Mastercard has joined forces with Illusions Online, a leading provider of enterprise solutions for the hospitality industry, to create a novel online platform that delivers personalized travel offers to Mastercard cardholders.
The platform will include unique and exclusive deals from top hotel chains around the globe, featuring discounts of up to 30%.
The service will also include customized travel experiences such as early check-in, late checkout, room and status upgrades, and food and beverage credits. The platform, which is set to launch in the coming months, will be accessible via priceless.com.
According to recent research on consumer travel, there has been an increase in shorter, more frequent trips post-pandemic, with consumers preferring domestic and regional travel. Additionally, many people have chosen child-friendly destinations to reconnect with family and relatives, and remote working policies have allowed for blended leisure and business travel or “bleisure travel.”
Mastercard’s Executive Vice President of Products and Engineering, EEMEA, Gaurang Shah, stated that the partnership with Illusions Online will provide Mastercard cardholders with personalized and unique experiences that will enhance their travel experiences.
“After two years of suppressed travel, people are eager to explore new horizons with their loved ones, from planned family trips to spontaneous minibreaks. At Mastercard, we are committed to supporting the continued recovery of the travel sector through technology-led innovative solutions,” Shah said.
Recent surveys indicate that consumers are more interested in spending on experiences than on physical goods, and 74% of UAE affluent travelers want to come back from their holiday having learned something new. The Mastercard travel platform, powered by Illusions Online, will become the go-to destination for travelers looking for their next adventure, with attractive hotel offers and value-added services.
Illusions Online’s Founder and CEO, Faisal Memon said that the collaboration with Mastercard will allow its select cardholders to get access to the best hotel offers and experience a level of service that will be extremely unique in its offerings.
“In return, our global hotel partners will get access to a lucrative customer base, as an extension of their direct marketing strategy – all connected and seamlessly booked via Illusions booking engines, iWTX marketplace platform and payments powered by iOL Pay.”
The new travel platform will enable Mastercard Titanium, Platinum, World, and World Elite cardholders to benefit from the Illusions partnership and enjoy value-added services and offers from the biggest hotel chains worldwide.
