Mastercard extends Travel & Lifestyle Services

WhatsApp concierge services, real-time Covid alerts, seamless insurance coverage, lounge access and hotel deals are just some of the perks offered in the extended Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services plaftorm

INTERNATIONAL. Mastercard has extended its Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services platform in anticipation of the continued recovery of international travel. The expanded travel suite incorporates partnerships that include WhatsApp services, Covid alerts and lounge access perks.

The expansion of the Mastercard Travel Suite was made in response to new data from the Mastercard Economics Institute. That study revealed that an estimated 1.5 billion more passengers will travel globally in 2022 compared to 2021 if flight booking trends continue, with tourists spending +34% more on experiences than before the pandemic.

Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services is a travel planning and booking gateway for Mastercard World and World Elite cardholders. The perks include exclusive guarantees, amenities, upgrades, 24/7 concierge and premium offers.

The Mastercard Flight Delay Pass is a new addition to the travel suite which gives cardholders access to a global network of 1,100 airport lounges if their flight is delayed. In Europe, members can benefit from FastTrack services to jump ahead of the queue. In Canada they can Mastercard Travel Pass, launched in partnership with Dragonpass, for a hassle-free airport journey.

Mastercard World and World Elite cardholders can enjoy complimentary lounge access when their flight is delayed, free data roaming and FastTrack services
Mastercard predicts that an estimated 1.5 billion more passengers will travel globally in 2022 if current travel booking trends continue

Mastercard has teamed up with mobile services provider Flexiroam so that selected cardholders in Asia Pacific can enjoy complimentary data roaming across 200 destinations and a -15% Mastercard discount on data top-ups.

In addition, cardholders can opt in to receive real-time COVID-19 notifications, testing requirements and test locations thanks to a new partnership with insurance company Sitata.

The platform also offers destination-inspiration modules and city guides informed by local experts. WhatsApp services are available in several countries, enabling members to message ‘Lifestyle Managers’ for travel and concierge services via mobile.

The programme offers lowest hotel rate guarantees with members enjoying free nights and preferential treatment across 4,000 four- and five-star hotels globally. Members can also book ‘Priceless Experiences’ during their trip, which include Michelin-starred meals, luxury glamping and even exclusive visits to different New York landmarks.

Mycardbenefits.com is a new digital insurance platform that enables Mastercard holders to see, process and claim for insurance on their card instantly. Members can also shop and receive cash rewards with hundreds of retail partners across 19 destinations around the world through the Mastercard Travel Rewards programme.

“The pandemic may have altered the way we travel, but it hasn’t changed our desire for priceless experiences when we do,” commented Mastercard Executive Vice President Services Asia Pacific Matthew Driver. “In addition, travellers want to feel connected and protected at every step of their journey.

Click here to read the full Travel 2022: Trends & Transitions Mastercard Economics Institute Report

“By enhancing Mastercard’s comprehensive suite of loyalty solutions, Mastercard aims to support customers and consumers with a smooth return to travel, ensuring care and convenience at every touchpoint — be it travel planning, booking, transportation, or experiences in destination.”

Beyond the Travel Suite, Mastercard is supporting local governments and businesses understand changing consumer preferences by providing market analysis, solutions and consumer engagement strategies. It recently launched the Tourism Innovation Hub in Spain to help the country develop sustainable solutions to support a return to travel.

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