Bangkok, 28 June, 2014– In their eighth year of collaboration, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and MasterCard introduce the MasterCard Thailand Shopping Paradise, a partnership with 17 offline and online retailers in Thailand to provide exclusive privileges to shoppers from 1 July to 30 September, 2014.
In an effort to promote Thailand as a key shopping destination, the MasterCard Thailand Shopping Paradise offers savings and privileges to promote spending by inbound travellers and domestic shoppers at local retailers and online merchants. This period of privileges and offers provides shoppers with good quality products and great value. Some of the exclusive offers include great savings, voucher giveaways, reward points, and MasterCard cardholders can win a trip to the south of Thailand or Italy.
This year, the key highlight of the campaign is MasterCard’s introduction of partnerships with online retailers to capitalise on the increasing trend of Thais shopping online. MasterCard’s 2014 Online Shopping Survey revealed that 62% of Thais go online to shop and over 51% shop online via their mobile phones. Over 70% of Thais find shopping online to be easy (73.3%), a fun way to pass time when browsing online (75.2%), and convenient (76%). 55.3% of Thais find buying from local websites to be more convenient, safer (47.7%), and cheaper (41.7%).
Mr. Antonio Corro, Country Manager for Thailand and Myanmar, MasterCard, said, “MasterCard and TAT have mutual goals to attract travellers to Thailand and highlight the country as a top shopping destination. We continually seek ways to enhance consumers’ shopping experience and we do this with campaigns; such as; the MasterCard Thailand Shopping Paradise. By bringing a whole new world of shopping and exclusive offers to cardholders, we make shopping fun with lots of savings and ensure it’s secure by paying with your MasterCard.
“We have collaborated with online merchants as we strive to meet the needs of Thai consumers who are leading a more digital lifestyle and demand new shopping experiences. MasterCard is continuing to lead the transition to digital payments and deliver solutions that are simple, smart and secure.”
Mrs. Vilaiwan Twichasri, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said, “TAT recognises the importance of the MasterCard Thailand Shopping Paradise in increasing the expenditure of international tourists and domestic spenders. To stimulate tourism and the Thai economy, initiatives like this are a great reason to visit Thailand and make shopping more attractive for Thais and Thai residents. Our partnership with MasterCard helps us promote Thailand as a top tourist destination for shopping, providing great value, and a memorable experience.”
The MasterCard Thailand Shopping Paradise is offering exclusive savings and offers for MasterCard cardholders at the following malls and department stores: Central Department Store, CentralWorld, and Central Embassy, King Power, SF Cinema, Thai Airways, Direct to Shop, iTrueMart, Lazada, Tarad.com, Thai Shope, Tohome, Via Vanity, WearYouWant, Zalora.
About MasterCard
MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities; such as, shopping, travelling, running a business and managing finances easier, more secure, and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Pioneers Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.
Contacts:
Weber Shandwick Thailand, +662 343 6000
Tonghathai Suddee, [email protected], ext 174
Erica Campbell, [email protected], ext 058
