by Donald Wood
Last updated: 1:07 PM ET, Wed November 22, 2017
Starwood Preferred Guest Pro members need to listen up for 2018.
The changes, which are a result of the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide by Marriott International last year, will affect how travel agents earn Starpoints for client bookings. However, the way SPG Pro members earn and redeem for personal travel will not be impacted.
Starting on January 2, 2018, ProLearning and STARPRO rates will be replaced by Marriott's industry-leading Hotel Excellence! eLearning platform and exclusive Fam-Tastic travel professional rates.
The change allows travel agents to explore participating brands across the SPG and Marriott Rewards portfolio at a more favorable discount than STARPRO rates.
Additionally, SPG Pro members will no longer earn Starpoints or eligible nights toward elite status for client bookings, beginning on January 2. For client bookings made on or before January 1, SPG Pro members will still earn Starpoints, even if the stay occurs after January 1.
For travel agents, their Starpoints balance will not be impacted and the manner in which points are earned and redeemed for personal travel, meetings or events will remain the same.
After the $13 billion acquisition was completed, Marriott immediately started implementing Starwood's 11 brands and the SPG loyalty rewards program to form the world's largest hotel company.
The most recent changes for SPG Pro members are part of the continued effort to create one rewards program that takes the best elements of both.
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