Mastercard and ASEAN tourism agencies launch “Feel the Warmth” campaign
Mastercard and the Asean National Tourism Organizations (Asean NTOs) are joining forces to promote Southeast Asia as a tourist destination through a campaign that celebrates the region’s beautiful geography, rich culture and heritage sites, as well as the gracious hospitality that is the hallmark of its residents.
“Feel the Warmth” is a two-year partnership that encourages travellers to turning their holidays into life-enriching memories.
Southeast Asia has the distinction of being home to six of the top ten travel destinations in the world. From world famous landmarks, to local gastronomic fare, nature adventures, and shopping, Mastercard holders can enjoy insider access to stunning landscapes and diverse traditions.
The campaign also aims to boost inbound travel from China, India and Australia, as well as promote travel across key intra-Asean corridors. As one of the fastest growing tourism regions in the world, Southeast Asia also attracts some of the highest spending visitors who visit major tourist destinations as well as lesser-known locations.
“This is a great opportunity for our 10 member states to celebrate Southeast Asia as the world’s fastest growing tourism destination,” said Benito C. Bengzon, Undersecretary, Philippines Department of Tourism, who is also Chair of the Asean Tourism Marketing Partnership Working Group. “By partnering with Mastercard and featuring convenient and secure ways to pay cross-border, we’re delivering on our vision of creating a cohesive Asean economy and sharing the vast array of exciting experiences with travellers from every corner of the world.”
Mastercard’s Priceless Cities programme will be an integral part of this campaign, making it easier for people to discover new experiences and make the most of their adventures. The Priceless.com platform offers a plethora of experiences in top cities so consumers can eat, shop, stay and play in line with their passions.
Mastercard’s transaction insights also indicate that visitors to Southeast Asian destinations are exploring new destinations outside of established tourist hotspots.
“Southeast Asia offers a treasure trove of opportunity and experiences for businesses and consumers, and Mastercard’s collaboration with the Asean Tourism Board will give travellers even more reason to immerse themselves in the region’s dynamic environment,” said Audrey Yeo, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Southeast Asia, Mastercard.
In addition to acceptance at over three million merchants in the region, travellers can also use their Mastercard cards to pay for local travel and small purchases. For example, Mastercard contactless credit, debit and prepaid cards can be used to pay for buses and trains in Singapore, as well as e-payments at convenience stories in Thailand and taxi apps across Southeast Asia.
Mastercard’s partnership with Asean NTOs builds on an earlier collaboration between the two organisations, the Visit Asean@50: Golden Celebration,
