SBEC Benefits Terms & Conditions

EFFECTIVE 1 SEPTEMBER 2021
PLEASE READ THESE TERMS OF USE FOR SBEC BENEFITS PROGRAM CAREFULLY. BY ACCESSING OR USING THIS PROGRAM, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND ALL TERMS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THESE TERMS, DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM.

 

 

1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The SBEC - Benefits Program (the 'Program') run by SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (the Administrator), the company that handles customer benefits Program for SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL (hereinafter referred to as 'SBI'), a limited company having its office at Unit 904, 9/F Capital Centre, 151-159 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong (and from here on referred to as 'SBI'), is designed to enable its Members to enjoy various benefits (as described below) during their stay at SBI Group hotels participating in the Program and with our Program Partners.

The Program is governed by these general conditions of membership (‘Program TCM’). The Program TCM is available at swiss-belhotel.com and on the SBEC Benefits app ('Website(s)'). SBI reserves the right to modify them at any time. The modified Program TCM takes effect on the date they are published online on the Website and are considered accepted without reserve by any user browsing the Website after their publication. The applicable Program TCM are those effective on the day of browsing on the Website.

The Program is only available if allowed by law in the Member's country of residence. If it is not allowed, membership is null and void.

2. DEFINITIONS

Adjustment: A Visit that is adjusted to the Member account after the Member left the SBI hotel premises. This adjustment is valid only up to 3 months from the date of the Visit and an invoice provided as proof of Visit in the Member's name. Adjustment is not valid if the transaction date is prior to the guest becoming a member.

Anniversary date: This is calculated from the date of registration of the Customer to become a Member of the Program. Every one year from the date of registration is referred to as the Anniversary date. The Anniversary date is mentioned on the card and in the Member zone.

Benefits: These are the advantages/value additions associated with the Program that a Member is entitled to. These could be provided as discounts, offers, promotions, special policies, priorities, points etc and can be revised by SBI as deemed necessary.

Check-in: Date of arrival at the hotel.

Check-out: Date of departure from the hotel.

Customer: Individual (not yet a Member of the Program) using an SBI room for an overnight stay or for Day Use purposes or any other SBI hotels services.

Participating hotels: SBI hotels that are part of the Program.

Eligible Card: the card that proves the Program membership, shows the Milestone level and allows a Member to enjoy Benefits

Dining: Includes Food and Beverage (non-alcoholic) consumed at the SBI participating hotels.

Day Use: Use of a hotel room or office space solely during the day, with Check-in and Check-out taking place on the same day.

Member: Customer who has accepted the Program's General Conditions of Membership.

Member's zone: It is the Member’s account created on sbec.swiss-belhotel.com portal upon registration. It has Member’s details as provided to the SBI hotel at the time of registration. It provides information on the Program membership as per the Milestone level.

Milestone level: It is the level of Program membership which is defined by a certain colour and name and is acquired/maintained based on the number of accumulated Visits over a defined period of time. The Milestone level further decides the types of Benefits that the Member will be eligible to enjoy.

Partner/3rd Party: Company not operated by a SBI brand but that is nonetheless participating in the Program by providing Benefits to the Members. Partners can operate in any sector's industries, including the transport, leisure, retail and tourism sectors. A transaction made at a Partner/3rd Party outlet is NOT recorded as a Visit.

Program: Refers to the SBEC Benefits Program, owned and controlled by SBI.

SBI hotel: A hotel or any such hospitality unit branded or managed by SBI, including hotels branded under Zest brand as part of Zest Hotels International.

Transaction: A transaction is the usage of a paid service at a participating SBI hotel or at a Partner outlet. The transaction amount is in local currency where the SBI hotel is located. A transaction makes a Customer eligible to become a Member of the Program; but does not always get counted towards maintaining the Milestone level of a Member.

Visit: A visit is a paid Transaction which starts at the opening of a folio at any participating SBI hotel and ends at the closing of the folio at the same SBI hotel. Visit collected will be reset to 0 at the anniversary date.

3. HOTELS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM

The hotels participating in the Program are hotels operating under an SBI brand, with the exception of the hotels and brands listed on SBEC Benefits page of the swiss-belhotel.com website (See list of participating hotels and brands and non-participating hotel and brand exceptions, available here).

When a hotel or brand joins the SBI network or enrolls in the Program as a participating hotel, Members will only be able to enjoy Program-related benefits at the hotel in question subsequent to this event.

If a hotel leaves the SBI network or ceases to be a participating hotel after the Member makes a booking but before the Member's actual stay, the Member:
• will not have access to any related services or benefits while staying at the hotel.
• will not have access to any special offers in which the hotel may have participated.

SBI will make every effort to give affected Members reasonable notice prior to their stay.

4. PROGRAM MEMBERSHIP

4.1 Conditions of Membership

The Program is open to all persons who are legally considered to be an adult or have the legal capacity to sign a contract in the Member's home country.

Program membership is free of charge.

Members have a membership card, available electronically on sbec.swiss-belhotel.com. The membership card is nominative and strictly personal. It cannot be sold, loaned or transferred. The membership card is not a means of payment and cannot be used to guarantee a booking. The card lists the Member’s name, individual identification number and validity. The rule is one SBEC - Benefits membership card per Member. The card may be used only by the Member whose name is printed on the card.

A valid individual email address is required to join the Program and other required data information as the membership registration requires. Two or more Members may not use the same email address. By joining the Program, the Member agrees to receive electronic communications relating to the operation of, and services offered by, the Program, including information messages, statements, and information regarding the operation of the Member's account. If the Member no longer wishes to receive this information, which is considered essential to Program operation, the Member shall follow the Program termination procedure set forth in Article 10.

Program Members accept that the Program may be modified, totally or partially, at any time. Within a reasonable period of time, Members will be notified of any changes made to the Program that may substantially modify their rights and obligations relating to the Program, particularly through information posted on the swiss-belhotel.com site and/or via electronic communication. Members have the possibility of terminating their membership as outlined in Article 10. Participation in the Program following the effective date of modifications implies acceptance on the part of the Member.

4.2 Registering as a Program Member

A Customer may join the Program by making a Transaction in any of the following ways:

• During his/her stay at an SBI hotel participating in the Program.
• By dining* at the SBI hotel participating in the Program.
• By using any service* at the SBI hotel participating in the Program.
• By any other means made available to the Customer.

*If the dining or a service is used with a Partner then it will Not be considered for Member registration. Whether an SBI hotel outlet is a Partner or not, must be confirmed with the SBI hotel staff.

The Customer must provide the necessary and mandatory details requested at the time of registering. The Customer agrees to the terms & conditions by signing the registration form. When the Customer becomes a Member he/she accepts the Program’s Terms and Conditions for Membership.

Once registered, the Member will benefit from Program inclusions as per Milestone levels, and have access to the different functions of the sbec.swiss-belhotel.com website (such as accessing benefits, checking his/her customer account, etc.), and recognition by all SBI internet sites and call centres when making reservations.

4.3 Personal Customer Account

To enroll in the Program, Customers must register by providing information required in the registration process. The registration will be done by the hotel staff with consent of the Customer and the Customer will sign a disclaimer at the time of registration. The Customer declares that the information he or she provides is true and complete. SBI is not responsible if any errors or incomplete information is provided or sent by the Customer and if, as a result, SBI is unable to give the Customer the full Program experience as described herein.

The Customer's Membership number is strictly personal and confidential. The Customer is solely responsible for keeping and using it. SBI is not responsible to the Customer for any harm endured due to illicit, fraudulent or inappropriate use of his or her Membership number.

It is the Customer's responsibility to inform SBI immediately if an unauthorised person has used their Membership number or if the Membership number is lost or forgotten.

Using their personal account, Members can:

• view their Visits statement, their Milestone, the Benefits;
• view their profile (name, hotel origin, email address, phone number, and business address)
• Make reservations using the discounts as per their Milestone Benefits;
• Contact SBI for any clarifications

4.4 Membership Journey

When the Customer becomes a Member, he/she starts a journey which has 4 Milestones levels on it.

Each Milestone level:

• Has a distinct name and colour combination and a certain way to acquire and maintain it.
• Defines the Benefits that the Member is entitled to.
• Is reviewed on the Anniversary date of the Program membership.

1st Milestone level:
Name - Explorer, Colour - Red, Required Visits: Nil/3

It is the start of the Program journey where the Member is willing to explore participating SBI hotels.

Acquiring the Milestone level: This is acquired by every Customer that becomes a Member.

Maintaining the Milestone level: At every Anniversary date, once the Member has 3 recorded Visits, then the same level is renewed until the next Anniversary date.

Downgrading of the Milestone level: Not Applicable

Expiry of the Milestone level: At the Anniversary date, if the Member has less than 3 recorded Visits, then the level is considered as expired and the Program membership is deemed cancelled. The Customer with an expired Program member is allowed to register as a new Member as outlined in Article 4.2

Benefits : Please refer to Article 5

2nd Milestone Level:
Name - Enthusiast, Colour - Silver, Required Visits: 20

It is the second level of the Program journey where the Member is enthusiastically using the services of SBI hotels. Acquiring the Milestone level: When an Explorer (Red) Milestone level Member records 20 Visits before the Anniversary date.

Maintaining the Milestone level: At every Anniversary date, the recorded Visits will be reset to zero (0) and if the Member records 20 Visits until the next Anniversary date, then the same level is renewed.

Downgrading of the Milestone level: At every Anniversary date, the recorded Visits will be reset to zero (0) and if the Member records less than 20 Visits until the following Anniversary date, then the Member is downgraded to the previous level i.e. Explorer (Red)

Expiry of the Milestone level: After the downgrade to Explorer (Red) Milestone level, on the following Anniversary date, if the Member has less than 3 recorded Visits, then the level is considered as expired and the Program membership is deemed cancelled. The Customer with an expired Program member is allowed to register as a new Member as outlined in Article 4.2

Benefits : Please refer to Article 5

3rd Milestone Level:
Name - Influencer, Colour - Gold, Required Visits: 35

It is the third level of the Program journey where the Member is favourably sharing their SBI hotel experiences with others.

Acquiring the Milestone level: This is acquired when an Explorer (Red) or Enthusiast (Silver) Milestone level Member records 35 Visits before the Anniversary date.

Maintaining the Milestone level: At every Anniversary date, the recorded Visits will be reset to zero (0) and if the Member records 35 Visits until the next Anniversary date, then the same level is renewed.

Downgrading of the Milestone level: At every Anniversary date, the recorded Visits will be reset to zero (0) and if the Member records less than 35 Visits until the following Anniversary date, then the Member is downgraded to one of the previous levels as per the below-mentioned

• If recorded 20 to 34 Visits - downgraded to the Enthusiast (Silver) Milestone level
• If recorded less than 20 Visits - downgraded to Explorer (Red) Milestone level

Expiry of the Milestone level: After the downgrade to Explorer (Red) Milestone level, on the following Anniversary date, if the Member has less than 3 recorded Visits, then the level is considered as expired and the Program membership is deemed cancelled. The Customer with an expired Program member is allowed to register as a new Member as outlined in Article 4.2

Benefits : Please refer to Article 5

4th and Highest Milestone Level:
Name - Connoisseur, Colour - Platinum, Required Visits: 50

It is the fourth and highest level of the Program journey where the Member's first preference is always SBI hotels.

Acquiring the Milestone level: This is acquired when an Explorer (Red) or Enthusiast (Silver) or Influencer (Gold) Milestone level Member records 50 Visits before the Anniversary date.

Maintaining the Milestone level: At every Anniversary date, the recorded Visits will be reset to zero (0) and if the Member records 50 Visits until the next Anniversary date, then the same level is renewed.

Downgrading of the Milestone level: At every Anniversary date, the recorded Visits will be reset to zero (0) and if the Member records less than 50 Visits until the following Anniversary date, then the Member is downgraded to one of the previous levels as per the below-mentioned

• If recorded Visits are between 35 to 49 - the Member is downgraded to the Influencer (Gold) Milestone level
• If recorded Visits are between 20 to 34 - the Member is downgraded to the Enthusiast (Silver) Milestone level
• If recorded Visits are less than 20 - the Member is downgraded to Explorer (Red) Milestone level

Expiry of the Milestone level: After the downgrade to Explorer (Red) Milestone level, on the following Anniversary date, if the Member has less than 3 recorded Visits, then the level is considered as expired and the Program membership is deemed cancelled. The Customer with an expired Program member is allowed to register as a new Member as outlined in Article 4.2

Benefits : Please refer to Article 5

5. ENJOYING BENEFITS

5.1 Scale of Benefits as per Milestone level

The Program journey offers four Milestone levels
• Explorer (Red)
• Enthusiast (Silver)
• Influencer (Gold)
• Connoisseur (Platinum)

Refer to Article 4.4 to know more about attributes of each Milestone level.

Each Milestone level has its defined Benefits that are provided below.



5.2 General information on enjoying Benefits

General Eligibility: A Member is eligible to enjoy the Benefits when the Member has made bookings either through the sbec.swiss-belhotel.com portal or directly with the SBI hotel by providing all necessary Member details at the time of booking. 

Booking or payment made (full or partial) via 3rd party or partners (vouchers, coupon, complimentary vouchers) is not applicable to enjoy Benefits.

Discounts. Discounts on rooms or dining are applicable as per the Milestone level (refer to Article 5.1 for more info). These discounts cannot be combined with any other promotions or discounts that SBI or any of the SBI hotels or the Partners are providing. During the blackout period, some discounts may not be available as per hotel discretion. 

• On rooms: The discounts are applicable only on Best Flexible Rate (BFR) when minimum 1 room night is booked. The discounts can be enjoyed up to the maximum limit of 10 rooms booked for maximum of 14 room nights per room. The discounts cannot be combined or stacked, for long stay (> 15 nights), special package rate, contracted rate, or any other in-house/regional/group promotion. The discounts only can apply to pure BFR and direct booking.
• On Dining or other services: Applicable for dining or usage of other services up to a limit of 10pax. The discount is Not applicable on alcohol, take-away or deliveries. If multiple Members share the same table invoice, each Member receives the benefit calculated for the amount he or she paid. None of the Members will get the benefit until the full amount is paid.
• On Events (Banquets/Outdoor catering): The discount is applicable only on Food and Beverage purchased at social events from the SBI hotel i.e. meetings at the SBI hotel or outdoor catering, with a limit up to 40pax per event.

Priority Check-in. Check-in procedures at the SBI hotel front desk will be prioritized for the Member as per the applicable Milestone level (refer to Article 5.1 for more info). For clarification, the Member will be prioritized over a Customer who is non-Member and checking into the SBI hotel. Enthusiast, Influencer and Connoisseur levels get priority on first cum first served basis and not on their milestone level This Benefit is provided only to 1 room per Member and no other additional rooms can avail it if booked under the same reservation.

Room Upgrades. Upgrades refer to room type change for the member to one higher category than what the Member booked for. The Upgrades are subject to availability or can be guaranteed, depending on the Milestone level that the Member has (refer to Article 7.1 for more info). If the Milestone level allows a room upgrade, then it happens to the next higher room category, however, if that is not available, only then the hotel will consider other higher available room types. In the event that the SBI hotel is not able to provide a higher room category, the Member can opt to stay in the room type booked or reserve an alternative available date or cancel the booking, without any charge.

The room upgrades are provided only to bookings of seven (7) or less room nights per Visit.

The room upgrades are provided only to 1 room per Member and no other additional rooms will be considered even if booked under the same reservation.

Eligible rooms vary by hotel. Certain suites may be excluded, such as Presidential suites and VIP suites for upgrades. Early Check-in and/or Late Check-out. The Member, like any other Customer, has to follow the Check-in and Check-out policies of the SBI hotel that the Member is booked at. Depending on the Milestone level that the Member is on, the facility of Early Check-in and Late Check-out can be used as a Benefit. An early check-in at an SBI hotel is an arrangement which allows an eligible Member to check in maximum 3 hours earlier than the hotel standard check-in time. Late check out enables Customers to check out maximum 3 hours later than the SBI hotel's standard check-out time. At the Milestone levels that these services are Guaranteed, the hotel will do its utmost best to provide it. This Benefit is provided only to 1 room per Member and no other additional rooms can avail it if booked under the same reservation.

Club Lounge/ Executive Lounge access. Club lounge or Executive lounge is a lounge within the hotel meant for top tier members or those booked into an Executive or a more superior room. The lounge has complimentary snacks and drinks, usually with alcohol available at certain times (normally for a few hours in the evening). The entry to such lounges is restricted and defined in the hotel policy. Not all hotels have such lounges, but for the SBI hotels that have them, a Program Member, on the applicable Milestone level, will get access to it, either for themselves only or allowed to bring one more Customer with them (refer to Article 7.1 for more info). If a hotel does not have an executive lounge, then the benefit need not be replaced with any other value-adds.

Non-transferability of benefits. Any Benefits may not be transferred to another Member or a non-Member. They are strictly personal and non-transferable.

By agreeing to the Program TCM, the Member acknowledges and accepts that Benefits do not constitute a means of payment and have no monetary value, no matter how they were offered. No money shall be provided for any Benefits, whether unused or refused for any reason by Member or SBI hotel.

Validity of Benefits. Benefits are valid until the Anniversary date of the Program membership.

5.3 Special offers and promotional operations

Members may also enjoy Benefits in the context of special offers or promotional operations organised by the Program. In this context, Benefits depend on meeting specific conditions that apply to each offer or operation, and that are communicated to Members.

6. RECORDING A VISIT

A Member’s Milestone level is based on recorded Visits. Briefly shown in the table below (refer to Article 4.4 for more details on acquiring and maintaining the levels)



6.1 Basis of Recording the Visits

The recording of the Visit happens at the SBI hotel where the Member used the Program. This recorded Visit reflects in the Member zone for the Member to have a record.

A SBI hotel will record the Visit as per the following:

• When the service is executed at the SBI hotel premises.
• The transaction is made and paid directly to the hotel.
• The opened folio/invoice of the Member is closed as per SBI hotel policy and payment settlement has happened either in full or as per contract with the guest or the company account that the guest belongs to. If the Member is accompanied by other guests, when paying the invoice, the Member may choose to pay all or part of the invoice. Irrespective, the invoice has to be fully paid to be recorded as a Visit.
• Long stay booking is any booking above 14 consecutive nights. The visits will be recorded every 15 nights, i.e. 1 visit = 15 nights. Multiple visits can be recorded over multiples of 15 nights in any consecutive long stay bookings.
• When the Member is the guest or accompanies the guests to the SBI hotel. Presence of the Member is mandatory.
• If and when requested by SBI hotel staff, the Member shows proof of identity for verification purposes.
• A receipt confirming payment and items consumed is directly available from the SBI hotel staff. In particular, this receipt is required and shall be valid against any complaints relating to the Visit record.
• If multiple Members share the same invoice, the Visit can be recorded for 1 Member only.
• Adjustment is recorded as per conditions laid out in Article 6.2

The following scenarios are Not recorded as Visits:

• When a second consecutive folio/invoice, by the same Member is opened in the same SBI Hotel within 24hrs of closing the first folio.
• When a transaction is made with a Partner irrespective the Member received Benefits or not.
• When a transaction is made via 3rd party or partner, either fully or partially (coupon, voucher, SBI complimentary voucher)
• When the Member is not part of the Transaction made at participating SBI hotel.

6.2 Reporting missing Visits within the network of participating SBI hotels

If the Member notes that his/her Visits were not credited as expected within seven days of the completed Visit, the Member may submit a claim for Adjustment within three (3) months of the Visit in question based on the invoice date. To do this, the Member must contact the hotel or email the proof of transaction to sbec@swiss-belhotel.com Member's zone.

For the Adjustment to be processed, the Member must attach a copy of the paid invoice from the relevant hotel. This invoice must not include handwritten modifications. Only the document printed by the hotel is acceptable and must be established in the name of the Member making the claim.

The submission of a duly substantiated complaint shall give rise to the accurate recording of Visits in the Member’s account and the addition of Visit counts for the calendar year during which the Visit was involved when the complaint took place. If the correct addition of missing Visit/s allows the Member to access a different Milestone level under the rules set out in Article 4.4 above, then this Milestone level will be assigned to the Member for the remainder of the period until the Anniversary date and will follow the requirements as outlined in Article 4.4 from thereon.

Transactions and their invoices before the registration date of the Member are not valid.

If the Member is incorrectly refused a Visit recording or Benefit relating to his or her Milestone level, SBI's responsibility is limited to correctly recording Visits on the Member's account.

If the Member is incorrectly refused a Benefit involving a service used with a Partner/3rd Party, SBI’s authority is limited in correcting the same.

7. CARD USE

In order to enjoy the various Benefits that come with being a cardholder, Members must provide their SBEC Benefits card number whenever they wish to take advantage of one of the services available and/or show their SBEC Benefits digital card for verification when making a Visit. Members who do not meet the aforementioned requirements will not be authorised to take advantage of the Program-related Benefits.

In the event of loss or theft of his/her membership card or number, the Member must notify SBI. Alongwith the card, the SBI hotel might also ask for proof of identity to ensure the Member is in possession of the card.

8. SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Any breach by a Member of these Conditions of Membership, payment default (hotel bill, invoice, or any other commitment) in relation to the goods or services proposed by hotels, SBI or their partners or linked to the Program or fraudulent use of the card or membership number, communication of falsified information and/or detrimental or objectionable behaviour from the Member or anyone accompanying them (in particular, regrettable, malicious or insulting behaviour towards hotel staff, customers, customer service personnel, or any other person related to the services, the benefits or other advantages offered by the hotels or by SBI), including during events organised as part of the Program, may result – at the sole discretion of SBI – in the temporary suspension of the Member’s Program or termination of membership without notice or compensation, and cancellation of any Benefits associated with his/her card, as per the terms stipulated in Article 10. This suspension or termination shall be without prejudice to SBI's right to take action with respect to a Member.

9. BENEFITS AND SERVICES OFFERED TO MEMBERS AT PARTICIPATING HOTELS

9.1 Program benefits and services relevant to all Members

Only the cardholder Member is entitled to the benefits associated with the membership card.

These Benefits are not applicable on Day Use bookings as defined herein.

These benefits are described more fully in the SBEC Benefits section of the swiss-belhotel.com or sbec.swiss-belhotel.com portal.

9.2 Guaranteed benefits

The guarantee of a Benefit (offered to certain Milestone levels) before arrival is subject to the following specific conditions:

• The guarantee covers only the mentioned Benefit as per Milestone Level.
• The Member must request this guarantee at the time of booking minimum 48hrs prior to arrival time on the Benefits that the Member would like to use at the SBI hotel.
• The guaranteed room upgrade applies only to Visits of seven (7) or less room nights.
• The availability guarantee applies only to Visits booked via SBI distribution channels, and for one room only (the Member’s room). For bookings that include several rooms, the guarantee therefore does not apply to the additional rooms.
• If the hotel is unable to guarantee room availability, it agrees to transfer the Member at another nearby SBI hotel or at a hotel in an equivalent category as per the ‘walking a guest due to overbooking’ policy of the hotel.
• The availability guarantee only applies to participating SBI hotels.
• The guarantees might not apply on certain dates which are blackout dates. Members can access and review the official calendar of dates where the availability guarantee does not apply at swiss-belhotel.com or call the SBI hotel to confirm; this calendar is updated regularly. The onus is on the member to be aware of every booking for which they would like to benefit from this guarantee.

10. SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION TERMS AND PROCEDURES

10.1 Termination by the Member

A Member may decide to withdraw from the Program at any time. He or she may do so by sending a request from the Contact page on sbec.swiss-belhotel.com or email to sbec@swiss-belhotel.com.

10.2 Suspension or Termination by SBI

Any breach of the Program TCM by a Member using the Program membership card may, at SBI's discretion:

• Lead to the temporary suspension of the individual's membership for a period to be decided by SBI, which cannot exceed three (3) months (the ‘Suspension Period’); or
leading to the termination of membership, i.e. the immediate cancellation of the card, associated Benefits, recorded
• Visits and the closure of the account, where no compensation may be claimed by the Member for any reason whatsoever.

In the event of a Member's death, SBI will close the Member's account on receipt of the death supporting document requested by the SBI team and will cancel all the Program and Member related Benefits.

10.3 Effects of suspension

During the Suspension Period, the Member will not be allowed to use Benefits or record Visits. During the Suspension Period, and no later than the expiry date of the Suspension Period, SBI may decide to:

• Lift the suspension, in which case the Member can use the Benefits and services available to Members; or
• Order the termination of the membership in accordance with the provisions of Article 10 herein.

10.4 Effects of termination

For all membership cancellations, the cessation of membership implies complete withdrawal from the Program and the end of any relationship between SBI and the Member under the Program. This withdrawal shall also lead to the removal of all the accumulated Visits on the day of the cancellation.

11. PROGRAM COMMUNICATIONS

Members may access all information regarding their membership in the Program (including their recorded Visits, balance and the operation of their account) via their customer account on the sbec.swiss-belhotel.com portal. In accordance with Article 4.1, Members are reminded that by becoming a Member of the Program, they agree to receive electronic communications associated with the operation and services offered by the Program (information messages, Visit updates, etc.). If the Member no longer wishes to receive this information, which is deemed essential for Program operation, he/she must ask to leave the Program (see the termination procedure described in Article 10). Members may also sign up for electronic communications from the Program to receive information about Program offers, promotions and benefits. If the Member no longer wishes to receive these commercial communications, they may unsubscribe at any time by either clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of these communications, or through their Member account. This opt-out shall have no effect on membership.

12. PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA

Member data shall be processed and protected as described in SBI’s Privacy Policy, https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/en-gb/privacy . The purpose of Article 12 is to draw the attention of Members to the major points regarding the use of their personal data as part of their membership in the Program.

Personal information regarding the Information collected at the time of subscription or during your membership in the Program is processed by SBI as data controller.

Data belonging to Members is processed:

• to fulfil all of the Program's current general terms and conditions and manage Members in the Program.
• based on legitimate interest, for marketing activities by SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL (including targeted marketing campaigns); and
• based on Members consent, so they can receive electronic marketing communications from the Program.

Data belonging to Members shall be sent:

• to personnel authorised by entities belonging to the SBI Group in charge of operating the Program, as well as their service providers; and
• to Program Partners (hotels, airline companies and other contracted Partners), since this communication is required for Members to enjoy the benefits that they are entitled to as Members. It is to be stated that Members’ email addresses shall not be sent to Partners so that the latter can carry out their own commercial communications, unless Members have otherwise given their express consent. Member data can be transferred to countries that may not be able to ensure an adequate level of protection. Consequently, appropriate and adapted guarantees are put in place, a copy of which may be requested by Members. Data relating to Members may in fact, under certain circumstances, be transmitted for the aforementioned purposes, to recipients located in countries that are not members of the European Union.
• entities and hotels participating in the Program, where this transfer is required to fulfil the contract concluded by the Member and the controller;
• to external providers with call centres in order to deal with complaints according to the assigned scope, these data transfers being contractually regulated.

SBI also processes personal data, based on its legitimate interest, to detect and manage anomalies, notably fraud, which may occur when a Member joins the Program or when using Benefits. The data collected in this context is for authorised staff at SBI, its services providers and, if necessary, Program Partners and the manager of the hotel concerned by the anomaly.

Any Member has the right to request access to their personal data, and the rectification, erasure, limitation, or opposition to processing and portability of their data by writing to privacy@swiss-belhotel.com . Members also have the right to give instructions as to how this information should be processed following their death. All Members also have the right to file a complaint with a supervisory authority.

13. ACCEPTANCE OF GENERAL CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP, SETTLEMENT OF LITIGATION AND APPLICABLE LAW

Joining the Program implies acceptance without reserve by Members of the Terms and Conditions of the Program Membership. These Conditions shall prevail over any previous Program TCM. In case of a dispute between a Member and SBI concerning the Program TCM the following Governing Law and Jurisdiction will apply.

The operation of the Program TCM shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws and regulations of and applicable in Hong Kong. The Members agree, acknowledge, and submit to the Court of Hong Kong having non-exclusive jurisdiction over all and any dispute or difference between Member and SBI arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing choice of law, a natural person using any of SBI services for a purpose which can be regarded as being outside their trade or profession (herein also referred to as "Partner/3rd party") can rely on the mandatory provisions of the law of the country where they have their habitual residence (i.e. provisions that, in accordance with the choice-of-law rules of the said country, must apply regardless of this choice-of-law clause, hereinafter referred to as “Mandatory Provisions”). Any dispute arising out of these Program TCM and SBI services shall exclusively be submitted to the competent courts in Hong Kong. Notwithstanding the foregoing jurisdiction clause, a Member may also bring proceedings in respect of enforcement of relevant applicable Mandatory Provisions in the courts of the country in which they are domiciled, and proceedings against a Partner may be brought only in the courts of the country in which they are domiciled. We advise you to first notify us of any complaints by contacting our Customer Service (hk@swiss-belhotel.com )

14. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 Additional information and details regarding the Program, and notably including additional services provided by each participating SBI hotel and the Benefits offered by each Partners/3rd Party, are available in the Program section of the Website.