Over the past several years, research overwhelmingly indicates that affluent consumers have a deep desire to travel as a family and make memories for a lifetime. In response, Mastercard (No. 7 on the 2016 Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list) has begun to roll out a number of new features that deliver cardholders more rewarding and memorable travel experiences before, during and after the trip.
Earlier this year, Mastercard unveiled that it will soon offer a unique set of airport lounges not available through any other network, including the exclusive Mastercard lounges in Abu Dhabi, Mexico City, Prague and Sao Paolo. To deliver the best possible user experience, eligible cardholders will be able to gain access to any of these lounges simply by using their Mastercard.
“Spending time with family is consistently ranked as a top priority among affluent consumers, and we want to make every minute and every dollar count for our cardholders,” said Marti Beller, SVP, Global Products and Platforms, Loyalty Solutions for Mastercard. “The Mastercard lounge program provides a respite in a sometimes hectic part of a family’s vacation. But lounge is just the beginning. We want to assist our cardholders every step of the way whether things go perfectly or when they need help the most.”
In addition to the enhanced lounge program, World Elite Mastercard cardholders will have access to an end-to-end set of travel perksfrom limousine service to concierge services and access to exclusive Mastercard benefits across hotels and resorts, tours and trains. This complements Priceless Cities, where cardholders can take advantage of one-of-a-kind experiences, privileged event access and special merchant offers in more than 40 cities around the world.
Today, there are 40.9 million affluent households in urban China, 5.5 million in Japan and 11.3 million in India, and the top five countries forecast to lead growth in affluent assets are all in Asia. To meet the needs of the region’s rapidly expanding travel landscape, Mastercard along with its issuer and merchant partners is launching a number of exclusive family-friendly travel programs. One such program for World Elite cardholdersas well as Platinum and World cardholdersis the Kids Dining Perks in collaboration with InterContinental Hotels & Resort. Every child below the age of 12 can now enjoy complimentary dining with every paying adult at 25 participating InterContinental Hotel and Resorts across Asia Pacific, including Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Danang and more.
Mastercard travel benefits make the biggest impact when they are delivered seamlessly through a digital experience. The World Elite Mastercard has been upgraded with a re-designed digital user experience in many countries around the world. The digital platform helps cardholders stay in touch with their benefits and services through every step of the journey.
“The definition of luxury has evolved, with time now being the most precious commodity,” Beller continued. “At Mastercard, we’re committed to connecting people to Priceless possibilities. Our new and improved suite of travel benefits and services ensure that we are delivering upon that brand promise, helping them spend meaningful time with friends and family and build last memories.”
