Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

Global Hotel Alliance & ASMALLWORLD Launch Strategic Partnership

James Larounis's image
James Larounis
James Larounis's image

James Larounis

Senior Content Contributor

582 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 30U.S. States Visited: 35

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in...
Jump to Section

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and ASMALLWORLD have entered into a long-term strategic partnership, allowing GHA hotel guests to partake in experiences and events offered by ASMALLWORLD starting in mid-2022.

What Is the Global Hotel Alliance?

The Global Hotel Alliance is the largest alliance of independent hotels in the world. While the GHA name may not sound familiar, some of the brands that belong to it may:

  • Corinthia Hotels
  • The Doyle Collection
  • Kempinski Hotels
  • Marco Polo Hotels
  • Outrigger Resorts
  • Rydges
  • Viceroy

With the integration of the NH Hotel Group into the alliance in early 2022, GHA will have a global presence of 800 hotels in over 100 countries across 40 independent hotel chains.

Hot Tip: Across the various brands under its umbrella, GHA offers a single type of loyalty program — GHA DISCOVERY. Our detailed guide offers everything you need to know to earn elite status and perks.

What Is ASMALLWORLD?

ASMALLWORLD is a premium membership service offering exclusive travel perks, networking opportunities, events, social activities, and more for an annual fee. Very similar to a premium credit card where you pay an annual fee, ASMALLWORLD provides exclusive opportunities to cardholders.

ASMALLWORLD Brunch Event
ASMALLWORLD members enjoy a brunch event. Image Credit: ASMALLWORLD

One of the biggest benefits that ASMALLWORLD offers is the ability to purchase Lufthansa Miles&More miles at a deep discount. Many members join the program simply for these lucrative benefits.

The Partnership

Both GHA and ASMALLWORLD will purchase a stake in each other’s companies, and a cross-marketing effort will be launched.

GHA DISCOVERY currently offers Experiences (previously called Local Experiences), where guests staying at a particular hotel can experience local activities and events of that area, allowing them to immerse themselves in the local culture. ASMALLWORLD provides these types of networking and social events and will offer them to GHA DISCOVERY members as part of this new partnership.

Hot Tip: Members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program can use their earned DISCOVERY Dollars to purchase Experiences.

In addition to Experiences, GHA guests will have the opportunity to purchase or partake in an actual ASMALLWORLD membership, creating additional new customer streams for that membership service. ASMALLWORLD members will get complimentary status in the GHA DISCOVERY program: ASMALLWORLD Access and Lifetime members get GHA DISCOVERY Platinum-level membership while Prestige and Signature get Titanium-level membership.

Final Thoughts

It’s always good to see hotel brands partner with outside organizations to create better experiences for guests. While ASMALLWORLD has its largest footprint in Europe, the majority of hotels in the GHA collection are located there, so this will provide the most benefit to guests staying within that region.

James Larounis's image

About James Larounis

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status