MasterCard, Star Alliance launch new promotion for UAE travelers

MasterCard International, a global payments leader and the airline network, Star Alliance have teamed up to announce the launch of their new promotion, aimed at providing MasterCard cardholders with added value for their travels. The initiative with Star Alliance partners Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways offers MasterCard cardholders a 10% discount on airfares and a chance to win free tickets from participating banks. The 10% discount is valid when purchasing a market fare business or economy class ticket to travel destinations in Europe, the North Atlantic, Australia and Asia, and is open for ticket purchasing until 31st May 2005. In addition, using a MasterCard card from the participating bank, for any transaction, during this promotional period automatically enters the cardholder into a draw to win 2 tickets from the Star Alliance airlines. Commenting on the promotion, Thomas Edelmann, vice president, strategic alliances & business development, MasterCard International Middle East North Africa (MENA) Region, said, “Travel is a key focus area for us so we are delighted to be involved with this promotion with Star Alliance. This promotion ensures that our cardholder’s ‘Priceless’ trip starts with booking and paying for their journey with MasterCard at the travel agent. And with more than 24 million acceptance locations around the world, there is no better way to pay than with a MasterCard card when travelling.” “Meeting our customers’ comprehensive travel needs is our top priority,” said Mr. Uwe Wriedt, Lufthansa General Manager Passenger Sales UAE and Director Gulf and Pakistan. “We believe that this promotion will provide both our customers, as well as MasterCard cardholders with a fantastic opportunity to benefit from the vast network of destinations that we offer. We are confident that customers of the Star Alliance carriers will appreciate our superb in-flight service, and the extra bonus which this unique offer represents.” The participating banks for this promotion are the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, HSBC, Mashreq Bank, National Bank of Dubai, RAK Bank and Standard Chartered Bank. Winners of the promotion will be announced by participating banks from June 2005.