Mastercard has expanded its Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services platform with new partnerships that focus on seamless travel experiences and priceless moments for cardholders, including WhatsApp servicing, COVID alerts and perks like lounge access when flights are delayed.

The platform is a travel planning and booking gateway, granting World and World Elite cardholders access to exclusive guarantees, amenities and upgrades, 24/7 concierge and premium offers and entertainment from top travel brands.

With the experience economy in full swing, travellers can ignite their inner wanderlust through the Inspiration Module with exclusive city guides informed by local experts and member favourites.

For service at the tap of a button, the program now offers WhatsApp servicing – currently available in several geographies worldwide and globally by year’s end – where members can message Lifestyle Managers about travel and concierge requests from their phone.

With pivotal perks like Lowest Hotel Rate Guarantee and Mastercard Hotel Stay Guarantee, cardholders enjoy free nights and preferential treatment across more than 4,000 4- and 5-star portfolio properties worldwide.

In addition, Mastercard has forged several new partnerships to offer benefits that alleviate travel stress and support more enjoyable journeys.

“The pandemic may have altered the way we travel, but it hasn’t changed our desire for priceless experiences when we do,” said Matthew Driver, Executive Vice President, Services, Asia Pacific, Mastercard.

“Also, travellers want to feel connected and protected at every step of their journey. By enhancing Mastercard's comprehensive suite of loyalty solutions, Mastercard aims to support customers and consumers with a smooth return to travel, ensuring care and convenience at every touch point - be it travel planning, booking, transportation, or experiences in the destination.”

According to the Mastercard Economics Institute, if flight booking trends continue at the current pace, an estimated 1.5 billion more passengers globally will fly in 2022 compared to last year — and tourists are spending 34 per cent more on experiences than before the pandemic. — VNS