(TAN): The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with Mastercard and borderless rewards app UTU, are collaborating to drive domestic tourism spending during this year’s Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, the country’s main shopping money spinner that is expected to generate THB 100 million (USD 3.2 million) in revenue for local businesses.
TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said, “This partnership with both UTU and Mastercard adds additional layers of incentives and convenience for both shoppers and holidaymakers alike.”
“With COVID-19 continuing to impact tourism in Thailand, we created a new kind of experience this year that caters specifically to residents to enjoy a broad spectrum of holiday and leisure activities, while also giving much needed support to tourism operators,” he said.
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In 2020, the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale has been strategically re-positioned to encourage local and expatriate residents to spend more, with discounts and benefits offered at over 10,000 retailers, restaurants, leisure venues and accommodation providers across the country.
Through the tripartite partnership, Mastercard cardholders can enjoy instant cashback by shopping at participating merchants using their registered Mastercard credit card on the UTU rewards app.
Aileen Chew, Mastercard country manager for Thailand and Myanmar, said, “Mastercard is excited to again collaborate with TAT and UTU on an initiative that will no doubt boost thousands of local Thai businesses across the country.”
To further support TAT’s strategy of reimagining the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, Mastercard has specially curated a variety of discount programmes for all Mastercard cardholders.
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One of the discount highlights is Mastercard’s “Pay Now Travel Later” programme through which cardholders can enjoy special discounts and benefits at over 1,000 local hotels in Thailand. This programme allows guests to avail discounts of up 40% off their reservation or receive an additional night’s stay free of charge.
Mastercard World and World Elite cardholders can also enjoy 50% off or complimentary green fees at 13 golf courses in Thailand.
Mastercard will also feature discounts on other essential services such as, online health provider Doctor Anywhere that can offer special rates for general practitioner video consultations and COVID-19 medical advice, while AXA will give consumers a 12% rebate on all motor insurance packages.
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Nicky Surangkhana Surapaitoon, country manager, UTU Thailand, said that partnering with Mastercard as the preferred payments partner for Amazing Thailand Grand Sale was highly effective.
“Mastercard takes a similar approach around customer centricity, which is aligned with TAT’s and UTU’s objective, and strives to make each shopping experience rewarding. Together, we aim to connect the shops to shoppers, and with our unique rewards platform, Mastercard holders can enjoy an additional cashback bonus of up to 10% on all Amazing Thailand Grand Sale purchases.”
