Partnership will allow members to earn miles for free flights to Latin America, and Mexico. InterContinental Hotels Group announced today the addition of VARIG to its portfolio of airline partners within the company's guest loyalty program, Priority Club(R) Rewards.

Beginning today, members of Smiles, VARIG's frequent flier program, have the opportunity to earn mileage at more than 3,500 InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands.

In addition to earning miles, Priority Club members will now have the ability to transfer their Priority Club points for travel rewards on VARIG.

Priority Club members who assign VARIG as their preferred alliance will earn 2.5 Smiles Miles per $1, for every stay at Crowne Plaza(R), Hotels and Resorts, Hotel Indigo(TM), Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express(R), Staybridge Suites(R) and Candlewood Suites(R). Members earn 500 Smiles Miles with each stay at any InterContinental(R) Hotels and Resorts property.

"VARIG is the largest airline company in Latin America and with so many Priority Club members traveling there, this is a great time to announce our travel partnership," said Steve Sickel, senior vice president, Priority Club Rewards, IHG. "By giving Priority Club members the ability to earn Smiles Miles with every stay at our hotels, we're expanding the growing options that PCR members have."

Founded in 1927, VARIG is the oldest air carrier in Brazil and offers service to more than 60 cities in North America, Central America, South America, Asia and Europe. It is the newest addition to the Priority Club Rewards partner portfolio, which now includes over 40 airlines, one of the largest in the industry.