Emirates and IHG Join Forces to Elevate SME Business Travel Experience
Strategic alliance aims to deliver tailored travel perks, global hotel access, and streamlined rewards for small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide
New partnership aims to unlock value-driven travel benefits and global rewards for small and medium-sized enterprises
Dubai, UAE – August 1, 2025: Dubai’s flagship airline Emirates and global hospitality giant IHG Hotels & Resorts have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore solutions that support and enhance the business travel experience for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide.
The collaboration is designed to deliver integrated travel experiences tailored to the unique needs of SMEs—a sector often underserved in traditional corporate travel programmes. Through the partnership, Emirates and IHG will develop initiatives offering value-added benefits, loyalty rewards, and streamlined travel services, helping small businesses navigate global markets more effectively.
The agreement will see both brands align their resources to explore new opportunities for engagement with SMEs, ensuring these enterprises gain access to travel perks typically reserved for larger corporations. Emirates will focus on air travel advantages, while IHG will provide incentives across its vast portfolio of hotels and resorts in key global business hubs.
According to a statement released via the Dubai Media Office, IHG’s contribution will also include seamless integration with its global accommodations network, ensuring SME travelers enjoy consistent comfort and convenience whether flying for regional meetings or long-haul business development trips.
The deal underscores Dubai’s ongoing commitment to fostering enterprise growth and business-friendly infrastructure, particularly in the fast-evolving post-pandemic travel economy. With SMEs forming the backbone of many national economies, the partnership is well-positioned to boost travel accessibility and reduce friction for business owners and entrepreneurs.
As the business travel landscape continues to evolve, Emirates and IHG’s alliance is expected to bring forward a new era of smart travel—one where even the smallest enterprises enjoy premium service, flexibility, and recognition on a global scale.
