MasterCard and Starwood in Asia launch Rewards Promotion

MasterCard credit and debit cardholders who are members of Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) and stay on two separate occasions at any of the participating Starwood hotels in Asia Pacific between 1 October and 31 December 2009, can earn one free weekend night’s stay (Friday, Saturday or Sunday). Those MasterCard cardholders who are not a member of SPG can simply join online for free.

The free weekend night’s stay promotion is now in its third year and has been expanded to include additional redemption locations with participating resorts being included for the first time. To qualify this year, MasterCard cardholders now need to stay only two times to earn one free weekend night stay.

This generous offer will be available in many popular travel destinations in Asia Pacific including Australia, India, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Fiji and Maldives, to name a few.

According to findings from a recent MasterCard survey, 24% of the region’s consumers will be spending on international personal air travel in the next four months. In particular, consumers from Kuwait (71%), UAE (51%), New Zealand (44%) and Hong Kong (42%) are looking forward to holidays abroad. China (as indicated by 20% of consumers), Thailand and Australia (18% respectively) rank as favorite destinations among consumers in Asia Pacific.

Consistent with the MasterCard survey, Starwood’s data shows that China and Thailand were the most popular destinations for redemption of free weekends in 2008. The promotion was well-received last year, and saw a strong increase in enrollment for SPG, Starwood’s award winning Loyalty Guest Program.

Nagesh Devata, Vice President, Commerce Development, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, MasterCard Worldwide, said, “Travel continues to be an important part of the lives of consumers in the region, with our research revealing that close to a quarter of respondents in the region are looking to spend on international travel. MasterCard seeks to provide our cardholders with privileges in the areas that matter to them and we are glad to be bringing back the Starwood free weekend night promotion. The promotion was strongly received by our cardholders last year and we are pleased to be once again helping them stretch their travel dollar with this collaboration with Starwood Hotels & Resorts.”

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