Radisson is forced to split its Rewards program into two due to the Chinese Government’s ownership of the parent company. They already split the bookings process into two entities last month (read more here).
Your account will be automatically assigned to the Radisson Rewards Americas program if your account address is in the area.
You can access Radisson’s page for Rewards changes here.
READ MORE: Radisson Rewards Rate & Bonus Points And Miles Promotions
Here’s a copy of the email that Radisson Rewards sent:
We are introducing some exciting changes to deliver you a more localized experience. Starting this month, Radisson Hotels Americas and RadissonHotelsAmericas.com will bring you the latest destinations and the best booking experience for your future hotel stays in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Radisson Hotels and RadissonHotels.com is now dedicated to our hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.
Coming in June, we will launch Radisson Rewards Americas—our enhanced loyalty program—dedicated to members who book travel in the Americas. Members who book outside the Americas will be rewarded by Radisson Rewards.
Look out for our next communication in April with more details to make the most of your membership, including a simplified, more rewarding redemption experience.
There is not a word on the email why the split doesn’t make any commercial sense.
Here’s an example from Radisson:
This is pure insanity for those that stay both in the Americas and elsewhere. You need to have two accounts and transfer points inbetween them.
Full Infographics:
Here’s the reason behind the split:
Radisson Splits Americas From Rest Of The World To RadissonHotelsAmericas.com
Conclusion
Based on the FAQs, it appears that there is interoperability in between these programs, and you can earn and redeem points outside of the Americas even if you are part of Radisson Rewards Americas. UPDATE: You need to have two Radisson Rewards accounts and transfer points between them.
It is unclear how the promotions are coordinated between these two or if they are run separately.
The Radisson doesn’t come clean on the FAQs why the separation between these two entities. The reason is that Radisson’s parent Jin Jiang International is owned by the Chinese Government, and the US Government has told that the data of US members must be kept separate (not sure how strong the firewall between these two entities is).
Running two separate websites and loyalty programs creates even more confusion among program members.
Perhaps it would be best for Jin Jiang to sell the entity altogether that it acquired or was forced to (the Chinese solution) from another Chinese company, HNA, that run into financial difficulties.
Here are the faqs from Radisson’s website:
GENERAL PROGRAM UPDATES
What is changing with my Radisson Rewards or Radisson Rewards for Business membership?
In June, you will automatically transition into the Radisson Rewards Americas program. Your membership tier and point balance will not change.
Do I need to do anything between now and June?
No, continue to earn and redeem points with Radisson Rewards on either RadissonHotelsAmericas.com or RadissonHotels.com. In June, your membership tier and point balance will automatically transition to the Radisson Rewards Americas or Radisson Rewards for Business Americas program.
Can I change the program that I am being assigned to?
No, our system will automatically assign you to the Radisson Rewards Americas or Radisson Rewards for Business Americas program but, in June, you will be able to join the Radisson Rewards or Radisson Rewards for Business program.
When if the Radisson Rewards Americas and Radisson Rewards for Business Americas program launching?
The programs are launching in June 2021, you will be notified by email once your account transition is complete.
What will happen to my current membership in June?
Your current tier status, member number and point balance will automatically transition to the Radisson Rewards Americas program. You will no longer be a member of Radisson Rewards. If you are a member of the Radisson Reward for Business Travel Agent program keep an eye out for future communications regarding your membership.
Why there will be two different loyalty programs?
Radisson Hotels and Radisson Hotels Americas will be operating as separate companies therefore requiring two loyalty programs. Radisson Hotels Americas is launching the Radisson Rewards Americas program to deliver a more localized experience ensuring that members of Radisson Rewards Americas and Radisson Rewards will continue to enjoy a personalized experience.
Where do I go to book hotels in the USA, Canada, Latin America and Caribbean?
Visit RadissonHotelsAmericas.com or the Radisson Hotels Americas mobile app to book or redeem for hotel stays in the USA, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Where do I go to book hotels in Europe, the Middle, Africas, and Asia Pacific?
Visit RadissonHotels.com for the Radisson Hotels mobile app to book or redeem for hotel stays in Europe, the Middle East, Africas, and Asia Pacific.
What is changing with the Radisson Hotels mobile app?
The Radisson Hotels mobile app has been updated to support all Radisson Hotels Group Americas hotels. In order to book hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa or Asia Pacific, please download the new Radisson Hotels mobile app available in the Apple Store or Android Playstore.
ACCOUNT & SUPPORT
Does this impact my point balance and expiration?
No, your point balance will transition to your Radisson Rewards Americas account. The extended pause on the expiration of points will still be honored through the end of 2021.
Will my member number change?
No, your member number will stay the same but it will transition to the program you are being assigned to. If you are a member of the Radisson Reward for Business Travel Agent program keep an eye out for future communications regarding your member number.
Will my current tier level stay the same?
Yes, your tier level will transition to the Radisson Rewards Americas program.
Will I be able to status match in the Radisson Rewards program so I get the same level of benefits?
Yes, simply join the Radisson Rewards program and call Member Services before you stay to request a status match for Silver, Gold or Platinum tiers.
Will I be able to transfer points between the Radisson Rewards Americas and Radisson Rewards program?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to transfer your points at a 1:1 rate between programs (for free!) using our new Global Points Transfer process launching in June.
Where should I go to view my account information?
Please log in to your account via RadissonHotelsAmericas.com or through the recently updated Radisson Hotels Americas mobile app.
EARN & REDEEM
Will I be able to earn points in both programs?
Yes, you will be able to earn points in the Radisson Rewards Americas program for hotel stays in the USA, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. You will also be able to earn points for hotel stays in Europe, the Middle East, Africa or Asia Pacific by joining the Radisson Rewards program and booking via RadissonHotels.com/Rewards.
Will my earning and redemption options change when the Radisson Rewards Americas program launches?
You will continue to have a large selection of earning and redemption options including Award Nights, retail gift cards, pre-paid cards, car rentals, airline miles and more!
I was notified that the Small + Medium Enterprise Program is ending in June, will I still earn points for my current bookings?
Yes, you will earn points for any bookings with stay periods that end prior to June. You will not earn points for and bookings that have stay periods that happen after the program has ended.
Once the Small + Medium Enterprise program ends how will I earn points as a Travel Arranger?
Once the Small + Medium Enterprises program ends you will no longer earn points for bookings as a Travel Arranger. Your membership will be transitioned to the Radisson Rewards Americas program where you will earn points for your personal travel.
Will definitely stop using Radisson in non US entities going forward !
I had to read the email I received from Radisson Rewards twice, and still couldn’t work out what the “exciting changes” were or why I should find them exciting. What a mess.
Like cotton sourced in China, Radisson deserves a boycott.
5 Eyes countries are try their best to demonizing China everyday
And for bloody good reason!!!!!!!
Good news!
This is very different than the structure of other reward programs where your loyalty is based on where you reside but can earn and redeem points from anywhere in the world.