Dive Brief:
- Hilton has partnered with luxury ocean travel brand Explora Journeys on a loyalty collaboration that will allow Hilton Honors members to earn and redeem points on sailing experiences in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and additional destinations, the hotel company announced Monday.
- The full partnership will go into effect by summer 2026. However, between now and June 7, Hilton Honors members can participate in a limited-time preview offer, getting exclusive savings on 16 of Explora Journeys’ global itineraries. Explora Journeys is a subsidiary of MSC Group and has two ships currently sailing, as well as a fleet of six ships launching by 2028.
- In conjunction with the partnership, Hilton debuted Hilton Honors Adventures, an extension of its loyalty program focused on immersive, adventure-driven travel, according to the release. In addition to Explora Journeys, the program extension includes Hilton’s exclusive partnership with outdoor hospitality provider AutoCamp.
Dive Insight:
Explora Journeys “defines the pinnacle of luxury ocean travel and unparalleled experiences,” making it the right partner with which to launch Hilton Honors Adventures, Chris Silcock, president of global brands and commercial services at Hilton, said in the release.
The loyalty program extension “introduces new ways for our members to experience iconic destinations and hidden gems around the world,” Silcock said.
Through the Explora Journeys collaboration, Hilton Honors members will gain access to luxury ocean travel, which is “experiencing remarkable growth as travelers seek experiences that feel unhurried, immersive, and deeply fulfilling,” per the release.
Explora Journeys provides sailing itineraries across global destinations including the Mediterranean; Northern Europe, including Iceland, Greenland and North America’s East Coast; the Caribbean and Central America; the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula; Alaska, Canada and the Pacific Coast; and Asia.
The partnership comes as Hilton targets the adventure- and outdoor-focused travel segment. Last year, the company inked a partnership with AutoCamp to offer boutique “glamping” accommodations near national parks. Hilton said in the Monday release there are additional partnerships to come under the Hilton Honors Adventures program.
In October, Hilton also launched Outset Collection for guests seeking “independent hotel experiences across urban hotspots, small towns, adventure outposts and offbeat hubs.” That same month, Marriott International launched an outdoor-focused collection brand, as the hotel competitor similarly eyes growth in the travel segment.
