Gulf Air has partnered with Accor Hotels Group offering its Frequent Flyer Programme (FFP) members an opportunity to earn more miles, when they stay at three of its well-known brands - Sofitel, Novotel and Mercure hotels.

For every night's stay at a Sofitel hotel, members will get 500 miles to their credit while a night's stay at Novotel or Mercure hotel will earn them 250 miles.

"Gulf Air endeavours constantly to reward its loyal members in every way possible," says Gulf Ai Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave.

"This partnership is one more in the recent string of benefits offered to our FFP members."

Accor is a major player in the global travel, leisure and tourism industry, managing more than 4000 hotels in 92 countries.

Sofitel is the prestige brand of Accor Hotels with nearly 200 properties, reflecting the French "Art de vivre," throughout the world, while Novotel hotels are contemporary and convenient for both leisure and business travellers. The Mercure hotels, with 750 hotels in 47 countries, offer many choices; from two to four stars, in several cities.

"As an airline, which has become synonymous with some of the finest products and services that have won international accolades, Gulf Air, is proud to associate itself with some of leading brands in the world, so that our customers enjoy only the best," concludes Lee Shave.

Gulf Air offers one of the most generous loyalty programmes in the airline business with benefits that include an extended mile life of 10 years, excess baggage allowances, priority check-in, priority baggage handling as well as lounge access, depending on membership level.

About Gulf Air:

Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.

The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.

Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.

A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air’s ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.

International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services: These include:

- Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
- Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
- Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
- World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
- Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
- Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
- Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
- Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
- Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
- Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
- Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International - - - Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
- Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007