AI-driven content generation, cloud-based 3D asset management, and real-time rendering engines are further elevating immersive capabilities.
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The Agent Economy—powered by the interaction of demand (consumers and enterprises) and supply (creators and the developer community)—is rapidly reshaping how value flows across digital ecosystems.
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Jobs & Careers:
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Rakuten Rewards is hiring: VP, Loyalty & Retention Marketing (USA) Location: San Mateo, CA, USA. Click inside to apply.
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Hyundai Capital America: Loyalty Program Manager (USA) Location: Irvine, CA, USA. Click inside to apply.
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maurices is hiring: Director, CRM, Loyalty & Credit Marketing (USA) Location: Duluth, MN, USA. Click inside to apply.
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Potbelly Sandwich Works is hiring: Manager, Loyalty – CRM (USA) Location: Chicago, IL, USA. Click inside to apply.
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Publicis Digital Experience is hiring: Account Director, Loyalty Program Engagement Strategist (USA) Location: New York, NY, USA. Click inside to apply.
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Expedia Group is hiring: Senior Loyalty Business Programs Manager (USA) Location: Washington – Seattle, USA. Click inside to apply.
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B&Q is hiring: Loyalty Manager – (12 Month FTC) (UK) Location: Chandler’s Ford, England, United Kingdom. Click inside to apply
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CVS Health is hiring: Analyst, Marketing Loyalty (USA) Location: Chicago, IL, USA. Click inside to apply.
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GAP Inc. is hiring: Sr. Director – Loyalty Strategy + Experience Location: San Francisco, USA. Click inside to apply.
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Expedia is hiring: Director, Loyalty Strategy (UK) Location: London, England, United Kingdom. Click inside to apply.
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Expedia Group is hiring: Senior Manager, Loyalty Operations and Experience (UK) Location: London, England, United Kingdom. Click inside to apply.
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