Rewards in Rio: VOILA Expands Into Brazilian Market with Launch of the Othon Special Guest Hotel Loyalty Program

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VOILA Hotel Rewards today announced a loyalty program launch with Othon Hotels (Hoteis Othon), one of Brazil's leading hotel brands. As the world's number one loyalty program for independent hotels, the partnership marks VOILA's debut into the Brazilian market and the addition of an estimated 1,600 rooms to its global rewards network.

"We chose to partner with VOILA Hotel Rewards because of the program's impressive growth and reputation as a worldwide brand builder," said Fernando Chabert, CEO of Othon Hotels. "We are proud that for over 65 years we have built what is now one of Brazil's premier hotel chains. Our alliance with VOILA will allow us to re-launch our existing Othon Special Guest program and introduce Othon to an entirely new audience, setting the standard for hotel loyalty programs in Brazil while taking the exceptional service we provide guests to an elevated level."

Since 1943, Othon Hotels has been synonymous with traditional and authentically local lodging in some of Brazil's most picturesque destinations. One of Brazil's leading hotel chains, Othon Hotels includes nearly 30 properties and five brands throughout Brazil, Portugal and the U.S. including: Othon Palace, Othon Classic, Othon Travel, Othon Suites, and Othon Pousadas.

"We are proud to have met the high standards of one of Brazil's most prestigious brands and look forward to adding Othon to our increasingly strong global portfolio," said VOILA Hotel Rewards senior vice president and managing director, Gabi Kool. "VOILA offers our members the ultimate in choice and now they can also enjoy reward stays at some of Brazil's most desirable locations. We look forward to expanding the VOILA program to tap into the significant growth opportunities occurring across South America. Brazil is a very important market for our strategic growth and we will be announcing additional partnerships within the next 60 days."

Members of the new, VOILA co-branded Othon Special Guest program will enjoy access to hundreds of properties where they receive exclusive perks. Members can redeem their points for free hotel stays while receiving benefits such as room-class upgrades, enjoying complimentary amenities, tailored pre-arrival room preferences, priority check-in, and VIP access to hotel amenities.

ABOUT HOTEIS OTHON:

If you are planning to spend your time in a first category hotel, either for leisure or business, enjoying superb location and facilities, you must think about Othon Hotels. We offer a diverse portfolio of over 2,000 rooms across 22 properties and five different categories, in Brazil and Portugal.

Othon Hotels has seven stunning properties in the city of Rio de Janeiro, most of them giving spectacular views over the sea of Copacabana beach and the Sugar Loaf mountain. Alongside these properties, Othon has a variety of hotels in other locations, such as Buzios, Macae and Paraty, as well as larger properties in Brazil's major cities, including Belo Horizonte, Salvador and Fortaleza.

Our hotels are popular among business travelers who want to be near the cities' center, but also wish to be near to great choices of entertainment during their leisure time. Also for this category of client, we offer the program Othon Business, specially designed to attend its demands, with a whole variety of services included.

Future plans of the brand include the development of more resorts in the Brazilian Northeast coast, and also the present focus in the refurbishment and modernization of all existing properties.

ABOUT VOILA HOTEL REWARDS:

VOILA (www.vhr.com) is the world's number one loyalty program that unites a network of more than 250 four- and five-star independent hotels and luxury brands. The program first launched in 2008 and has developed a reputation among travelers who like to stay in original, up-market independent properties for its compelling promotions, ease of use and simple, quick redemption process. 

VOILA's co-branded, fully customized guest loyalty programs support travelers who frequent Swissbel Hotels and Resorts, Kayumanis, Nevsky Hotel Grand, Great Hotels Organisation, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Hoteles Lucerna, Continental Hotels Group, Husa Hotels and Amari hotels &resorts.

SOURCE VOILA Hotel Rewards