New MasterCard Program Seeks to Enhance Tourists’ Experience on the Island

MasterCard partners with Ministry of Tourism and local merchants to boost sales and benefit the Bahamian economy

MasterCard Worldwide, in partnership with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, announced today the launch of the MasterCard “Find Your Way” Program, a one-of-a-kind, year-long program that seeks to offer MasterCard cardholders, unique experiences and exclusive benefits.

Beginning October 21, 2008 through September 30, 2009, MasterCard cardholders visiting Nassau Paradise Island, Bahamas will enjoy exclusive discounts and special offers when they use their MasterCard card® to shop at select merchants throughout the island (i.e. restaurants, retail stores, car rentals, hotels, limited tours and entertainment). For a complete list of merchants please visit www.findyourwaywithmastercard.com.

“The Bahamas is a key market for MasterCard in the Caribbean. Its successful tourism sector provides a great platform to develop innovative programs such as “Find Your Way”, that provide profitable growth for our merchant partners and for MasterCard,” said Mario Perez, head of the Caribbean for MasterCard Latin America and Caribbean. “The program’s year-long duration provides our partners with the ability to maintain a healthy level of sales volumes over time, while at the same time benefiting the Bahamian economy.”

Patricio Rubalcaba, vice president, Commerce Development, Travel & Entertainment Industries for MasterCard Latin America and Caribbean added, “In this highly competitive global environment it is important for tourist destinations to create differentiation by offering increased value, top-notch service and enriched destination experiences. It’s not just about attracting tourists but giving them a priceless experience to keep them coming back.”

Vernice Walkine, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism added, “We are pleased to partner with MasterCard for a program that seeks to improve the experience of those visiting The Bahamas. Our unique multiple-island destination offers visitors the opportunity to choose an island that best matches their personality to provide fulfilling and unforgettable experiences. We are thrilled that MasterCard has such a wonderful program that enhances and benefits our vacationers.”

How it Works
To promote the program, MasterCard will distribute “Find Your Way” exclusive offers guides at strategic distribution points (i.e. airports, hotels, taxis, and a kiosk located at Festival Place in Prince George Wharf, Nassau’s main cruise port).

In order to participate in the program and enjoy the exclusive offers, MasterCard cardholders will need to present the Exclusive Offers Card located in the “Find Your Way” offers guides, by visiting www.findyourwaywithmastercard.com. The Exclusive Offers Card will need to be presented when making a purchase at participating merchant locations.

“We are pleased to see MasterCard adding a whole new dimension of fun and excitement the shopping experience. The program is a win-win for all: participating merchants will benefit from added sales and incentives; visitors will benefit by receiving savings and rewards; and our destination will benefit through increased overall visitor spending,” said Frank Comito, Executive Vice President for the Bahamas Hotel Association.

Everyone Can Win
As part of the “Find Your Way” program, MasterCard will be hosting a sweepstake where any MasterCard cardholder in the Bahamas can participate. When a MasterCard cardholder makes a purchase at any merchant location accepting MasterCard or withdraws funds from any Scotiabank ATM using their MasterCard card, they can qualify for the chance to win great prizes. In order to have a chance to win, the cardholder must register their purchase or cash withdrawal receipt(s) at www.findyourwaywithmastercard.com.

Prizes will be raffled every quarter beginning January 2009 through September 2009. Prizes include: a grand prize air inclusive weekend stays for two at the Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant in Nassau/Paradise Island, or Debit MasterCard® gift cards valued at $100 - $250.

In conclusion, Rubalcaba said, “The Bahamas is without a doubt a key tourist hotspot in the Caribbean and we are happy to partner with the Ministry of Tourism and merchant partners on this very important initiative. We are confident it will be a great success.”

More information on the program including the list of participating merchants can be found by visiting www.findyourwaywithmastercard.com.