Air Miles says Happy Birthday with triple miles

Air Miles - the regions leading multi-participant loyalty programme has announced that on April 11th and 12th all purchases utilizing their card will be eligible for the triple promotion.

Since its launch in 2001, the programme, which is free to join, has grown exponentially starting in the UAE, then expanding to Qatar in 2002 and more recently in Bahrain in 2007. Currently, the company has more than 1.5 million members enrolled from over 700,000 households in the UAE, Qatar & Bahrain. In addition, over 80% of all Air Miles members have either redeemed their Miles, or have enough Air Miles to do so, making it the largest and most active retail reward programme in the region.

"With our seventh successive year of steady growth, we have already become the most active and successful loyalty programme in the Middle East. With over 120 participants in the UAE and an easy redemption procedure we have every reason to stand tall," said Dave Battiston, CEO, Air Miles.

"With an increase in the number of retail brands and a radical growth in the number of shoppers in the Middle East, regional retailers will have to introduce innovative tactics to retain existing customers and attract more. An increased level of loyalty will guarantee positive bottom lines and increased profitability,"

he added.

For example, HSBC witnessed a 29% increase every year in card use and a 50% increase in card acquisition and Lamcy Plaza saw a footfall increase of 31%.

Although the company continues to receive interest from a number of retailers to join the loyalty programme, Air Miles prefer being selective when choosing brands that provide added value to its members, for example Sun & Sands Sports, a top sports retailer in the Middle East came on board region wide from the 1st April.

"Local knowledge and an excellent member base are of paramount importance if you're to create a successful offering in the region," said Battiston. "It is clear from our successes during the last 7 years that the Air Miles Loyalty Programme has caught on very well in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain and we look forward to more significant expansion within the region during the coming years," he concluded.