Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/732282
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2016 17 Events Emirates revamps corporate loyalty programme Emirates Business Rewards is first in region to allow Points redemption on any commercial seat available at any time EMIRATES has revamped its corporate loyalty programme, Emirates Business Rewards, to provide greater value and added features for customers. The new programme has been simplified and made more competitive to allow for easier redemptions and upgrades even on last minute bookings. One of the biggest features in the newly improved programme is the ability to use Business Re- wards Points to book any com- mercially available seat at any time giving members cash-like convenience. Emirates is the first and only airline in the region to offer such f lexibility as part of its corporate loyalty programme – improving cost-effectiveness for business travel. Emirates recently commis- sioned an independent survey on the perception and habits of over 800 business travellers and deci- sion makers of business travel in the UAE. The key findings reiter- ate the need for cost effectiveness and f lexibility in corporate travel which resonates with the new features of Emirates Business Re- wards. According to the survey, the top 3 factors considered for airline selection were fare (30%), f light timings (26%), and value for money (23%). Emirates Business Rewards will satisfy customer needs and provide value-added benefits ca- tered to organisations of any size, charities and clubs. In addition to allowing redemptions for any seats, there is also greater f lex- ibility when it comes to earning and redeeming the Business Re- wards Points. According to the survey, re- spondents most commonly book business travel online directly with the airline (29%). With less reliance on third party booking agents, Emirates Business Re- wards has enhanced user-expe- rience with easy-to-use customer dashboards. These include tools to manage and book services for employees, and monitor the sav- ings accumulated so far on the programme. Enrolment has also been sim- plified regardless of organisa- tion size. The introduction of the 'Guest Traveller' function means that organisations can include non-company persons, such as consultants, or clients who travel on behalf of the organisation, and still earn Business Rewards Points. While the programme will con- tinue to provide value and service to key industries such as Manu- facturing, Oil and Gas, Trading and IT, the simplified system and unlimited employee enrolment will also allow other industries with a large labour force, such as the construction industry to ben- efit from the programme. Emirates provides direct con- nectivity from Dubai to over 150 destinations across six conti- nents. In all classes, Emirates pro- vides quality products and value for money with luxurious private suites in First Class, f lat-bed seats in Business Class and the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge, the larg- est in-seat screens in the world in Economy class at 13.3 inches and more than 2,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in all cabins. This is complemented by excellent on board service from an international cabin crew who speak over 60 languages. For more information please visit www.emirates.com/busi- nessrewards Global Run Valletta chooses Puttinu Cares for helping people cross the line MALTESE generosity is as leg- endary as their hospitality and organisers of Global Run Valletta 2016 are hoping that participants bring this same spirit to the cause of Puttinu Cares when Valletta's very own world-standard race kicks off on Sunday 30th October 2016. Global Ports Holding – the world's largest cruise port opera- tor and the majority shareholder in Valletta Cruise Port – has se- lected Puttinu Cares for its inspir- ing work in supporting the needy, especially those locked into a bat- tle with cancer. "As a passionate runner myself, I can say that nothing feels more alive than finishing the line. Put- tinu Cares is a perfect match for Global Run Valletta for it is dedi- cated to help people cross that im- portant line in life and keep their aspirations and hopes alive," said Stephen Xuereb, Chief Operating Officer of Global Ports Holding and Chief Executive Officer of Valletta Cruise Port. The 10K and 5K races and a 5K walk are expected to attract the attention of avid runners and pro- fessional athletes both in Malta and from other countries. The fee to enter the 10K run is €10, and €5 for the 5K run and the 5K walk. The organisers an- nounce that all the fees collected will be donated to Puttinu Cares. "Global Run Valletta is a re- markable new effort to elevate the profile of Valletta, and thereby Malta, and Puttinu Cares and its mission stand to benefit from the international spotlight this event will bring on us. Being the recipi- ent charity is a great recognition of the work of Puttinu Cares. We think that the choice of Puttinu Cares is a great finisher's medal even before the race has begun," said Dr Victor Calvagna, chair- man of Puttinu Cares Foundation. Global Run Valletta will be a new race promoting running and active lifestyle, as well as position- ing Malta on the map for inter- national road races. Past Global Runs have been held in Kotor, Montenegro and Bodrum, Tur- key. This high-quality event will be held in accordance with the regulations of the Malta Amateur Athletics Association (MAAA) and the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). For detailed entry information and registration one can visit www.globalrunvalletta.com. The excitement surrounding Global Run Valletta 2016 can be followed on facebook.com/globalrunseries and instagram.com/globalrun- series Emirates has revamped its corporate loyalty programme, Emirates Business Rewards, to provide greater value and added features for customers HSBC renews support for Europe's oldest student body HSBC Bank Malta and Kunsill tal- Istudenti Universitarji (KSU) have renewed a partnership agreement whereby Europe's largest bank will be sponsoring Europe's oldest stu- dent body for another three years. Dan Robinson, HSBC Malta Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management said: "HSBC Malta's support for KSU demon- strates our long-term commit- ment to the students in Malta and the body that supports them. I am delighted that we have been able to commit over 20 years support between the Bank and the student union." The agreement provides funding support for KSU events, creates opportunities to gain financial lit- eracy, and brings tailored banking services to KSU members. HSBC provides banking services to students via its Yes 4 Students bank account. This includes a package of rewards as well as the opportunity to learn more about how to bank now and in the fu- ture. Most recently, the Bank gave away a €1,000 travel voucher to the winner of a competition it ran under the campaign of 'What can you do with €50?' In fact, all students who set up a new Yes 4 Students account till 31 October 2016 will receive a one-off credit of €50 as a gift from HSBC Malta. HSBC Malta will be attending the University's annual Fresher's Week to meet with the students and answer any of their questions The Yes 4 Students package in- cludes a free International debit card, free Internet Banking and free mobile services. For more information about HSBC's Yes 4 Students, log on to www.hsbc.com.mt/YES2016, call HSBC's customer service on 2380 2380, or visit any HSBC branch in Malta or Gozo. All full-time students in Malta and Gozo can visit the Bank's Fa- cebook page facebook.com/HSB- CMalta for more information on Yes 4 Students and other upcom- ing competitions with some great prizes available. (From left) HSBC Malta Digital Marketing Manager George Micallef and Head of Direct & Marketing Andy Forbes at the renewal of agreement with KSU's President Becky Micallef and Vice President Andrew Borg Wirth Annual summer BBQ for Dhalia employees DHALIA organised its annual summer BBQ for all employees last Tuesday, 20th September which this year was held at the Bedouin Bar at The Westin Drag- onara Resort. After a welcome drink, the Dhalia employees were treated to an exquisite barbecue dinner in the serene settings of the Drag- onara seaside resort. This popular annual event is one of several events organised by Dhalia throughout the year to give all employees an opportunity to socialise in an informal atmos- phere. The relaxing evening came to an end with an open-air disco party. Konstantin Ivanov, Fgura branch manager Gordon Dalli, Dhalia Chairman Chris Grech, and Chris Bellingan